Windows Exchange Server 2003

Industry : Travel - Luxury Resorts

Business Challenge:

A San Diego luxury resort and spa was having problems getting in contact with employees at multiple locations. They wanted an easy way to remotely access their e-mail so they could relay daily customer needs and maintenance issues. They had the support of a smaller IT team, but needed additional assistance.

What We Did:

• Implemented a mail server cluster that allows multiple Exchange servers to connect to a centralized storage point
• Secured remote access by setting up Exchange 2003 and Outlook 2003 in Cached mode, so mobile users can access their outlook data without having to connect to the server
• Incorporated WAN links to help reduce traffic and increase e-mail speed
• Installed Symantec Ghost software for a quick and easy way to restore initial desktop configurations
• Educated employees about the features of this new system - For example, scheduling, task, and calendar planning.
• Migrated the current mail data to Exchange 2003
• Discussed an effective spam solution
• Configured and installed SonicWall TZ 170 Firewall appliance
• Installed the latest Symantec Antivirus Enterprise Edition

How We Helped:

It is now easier for employees at various resorts to communicate maintenance issues to their grounds crew. This has quickened the level of response and made customers happier with their overall stay, and the quality of service provided.

Industry : Construction

Business Challenge:

A construction company with 20 employees at two separate locations needed to create a secure way to manage network systems from a remote location. They also needed a file server that could support the size of their larger blueprints. Up to this point they had been using terminal services for Windows 2000 to access their database, but wanted an easier way for remote users to retrieve files.

Our Recommendations:

We recommended upgrading to Exchange Server 2003, for enhanced security and remote access features. This would provide the security necessary for remote users to access the network. Additionally, we would need to upgrade Windows Server 2003 so both servers would function more efficiently and provide a higher level of security and stability.

We also discussed the installation of a firewall and creating a secure VPN connection between each location using a SonicWall firewall appliance . The VPN would allow each office the ability to easily manage, and backup workstations and secure remote access to the server.

What We Did:

• Migrated the current mail server to Exchange 2003
• Discussed an effective spam solution
• Configured and installed SonicWall Firewall appliance
• Upgraded the current network server to Windows 2003
• Installed Symantec Antivirus Enterprise Edition v9.0
• Implemented a Disaster Recovery back-up plan
• Installed a Remote Agent for Backup Exec backup support
• Helped set up Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for users to access workstations off-site
• Established an HP Care Pack - 24x7, 4-Hour Response for their HP Proliant server
• Rebuilt Active Directory (which is the central location for network security and user administration)

How We Helped:

After receiving a more effective e-mail server this construction company has been able to effectively communicate between two separate locations. They've also acquired the capability to store and access large blueprint files without having to worry about file size.

They now have more time to focus on their client-base, which has grown by 10%. They have utilized their increased storage capacity by growing from 20 to 35 employees as they continue to expand their client-base.