Case Study: Revitalizing IT Infrastructure for a Century-Old Wholesale/Retail/Distribution Company
Overview
Nettology was recommended to the CIO of a 100+ year old Wholesale/Retail/Distribution Company facing significant IT challenges. With 165 employees and a small internal IT staff of just two, the company was struggling with critical issues that hampered productivity and efficiency.
Nettology’s expertise in IT solutions proved to be the catalyst for transformative improvements. By implementing advanced systems to manage email accounts and IP addresses, Nettology streamlined time-consuming tasks and enhanced the customer experience. Their cost-effective solutions optimized customer support, improving business operations and ultimately providing a competitive advantage. A comprehensive table of contents provided clarity and efficiency in navigating complex systems, benefiting the bottom line.
Phase 1: Tackling the Unreliable and Slow Network
The Challenge
The company was plagued by an unreliable and extremely slow network, which consistently affected productivity across all departments.
How Nettology Helped
Nettology’s IT consultants began with a complimentary quick assessment, connecting remotely to the network and following up with an onsite visit. This initial engagement led to the identification and resolution of the immediate problem. Additionally, while onsite, Nettology conducted a thorough inventory of the company’s servers and network.
Key steps included:
- Initial Assessment and Quick Fix: Immediate issues were identified and resolved, stabilizing the network.
- Inventory and Analysis: A detailed inventory of the company’s IT infrastructure was performed to understand the existing setup and potential vulnerabilities.
- Collaboration with Internal IT Staff: Nettology worked closely with the company’s IT staff, providing ongoing support and strategic direction through follow-up calls and meetings.
- Strategic Planning: The internal IT team met with Nettology’s consulting team to develop a long-term strategy for network improvement and stability.
Phase 2: Resolving Email Server Reliability Issues
The Challenge
The company’s email server was unreliable and performed poorly because of the age and expansion of the database. With limited IT staff and resources, managing the email system became increasingly difficult.
How Nettology Helped
Nettology recommended and implemented a full migration of the company’s email services to Microsoft Office 365. This migration was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring a seamless transition with no downtime or loss of email.
Key steps included:
- Planning and Provisioning: Detailed planning and provisioning for the migration of 165 mailboxes and users to Microsoft Office 365.
- Seamless Migration: The migration was completed with zero downtime and no loss of email, ensuring business continuity.
- User Support and Training: Nettology remained engaged post-migration to assist with end-user experience, addressing any questions or concerns.
- Cross-Training IT Staff: The internal IT team received cross-training on managing the Office 365 portal, along with provisioning OneDrive and SharePoint for enhanced data management and team collaboration.
The Outcome
The IT director, whose job depended on advancing the company’s technology and implementing the right solutions, found a reliable partner in Nettology. The successful Office 365 migration marked a significant milestone, leading to:
- Improved Network Performance: The initial network issues were resolved, leading to enhanced productivity.
- Reliable Email System: The migration to Office 365 eliminated email performance issues, providing a reliable and efficient email system.
- Enhanced IT Capabilities: The internal IT staff gained valuable skills and knowledge through cross-training, enabling better management of the new systems.
- Long-Term Partnership: Nettology established a long-term IT Assist contract with the company, ensuring ongoing support and continuous improvements to the IT infrastructure.
Conclusion
Nettology’s strategic approach and expertise turned around the IT infrastructure of a century-old Wholesale/Retail/Distribution Company. By addressing critical challenges and providing tailored solutions, Nettology not only improved the company’s current operations but also set the foundation for future growth and technological advancement.
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