The Solutions

The first priority was getting all the shared files from each workstation onto a more secure and reliable platform. A well specified server was purchased for this purpose. In addition to the server hardware, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) was installed in case there was a power outage which could cause data loss. A reliable new network switch was also installed to handle all the connections to the server.

Dearneside felt that their staff would be more comfortable with a familiar environment on their desktops and decided that they weren't ready for desktop Linux just yet. However, they were more than happy for their server infrastructure to be based on Open Source Software.

File sharing was catered for by implementing a file server. This provided a single location that was always available. Additionally, a logical folder structure was set up which made finding files much quicker and easier. The file server also provided a level of security, with each user having a username and password which restricted or allowed access depending on their access privileges.

Once the file sharing had been sorted, the workstations themselves needed attention. Many were riddled with spyware and viruses causing them to be slow and inefficient as well as prone to crashes and taking up bandwidth on their internet connection.

The decision was made to keep all existing PC hardware but to update the operating systems on each, Microsoft Windows XP was chosen to replace all Windows 98 and 2000 systems. The workstations were configured to prevent users changing important settings saving valuable time in support requests. Additionally, antivirus software was installed on all desktop PC's.

Attention was then focussed on the company's email setup. The ability to send and receive internal as well as external email, and the flexibility, stability and scalability to grow with their requirements required software that could meet the demands. An email server provided the backbone they needed for their immediate and future demands. The email server also scanned all incoming and outgoing email for viruses and spam and added a further layer of protection. Desktop computers were set up with Outlook Express as a basic tool for sending and receiving emails.

Dearneside also wanted to manage their internet connection and applied filters for unwanted content such as adverts etc. A caching proxy server was installed to do just that with the added bonus of making their internet connection work more efficiently and adding another layer of protection between the staff and the internet.

When the essentials had been completely installed, tested and approved the final phase of the project was to implement a company wide information system. A web based intranet was agreed upon as the best way to deliver such a system. A custom built application was developed using PHP and served by an Apache web server. All the data was stored in a PostgreSQL relational database management system.

In addition to the contact management system, a web based calendaring and scheduling system was implemented so staff could keep track of their time.