Case Studies

CASE STUDY 1: Multisite Medical

A company that increases in size often has issues with dealing with multiple remote sites and the need for scalability and ease of management of their systems. The ability to add and remove sites without overtaxing your budget or your network is vital here. The following case study highlights where Globe Microsystems assisted GMC and highlights our technical and business agility.

Existing Problems

GMC had multiple active directory server domains, spread over several sites. Each AD domain had trusts for file sharing. As an overview there were problems in the following areas:

• Logging in was problematic for all users
• Multiple passwords required to access different sites
• Hardware from outgoing IT Support Company created difficulties with maintaining a stable internet connection for users
• Each site had multiple VPN's to all the other sites, which created difficulties for support staff to troubleshoot
• Poorly implemented Firewalls
• VOIP calls that would just cut off

In summary, our client had numerous issues; all based around the previous support company had implemented the network inadequately.

Specific client requirements

• Stable & Reliable internet access
• Ability to access files from all sites and whilst mobile
• Redundant VPN links to carry VoIP, Active Directory and file shares
• Ability for sites to be added and removed at minimal cost and network impact
• Sites to function independently in the case of extended internet loss
• Single Sign On for email
• More reliable Email server

Our approach to the project was to ensure minimal impact to the business. This was vital as the client was fairly fed up of the continued disruption that the outgoing support team imparted.

Globe Project managed the following

• Added a central data core, with a single Active directory Domain to give common authentication across sites and e-mail
• A new server and firewall was prepared for each site, utilising virtualisation technology to allow for rapid provision and management of services
• All client computers were joined to the new domain, with minimal impact on user uptime
• Because of the new network topology, and increased uptime, the network was able to handle new software roll outs and offered improved file serving
• Seamless migration of historical and current e-mail services over a weekend
• All done with a minimum downtime for the users

Feedback from the customer involved appreciation of the speed of the implementation, the speed of the network in comparison to the outgoing network. All items were completed within budget allocation. The professionalism of globe was commented on, with this project being a milestone for both companies, cementing a business relationship that is continuing and growing.

CASE STUDY 2: Customer Relocation

A Customer needed to re-site their entire IT system 6 miles from 1 site to another and needed a solution that delivered.

The Customer had a requirement for the move to be ontime

Obstacles to overcome

• The new site wasn’t completed when the initial quote was done
• The contractors required a well informed view of the new site, in terms of patch points and phone systems
• They needed all equipment to be transported safely
• All of the servers and client desktops needed a backup before moving

In summary, our client had numerous issues; Time and security related

Globe Project managed the following

• We had Therefore to work against the clock, as the customers needed their new site ready rapidly
• Project managed removal of all IT hardware
• Backed up on the old site
• Install all hardware, including servers, desktops, routers and switches in good time
• Fault test the install
• Confirmed seamless support and maintenance

The customer appreciated our assistance and related to us that they were very impressed by our professionalism, the speed of the install, and our ability to get them up and running in their new site in record time.