The Collins Center for Public Policy, a Miami-based non-profit "think tank" that finds solutions to Florida's and the nation's most pressing needs, recently looked to upgrade its network servers and workstations, as well as its backup system, to meet the needs of its employees at multiple locations.

“We had to stabilize our computer network, establish adequate backup systems and provide employees with secure access to our network from remote locations,” said Jamie Paurowski. “By doing so, we could improve our efficiencies and enable employees to remotely send and retrieve e-mails, share calendar items and work on company files – all with the protection from outside hackers.”

Paurowski called on Compuquip Technologies to quickly complete the first phase of the project, which included the installation of a new server and rack and the updating of Collins Center’s network operating system to Windows 2000. In addition, Compuquip moved Collins Centers’ system for e-mails to a dedicated server and installed a daily tape backup of the network systems. Furthermore, Compuquip installed the Checkpoint firewall on Collins Center’s network server and VPN remote access on several employees’ laptops.

“Compuquip’s staff is very professional, responsive and attentive to our needs,” said Rod Petrey, president of the Collins Center. “The technicians clearly explain the why and how of the work they perform and demonstrate potential problems and the methods for resolving them.”

Paurowski added, “Since the completion of the first phase, our server and e-mail systems have remained stable, our tape backups are being completed daily with no errors and we look forward to the start of phase two of our work with Compuquip.”