Our Problem

When David Rosenstein and Steve Abrams purchased Classic Electric Supply, now ConneXion, in 2007 they needed to quickly get their computer systems up to speed. They had the experience to build their business, but their immediate plans including changing the company name, moving into a larger office and warehouse and rapidly adding several employees; all of which was to be completed with a very aggressive time table. In addition to the move, ConneXion needed several important technology pieces: a place to store their shared files, e-mail access including Blackberry synchronization, internet connectivity, new computers for the anticipated staff, and a reliable network to connect it all together.

Like any business, David and Steve wanted to keep costs down, but they also wanted to find a technology partner that could continue to manage these systems once they were in place. According to Steve, “Util-IT was the ideal fit. Not only were we anticipating rapid growth initially, we knew we needed to improve our computer systems as well. With their experience and Monitoring and Management services, we were able to do this without adding any IT staff and the new technology greatly improved our capabilities as a company.”

Our Solution

Util-IT brought in a single server keeping hardware costs to a minimum. Using Virtualization Technology, we were able to deploy four systems to handle their e-mail and calendaring, Blackberry connectivity, remote access and file and print services; all running on a single piece of hardware. Util-IT also installed state-of–the-art firewall and network equipment designed to support their hosted VoIP solution and connectivity for their offices, warehouse and remote Virtual Private Network users.

Managing the relocation of their entire facility was no easy task, as ConneXion moved from their offices in Forest Park to a new building in Buffalo Grove that was six times the size of their original location. Steve and his staff shutdown their offices Friday evening and Util-IT relocated all their systems to the new location overnight, having their staff ready for work on Saturday morning without an interruption to their business. Steve noted “that everything went without a hitch. Our employees were all working and ready to go first thing Saturday morning and that has been the case every day since.”

Our Results

Now settled in their new offices, Steve and David were able to focus on growing their business. Util-IT carefully selected systems that were reliable, but also had the ability to handle the rapid initial growth they anticipated. Plus, Util-IT’s Monitoring and Management services keep track of all ConneXion’s systems, making sure backups are completing successfully, virus definitions are up to date, and all security patches are applied.

Our remote control capabilities give us nearly immediate access their PCs and systems to address any issues within minutes. “This is important for our staff. If an issue does arise, Util-IT can look at problem in instantly instead of the user having to wait days for a technician to arrive. This keeps our employees happy and on task and allows me to focus on our business systems and not become distracted with various computer issues,” noted Brigid Reilly, Business Analyst. By virtualizing their servers and turning the support of these systems over to Util-IT, ConneXion was able to keep its costs low without sacrificing the levels of support and system uptime they desired. And now with everything running smoothly, Steve and his employees are free to focus on what is important: their customers and their business.