Recent Projects

 

The following are short summaries of a few of the projects that we have successfully completed for our clients. Contact us to describe your specific needs and to let us tell you how we can help you.

 

OS X / Macintosh Manager Server Installation and Setup:

We configured and setup OS X servers in a parent/child netinfo relationship. The servers are used to provide user authentication, file services, and desktop control in a middle school environment serving approximately 250 computers and several hundred staff/students. In addition to server setup, we converted the user lists to XML for import into OS X and established a user id and folder structure that will make annual maintenance an easy task. We have setup and configured OS X servers in a variety of other environments.

Hard Drive Image Setup and Deployment:

We used the combination of Disk Copy and Apple Software Restore to create a series of drive images for this client. The client had a mix of Macintosh computers ranging from 5400's to new iMacs. We built a series of OS 8.6 images for the 54/5500's that included a base image and additional images with grade level specific software. a similar approach was taken with OS 9.2.2 images for the iMacs. Images were deployed on an OS X server and installed via the building LAN. The images allowed the client to quickly update their 250 computers and to ensure that they were all identically configured.

Point of Sale Systems:

We deployed a Horizon-Boss Fastlane/Visual Boss system for this client. The system consists of eight school cafeterias and the central food service office. It provides: point of sale terminals for 19 serving lines; inventory, food ordering, and menu control for the eight cafeteria managers; and central ordering, free/reduced and financial processing. We configured all computers used in the system, imported student information, setup the central server, and the QuickBooks connection which provides financial reporting.

Software Updates/Deployment:

We built a series of drive images containing the latest software versions/updates and used these images to update each of the 1,500 computers in this school district. These computers were a mixture of PC's and Macintosh computers. The images were deployed using the building LANs. We were able to quickly update this large number of computers using imaging technology, ensuring that all of the district's computers were configured correctly.

Frame Relay WAN:

We worked with the client to design a T1 WAN using telco frame circuits and Cisco 2600 series routers. We chose the fully-meshed configuration, as it provided the maximum flexibility for the customer. We worked with the telco to coordinate the frame circuit installation and setup. The routers were configured and installed over a two day period following the frame circuit installation and verification.

Switched LANs:

We have designed and installed Cisco switched LANs in several buildings ranging in size from a single closet to five closets with fiber interconnects. While we prefer Cisco equipment, we have experience with most major vendors.

Firewalls:

We have installed and configured a number of firewalls in buildings ranging from 85 users to 600 users. We have primarily used the Sonicwall series of firewalls, but are familiar with other leading vendors.

Financial System Conversions:

We have installed and configured a number of financial systems, including MRP/ERP systems and accounting/payroll software. All of these installations included complex conversions from existing systems and export of data from existing systems to the new system. These conversions often included custom Visual Basic scripting to perform data conversion. We generally coordinate the hardware conversion as well as the software conversion, making the transition smooth and trouble-free for our clients.