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Partners
Small Business Network and Support
Howe-Lewis International
Client: Howe-Lewis International is a rapidly growing executive search firm dedicated to the healthcare, not-for-profit, and education communities.
Problem: The company was nearing the end of a three year lease for their current Apple based infrastructure.
Challenge: The ability to retrieve sensitive customer and candidate data, react immediately to opportunity, and collaborate effectively with prospects would be a major factor in determining their continued success. Howe-Lewis realized that a highly available, stable network infrastructure combined with a very responsive support provider was essential. Given that the majority of their clients and candidates are using Microsoft technologies, they decided to switch platforms. A seamless migration of all existing data outside of business hours was also critical.
Solution: Braveline Technology met with the principals of the firm to discuss these requirements. After developing a proposal that included all the hardware, software and services required for a complete conversion to Windows including Microsoft Small Business Server. The project was approved and planned out. First Braveline staged the new equipment, installed and configured the key software applications and performed a test data migration to the new system. Before the rollout, Braveline conducted group training for key employees so they would be immediately productive in the new environment. The rollout and final data migration was completed over the weekend so Monday morning the new network was up and running and a new support team was in place. Braveline supported the network for two years using a traditional retainer based support agreement, during which the business has enjoyed newfound operational efficiency and continued growth.
In order to better serve our small and mid-sized customers like Howe-Lewis, Braveline Technology developed and introduced Managed Networks during the 2nd quarter of 2006. Howe-Lewis was our first customer to take advantage of this revolutionary new service offering and receives:
- 24/7 Network Monitoring
- Automated Critical security updates and patches management
- Real Time Performance Metrics
- Monthly Diagnostics and inventory reports
- Unlimited remote support for a fixed monthly fee
Benefit: An example of the value added by our continuous monitoring came almost immediately when Braveline was alerted that the Howe-Lewis web-site went down due to an interruption in their internet service. The site is used by clients and candidates alike to submit opportunities and resumes – the bread and butter of the business. Howe-Lewis was notified by Braveline’s support team, contacted their internet provider, and got the site back online before any visitors noticed. This saved them a potentially embarrassing situation or lost opportunity.