C&O Tractors - IT Infrastructure
The management at C&O Tractors recognised that change was needed with their current IT Infrastructure in order for their business to operate more efficiently, so Treken was called in to assist.
The business IT system was focused mainly around their main Line of Business System which looks after their Sales order processing and accounting and runs on a Linux platform. As the business has grown over the years, the IT systems expanded but with a bolt-on ad-hoc approach. Workstations and user terminals increased on demand but managed by in-house personnel that had some technical knowledge but not their primary job role. This resulted in a network that was not centrally managed, basic communication facilities between users and remote offices and a diverse mixture of operating systems, mail applications and 3rd party tools to make do for tasks required.
Once a full network audit was completed of users, IT hardware and business software from all sites we had a better understanding of what was required.
C&O Tractors decided to invest in our proposed solution to implement a windows based virtual Server network with Active Directory, Exchange messaging, shared document libraries, VPN and Remote Desktop Services. Due to the complexity of the ad-hoc network, change had to be carefully managed to minimise any disruption to users.
Each of the sites had VPN connectivity, but used dated VPN servers. We replaced the firewall at each site for new hardware, improved performance, security and reliability and a significantly lower cost of ownership.
As there was no existing server used for sharing data, we set up new servers configured ready for each user, including exchange email. Due to the complexity of the ad-hoc network, user data and email was migrated on a per user basis, usually when each workstation was reconfigured. A Remote Desktop server was configured for multiple users that needed access to a windows based application, part of the Line of Business System.
We needed to get all workstations brought up to the correct version of Windows to support the new proposed server solution and upgrade the Office software to the latest version. Computers that were new or of a decent specification was upgraded if needed. Older machines, where it was not cost effective to upgrade, were replaced with new branded Dell hardware with 3yr manufacture hardware warranty. Old redundant hardware was disposed of properly complying with the WEEE regulation.
There was a mix of endpoint security software installed, none of which was centrally managed. We replaced each machine with a centrally managed endpoint security solution that provided managed services to client workstations and servers including email and web threat protection.
The Line of Business software client used was licenced on a per workstation basis and was specific to the version installed depending on the operating system it was installed on. We arranged for this software licence to be licenced to a site and all clients upgraded to the same level.
Network connected workstations are now part of an Active Directory Network, using secure file sharing and document libraries with improved VPN connectivity for remote workers. Users now take advantage of the shared messaging and collaboration features that are available to them through Exchange.