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The Old and the New.
Interiors network topology, prior to Aquafruit being involved, was a standard windows small business network that had been implemented correctly, but had evolved without foresight and growth being thought about. Thus, the support aspect had also suffered as solutions that were implemented during the evolution of the network/business, were implemented with no long term thought or strategy behind them.

At Aquafruit, we are a little different in our approach to businesses and their technology needs. We are technology focused – from end to end – for the entire business process life cycle. More than network topologies and basic networking, we spend a lot of time listening to our clients and their needs including process, procedure, requirements, outcomes, cost, benefits and more when putting an initial solution offering together.

To that end, here are the differences.

The Old.

• The previous network consisted of 6 HP desktop machines with 17 inch LCD flat screens, 1 GB ram, 80 GB hard drives and additional Ethernet card
• One central HP SBS 2003 server (with minimal hard drive space in a single mirror configuration) including central tape drive (80 GB capacity).
• Central Antivirus (on the server) including email filtering. No Spam filtering.
• One ADSL modem as supplied by ISP with basic security
• One VPN firewall appliance with wireless capabilities
• One gigabit switch (which turned out to be faulty)
• One smaller 4 port switch (connected to the Boss’s computer)
• 2 USB printers – run from server

All of the above equipment was 12 to 24 months old.

The server and desktop machines were replaced. The software licenses transferred (where applicable). As much of the existing equipment was re-used where ever possible.

The New.

• 6 20 inch iMac’s (20 inch Glossy LCD Screen), 4 GB ram, 350 GB hard drives and all of the usual bit’s to go with it (more information here)
• upgrade of hardware to central server for better cooling (new case) bigger hard drives (in two separate raid configurations (mirror for operating system and raid 5 for data drives with hot swappable spare)), better power supply, 300 GB back up tape solution and central anti virus. This server was custom built from generic parts – that were server certified (ie the hard drives for example) instead of purchasing a brand name server.
• additional linux based anti virus, spam and proxy server (linux) added in for web, email security and filtering (re use of one of the existing client machines).
• replacement of ADSL router with ADSL router/wireless device
• re-use of central VPN appliance for central switch and second wireless access point.
• replacement of (faulty) gigabit switch
• 2 USB printers – run from server

The Desktop
In the case of Interiors, whose primary day to day activities take color, touch, feel and perception into account, the decision to move their desktops across to Mac’s was discussed and decided on with the client. The reasoning behind this;

• cost/benefit
• stability
• security
• simplicity
• ease of day to day use
• integration/hybrid ability (The ability to run either Windows or Mac on the same machine)
• all in one desktop unit for space reasons

Central Server
As a central network server was purchased 18 months prior to this, it was also decided to keep the central server solution (windows SBS 2003) – but replace/upgrade the server hardware as needed.

Routers, switches and wireless access points.
Combining the original ADSL modem, wireless access point and VPN firewall appliance was the first preference. As it turns out, through the re-use of as much hardware as possible, the VPN appliance was kept (which includes a wireless access point), the ADSL access point was replaced.

Topology changes.
In simplifying the topology by removing/combining the additional devices on the network, there are less points of issue/support that are required. The downside to this is the lack of redundancy, but with a network of this size, adding in additional access points/redundant internet connections etc is not cost effective.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support.
In  our standard work ethic of less support is preferable, within the last eight months, a site visit has been required 3 times. Once for a cabling issue (cable damage due to a door) and twice for small software support issues.

Proactive Monitoring.
In working with our clients and their needs, Aquafruit Media offers a proactive monitoring solution for all of our clients. In short, we like to know what happens and the potentials of any support issues before our clients do.

The end result.
A simplification of the network, a more robust infrastructure (on both the platform, security and network levels), less support required, proactive monitoring and an added cost saving/benefits for the client.

In Closing.
Aquafruit Media’s approach to small business is one of “say what you do/do what you say”. If our clients are happy, then we are happy. And, on the support side, our clients are the happiest, when we are not needed.

Warm Regards,
Scott Malpass
Aquafruit Media