• Case Study
• Conclusion

Case Study

Since the company formed 7 years ago, RME’s requirements have grown from 2 home computers to 3 dedicated servers, 20 desktop computers and 6 remote users accessing the network from both client sites and home.

In the beginning, RME’s newly formed company had a few simple requirements; a computer they could use to write letters, quotes and invoices, and a printer to print them out to.

As the company started to grow, they soon moved into dedicated office space, which also saw the requirement for cabling throughout, as well as a phone system, server, and a small network to service the now 5 strong office-based workers.

Over the next 5 years, there were a number of additions to the network that saw the company improve efficiency whilst continuing to be productive.

Today with an office-based staff of 15 people, approximately 50 people working on site, more clients, more suppliers, larger projects - communication and organisation is key to RME’s continued success.

The RME network is currently powered by Microsoft® Small Business Server® 2000, which brings numerous solutions to the company:

• File and printer sharing
• User accounts, Authentication and Security
• Email and Messaging Collaboration
• Secure and Protected Internet Access
• Remote Access (VPN) for users at home or onsite
• Web-based email access
• Remote System Management (by Key4)

In addition to these features critical to RME’s core business, the system is also secured and protected on an ongoing basis using Key4 Support Bronze:

• A comprehensive backup solution
• Ongoing Anti-Virus protection
• Regular security checks, and 6 monthly simulated attacks

Furthermore, RME utilise 4 key pieces of software for their business, all installed and maintained by the Key4 networking team:

• Sage® Line 50® Accounting (networked version)
• Sage® Job Costing (networked version)
• Autocad® 2000
• Blackberry® Enterprise Server and Blackberry® handhelds

‘Blackberries’ are very similar to mobile phones, except as well as a phone they offer full email support with your emails being sent and received in real-time. The screen and thumb-keyboard allows extremely effective portable use.

RME Contracts Managers utilise Blackberries because their time is divided between the office and many different sites. Blackberries provide RME’s key personnel with the information they need when they need it. The biggest single factor in the Blackberries success at RME is the ease of use for all operators, and communications and productivity have been improved as a result.

Microsoft® Small Business Server® 2000 supported by Key4 Support Bronze provides a complete solution to RME’s network foundation. Systems are reliable, secure and protected, and RME are confident with the solution in place, which allows the company to concentrate on their business.

Conclusion

By defining a clear agenda for their I.T. activities in conjunction with the Key4 Networking team, RME have implemented a solid foundation for their company to operate from. By achieving this foundation the company has been able to continue making progress in all areas of their business.

With a core system established, RME have been able to seek and implement further productivity solutions for their business with Key4 making itself available to partner RME in achieving their objectives.