|
Corporate Computer Network Design &
Server Upgrade Case Study
Background
Displaytech, Inc. makes and sells with superior image quality for electronic
viewfinders in consumer digital still cameras, camcorders, and mobile
communication devices. Founded in 1985, it employs 50 employees at its
headquarters in Longmont, Colorado. Displaytech also has a partnership
facility in Tokyo, Japan.
The Challenge
Displaytech wanted to upgrade its computer network to take advantage of
features available in the newest software and operating system available.
Through extensive discussions about the needs and expectations of the
business, the upgrade parameters were determined.
- The migration timeframe was flexible, but predetermined business
production dates could not be affected in any way.
- Daily operations could not be interrupted.
- Users should not realize that an upgrade was being performed.
- Four Windows NT 4.0 servers would be replaced with four new Windows 2003
Server.
- Two servers would be eliminated from the network and have their
applications moved to the new servers.
- Five remaining servers would stay on the network, but merge into the new
configuration.
- The electronic mail server would be upgraded from Exchange 5.5 to
Exchange 2003.
- All user and department data files would migrate to new servers.
- All printer resources would migrate to new servers.
- A new backup scheme would be defined and installed using new equipment.
- A new Virtual Private Network (VPN) would be installed to provide a
secondary backup solution.
The Result
Mile High Networks' corporate computer network design capabilities
created the new network and created a detailed project plan by interviewing
management, obtaining information from prior support and evaluating normal
business activities. The project plan:
- Addressed unstable and insecure areas identified in a prior audit (See
Security Audit).
- Identified compatibility issues before migration began so that all
workstations could access resources during the transition.
- Devised recovery and back-up plans for each major phase to prevent
interruption to business operations.
- Documented each task, person(s) responsible, the schedule and key
milestones.
- Created a technical design to show the network as it changed. This
allowed us to identify potential issues during the transition and assist in
troubleshooting.
Mile High Networks performed the corporate computer network design
upgrade over two months and transferred user information in such a
controlled way that users were completely unaware of the shift to the new
environment. The scope of work included:
- Identify and upgrade incompatible workstations before the new network
was installed.
- Install, configure and test new servers before implementing into the
production network. This included installation of operating systems, support
applications such as antivirus and tape backup software and hardware
equipment into racks.
- Installed new VPN device and tested connectivity.
- Reconfigured affected firewalls and routers to allow the new servers and
devices proper communication.
- Installed and tested software needed for communication between the two
network domains.
- Duplicated and tested user accounts in the new network domain.
- Migrated data files, printer resources and miscellaneous user
applications to the new domain using a detailed schedule as to not affect
the users.
- Migrated user information stored in the old electronic mail server to
the new server using detailed schedules as to not affect the users. Moved
user mailboxes, public folders, distribution lists and Internet mail
redirection.
- Cleaned up the network by removing old servers, temporary data
connectors, and tightened security on the routers and firewalls.
Company Testimonial
"Mile High Networks provided our company with a thorough
risk assessment of its IT infrastructure and network. From this
assessment, we were provided with a comprehensive and informative report
of the low, medium and high priority risks to which the company was
exposed. Based upon this report Mile High Networks worked with us to
develop and implement a plan which greatly minimized our exposure to
risks and was tailored to our current size, future growth and existing
budget. Through extensive up-front planning we were able to
successfully migrate our network and implement the necessary changes,
all with minimal impact on users and day-to-day operations. Following
the migration, Mile High Networks was there to assist with
troubleshooting the smaller issues that remained after the initial
migration was complete; additionally, the project was completed on time
and within the budget. Mile High Networks did an outstanding job in all
aspects of the project, from the initial assessment, planning,
implementation through follow-up".
Chuck Jernigan
Network Administrator
Displaytech Inc.
|