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Displaytech Upgrade Case Study
Corporate Computer Network Design


Corporate Computer Network Design

 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.