IT infrastructure and services work best and cost less when they are built on integrated technology platforms that are part of a complete and well thought out strategy. Our IT designers have the know-how, the solutions, and the experience to turn your objectives into reality. New construction or renovation projects come with new expectations for digital signage on flat screen displays, touch-screen access to information, wireless access, video conferencing , and other systems which are now considered mainstream. Our team has the experience and the track record with the latest technologies to meet even the most demanding expectations.

1. Telephone system and unified messaging
2. Wireless network, Internet access & security control
3. Data cabling & infrastructure, Power Over Ethernet (POE)
4. Shared messaging and Outlook system (email, shared calendars, address books, etc)
5. Office printing, faxing, copying, scanning
6. Storage area network (central + shared data storage for shared data, media files, intranet, etc)
7. Virtualization of desktops and Thin Client Access points, Cloud Computing
8. Standardized computer hardware
9. Video conferencing
10. Web based info system ie: Intranets,
    schedules, upcoming events, how to documents, help desk access, move add change requests
11. Specific IT requirements and infrastructure
12. Contingency planning and Disaster Recovery

Key points on each component:

1. Telephone System and unified messaging

To ensure a cost conscious and flexible work environment a Voice over IP System (VOIP) system will deliver the following benefits over a traditional digital set system:

• Staff mobility: Staff can move their own phones to any location in a facility without needing support from a phone technician.
• A single phone switch will allow the flexibility for each group to have their own main number(s), automated attendant and greeting messages while at the same time providing the flexibility of dialing local extensions between individuals hosted on the same system.
  
• A VOIP system will also provide the simplest integration of voicemail to email so that voicemail messages can be simply attached to email messages so that voicemail loses its reputation as yet another system that needs to be checked routinely.
• A VOIP system can easily accommodate restricted guest phones for events and ongoing restricted public phone access requirements.

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2. Wireless Network, Internet Access, and Security Control

Internet and network access must be reliable, secure, and convenient. A partitioned system separating authorized visitors who only require Internet access from authorized staff will ensure security. New “Network Access Policy” technology can also be used to ensure that unsafe or unauthorized systems do not connect to the network. For example: a computer or portable device that is not running an up to date virus scan program can be denied a connection which could potentially prevent the spread of a worm virus through the network. Central Internet and security access control ensures that sensitive and confidential data is kept secure and Internet content restrictions are enforced.
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3. Data Cabling and infrastructure, Power Over Ethernet (POE)

Category 6 cabling should be considered to meet the demands of faster data rates and increase bandwidth. Power Over Ethernet switches and infrastructure will provide flexibility to install devices that require electricity in locations where an electrical outlet does not exist such as Wireless Access Points, WebCams & NetCams, etc. A minimum of two data drops per station should be considered (1 VOIP with alternate jack colour, 1 computer).
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4. Shared Messaging and Outlook Systems (email, shared calendars, address books, etc)

A Microsoft Outlook Exchange Server can be used to provide central and shared email address books, shared calendars and other resources while at the same time keeping each person’s and each organization’s email private and confidential. A single messaging server strategy that includes BlackBerry Enterprise wireless synchronization services, Webmail, and IPhone ActiveSync wireless services will provide a very efficient communication environment between all of the staff. Existing email systems could be easily merged into this central system if required.
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5. Office Printing, Faxing, Copying, Scanning

Easy to use network scanning, faxing, printing, and copying can lower the stress in any office by at least 10 percent. A single integrated solution will facilitate easy access to this technology while at the same time monitoring usage costs (cost per page, long distance fax charges, etc) to be tracked and billed out individually by using a central account code + cost tracking system. This will also facilitate a proactive maintenance call system (copiers report their own problems and maintenance requirements to the vendor).
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6. Storage Area Network

A storage area network has many benefits including:

• The ability to create a common file access area that users can access for sharing common or temporary data.
• Highly available and expandable storage that is easily backed up and adjusted as needs demand.
• The ability for each organizational unit to have their own exclusive and expandable network storage without constantly needing to manage scarce data storage resources or purchase additional servers.

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7. Virtualization of desktops, Thin Client Access points, Cloud Computing

Flexibility of access to personalized computer desktops and applications from all locations while reducing the costs associated with traditional desktop PC systems is a key strategic component and requirement to plan for. Cloud computing improves access to applications and data while reducing IT support and configuration costs. These are new technologies and techniques that will create efficiencies.
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8. Standardized Computer hardware

Standardized computer vendors for the IT equipment will provide cost savings and efficiencies as well as easing the challenges with procurement, setup, and troubleshooting.
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9. Video Conferencing

Web based video conferencing from the desktop and from equipped locations is easily attainable as part of an integrated technology platform.
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10. Web based Information and Management systems

A well designed Intranet can be used to deliver information or act as a contact point for
customers, staff in a variety of ways:

• Management and display of event notifications
• Delivery of information to digital signage
• Provide policy and contact information
• Ability to submit Move Add Change Requests
• Provide common “How To documents” and instructions such as how to connect to the wireless
  Internet or send a fax from one of the copiers.
• Help Desk Access

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11. Specific IT requirements and infrastructure

A needs analysis, integration and training will ensure a smooth adoption of new technology and infrastructure.
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12. Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery

IT infrastructure must be resilient in response to common issues and quickly recoverable in the event that a disaster strikes. Run‐time and recovery‐time objectives can be balanced against the costs of building and implementing the objectives. A complete plan includes a protocol for identifying and managing mission‐critical equipment throughout the building.
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Conclusion:

Good technology, smart implementation, and proactive management can greatly increase the productivity and the morale of staff. By simply reducing the frustrations of disconnected and awkward systems we can contribute to the objective.
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