Case Study One: Integrating Mac's & PC's on Same Network Client Server Network

The Client

The client,  a design house consisting mainly of Apple Macs to perform the design and heavy duty artwork for it's customers.  The client required a PC/Server based network to be introduced to accommodate a new sales order processing system and to run the subsequent software.  Security was also critical both from an internal and external perspective as sensitive data, key to the companies finances and operation would be held here.  The additional task to hand was the integration of the existing email system running on a Mac server and Mac client machines to be able to communicate onto the PC/Server based network on the same LAN.

The Solution

BITES-UK recommended a Compaq rack mounted server running Microsoft Windows 2000 with Microsoft Exchange being used as the primary e-mail and messaging software, to be housed in a full height freestanding rack cabinet, enabling the Server to be kept under lock and key and to also provide a comprehensive system for future growth and introduction of further server equipment. At the same time they wanted to install a server that would not only act as an email host, but allow a tighter control over user rights and permissions, protect the network against viruses from inbound e-mail and also to act as centralized backup location for data stored on client computers.  We also recommended that Norton Anti-Virus Solution Suite was used to protect the network from any viruses and Veritas Backup Exec for backing up critical data. This together with a number of drawing plotters and printers, all of which had to be connected and become operational with the minimum amount of disruption.

The Benefits

In meeting all of the client's wishes BITES-UK successfully delivered and installed both Server and Desktop PC's to client site, pre-configured and optimized for integration onto the existing customers network. Set up new users and accounts with appropriate permissions to give the business owner the ability to control access at his discretion. We also configured the server to act as the internet gateway giving all client machines access to the internet through one secure route, connected to an ADSL / Broadband connection.

What the Client had to say about our services 

"We were delighted with the handling of the whole process from start to finish. We were kept informed at all times of the progress of our our order, right down to the ongoing implementation, stage by stage. The end result was more than what we expected as new enhancements were introduced at the same time and every aspect was taken care of by competent BITES-UK Staff"  We would have no hesitation in using their services again, in fact we have now contracted BITES-UK to provide on-going support to all our IT systems".

Case Study Two: Moving from Peer to Peer Network to a Client Server environment

The Client

The client being from the manufacturing sector are the largest manufacturer and distributor of their product in Europe and as a result are extremely busy.  Initially running with only a few Desktop Machines on a peer to peer network with no means of data back-up the task was to completely upgrade all of their systems including their network infrastructure to bring them into line with their competitors and their customers. The client's requirement were to introduce a centralized and secure method of data storage and distribution with a centralized point of management. This coupled with a new E-mail and messaging system to handle to increasing volume of email communication and E-commerce transaction they were receiving from their Website.

The Solution

First and foremost BITES-UK introduced a structured Cat 5 100Mbit network with two 24 port 10/100 switches to accommodate the PC's Servers and printers onto a new LAN (Local Area Network). 

We then introduced a New Tower Server Running Windows NT to provide a secure working environment and ability to secure data to file and folder level together with Microsoft Exchange Server for Email and Messaging. We installed BT Broadband and connected this to the network via a Firewall router to protect the integrity of the network and to allow the ability for the introduction of VPN (Virtual Private Networking) and some of the company's staff wished to work remotely either from customer site of from home. 

A disaster recovery solution was also introduced in the form of a redundant spare server which acted as a backup server and optical images of the servers operating system and data configuration are taken at regular intervals to further enhance this formula.

The Benefits

We finally ended up introducing some 20 PC's running a mix of Windows 2000 and Windows XP pro and provided network printing and various other enhancements too numerous to mention. With the ability for BITES-UK to remotely support this customers site we are able to pro-actively support their Server based network and Desktop PC's with ease providing almost instantaneous support when required.

What the Client had to say about our services

"Having dealt with BITES-UK for some time now, even as our business was growing from the beginning,  we genuinely can say that with out the technical support and guidance we have received has been priceless. We would have found it difficult to have come this far, this quickly without their assistance.  Their service is always prompt and professional and we feel like we can honestly trust their advice on all aspects of our IT operation and will continue to do so in the future.  We are assured that with BITES-UK behind us, any technical difficulties we encounter, that we will be in good hands".

Case Study Three: Migration of two Active Directory Trees and Exchange Server integration

The Client

At the higher end of the SME sector; our client is a well know building company that could not afford any downtime during office hours.  The company recently decided to merge their disperate networks and combine their core IT infrastructure.  One network was configured with an Exchange Server at each of the 4 sites, connected via a MPLS WAN.  The second network included a single Exchange server with distributed clients utilising both Terminal Services and Citrix.  The client's requirement were to reduce the overhead of their IT costs by merging the Active Directory structures, which in turn reduces the number of servers to support their existing infrastructure.   

The Solution

BITES-UK spent considerable time documenting the existing systems and project managing the migration process to ensure that both users and data were accessible during office hours.  

We arranged for our migration team to work over 4 weekends at each of the companies sites and provide additional assistance post migration at each of the sites. 

Utilising Microsoft tools and processes we successfull migrated between 40 to 60 users per site into the new Active Directory structure, migrating user accounts, data, mail accounts and profiles with minimal distruption to the business during the migration process. 

As the migration process was spread over a number of weeks we had to ensure that both networks were able to communicate during interim period when users would exist on both networks.

The Benefits

The merged network provided a reduction in IT infrastructure which included a reducing their servers by 8 as well as a reduction in router and swtiches.  We were also tasked with reconfiguration of the companies Cisco PIX firewall to provide remote access to users reducing the companies cost of ownership.

What the Client had to say about our services

"Working with a professional and approachable company has been a pleasure, the technical support and project management we have received has been of a extreamly high and professional standard.  We had full confidence in the staff provided by BITES-UK, they have brought the project to completion early and within budget."