Manufacturing
Construction Education - Single School

MANUFACTURING

A concrete pipe manufacturing company with 20 users on their Windows NT network needed to create a secure way of making available confidential company information between two facilities. Prior to this, data transfer was provided via FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which was not very effective. Accounting databases were separate and data was transferred via email reports.

We installed and configured hardware and software to create a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) between Rialto and Anaheim, CA via the Internet. Using their existing Windows NT server and Windows desktops, we installed a Sonicwall firewall device to ensure both internal network security and security of the VPN connection. The VPN provides network connectivity between the two sites, so users in Rialto can access the central accounting database located in Anaheim.

The VPN has been overwhelmingly successful in decreasing the amount of time needed to transfer data from one location to another. As well, by centralizing their accounting functions (a mas200 accounting application) on one server, they are now much easier to manage and access via the VPN.

CONSTRUCTION

This construction company with a 20-user Windows NT network needed to create a secure way to manage network systems at a remote location. Up to this point they had been using Citrix for access to the database but wanted an easier way for remote users to retrieve files.

Several options were discussed in addition to the creation of a VPN. They considered a point-to-point network connection, but the cost would have been prohibitive. FTP was investigated as well, but would have been too difficult to use and did not offer the security needed for remote users.

After upgrading their servers and operating systems to Windows 2000, we were then able to install and configure firewall and VPN hardware to create a secure VPN connection between San Diego and Arizona using a Sonicwall firewall device. The VPN uses PCAnywhere for access to remote sites, giving the office in San Diego the ability to easily manage and backup workstations in the Arizona office and remote users secure access to the server.

We also provide ongoing network support for the VPN and the Windows 2000 network presently installed.

EDUCATION - SINGLE SCHOOL

A private high school with over 1400 students and more than 200 workstations had an existing network that required a number of upgrades to keep up with changes in technology and meet the needs of a growing student population. They came to Networks 2000 for assistance with implementing and managing these changes. After determining their exact needs and requirements, the following work was performed:

• Reconfigured the existing network to access the Internet using services provided by Southwestern Cable's Road Runner.
• Configured multiple networks to segregate the student's network from the administration offices.
• Optimized the student workstations for network access and security.
• Set up email services for administrative users through Post.Office.
• Set up and configured Internet URL and filtering using Cyberpatrol's Superscout product for students and administration, to stop access to inappropriate web sites. There are two separate networks configured behind the firewall.
• Implemented a centrally managed anti-virus protection program using Norton Antivirus Enterprise.
• Upgraded their server hardware and Operating system to Netware 6.0 from Netware 4.11.
• Set up Macintosh services on the Novell servers to provide access for those workstations, and configured the server for use by students.
• Implemented DNS, DHCP, Zenworks and desktop imaging.

We currently provide ongoing technical support, including: consulting, server administration and service and support for hardware and networking issues.

School management has been very happy with the outcome of these projects. In addition to providing them with a strong, stable network that meets their existing needs and allows for future growth, they have seen a major reduction in the number of hours their IT employees spend managing the networks.

By implementing a firewall, we have given this school peace of mind, knowing that students and faculty won't be able to access prohibited sites, and that no one from the outside will be able to access confidential information.