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' 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 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.
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