The Joskos installation
Joskos bid against 4 other companies and was awarded the tender to:
- Migrate all 9 servers and over 350 PCs to Windows 2000
- Upgrade the hardware on 150 of these PCs to be able to run Windows 2000
- Install and Configure ADSL for Internet connectivity
- Install Exchange Mail Services
- Supply and install 90 brand new PCs
- Design and build Benching and Install PCs in two ICT Suites
- Eradicate network cabling issues
- Train staff in using the new systems
Joskos was not given the go-ahead until late July 2000, several weeks after the summer vacation had started. However, by the time school restarted, we had completed all of the following tasks:
Joskos tested the client’s structured network to ISO11801 standards and found that over 30% of the data outlets would have to be re-terminated or re-installed as they had been installed in a substandard manner - this had added to the difficulties that the client was experiencing.
Whilst the Joskos cabling team was inspecting the copper and Optical Fibre network system, in parallel the migration team was testing curriculum software and finding ways to make it work to its full potential with Windows 2000.
After rectifying the network cabling problems which the client was experiencing, and upgrading the hardware on 150 PCs to a minimum specification to run Windows 2000, the Joskos migration team began the task of migrating all servers to Windows 2000 (after backing up all data!), and building the 26 images that it would take to successfully migrate the 350 workstations to Windows 2000, while ensuring there were no incompatibility issues as previously experienced by the client, and that the client’s individual requirements were fully met.
After this, with only 2 weeks to go to the end of the vacation, there still remained the largest part of the project – imaging the school’s 350 client PCs. This task would normally take at least 4 weeks. However, Joskos worked around the clock to ensure that the project was completed on time with everything working, while still remaining within the agreed budget.
Various external events took place which could have drastically delayed the project. One such problem was that builders working on a separate project accidentally cut through a power cable which supplied electricity to large sections of the school, making it impossible for Joskos engineers to switch on the PCs in those sections in order to install the correct image on the PCs. To ensure that the power cut did not affect and delay the project Joskos carried out the not inconsiderable task of moving a large number of PCs from the areas affected by the power cut into areas where a source of power was available. Then after installing the new images on the PCs, they were moved back in to their original locations. (In addition, the Joskos Project Manager took it on himself to liaise with Carillon, the building contractors, in order to press them to ensure that the power supply be restored before the students returned to school. No-one internally had taken up this task, and the client was very grateful to Joskos as this was not a duty which was expected but was very much appreciated.)
Joskos designed and built benching for the school’s two computer suites, and installed 28 new computers in each suite.
After completing the installation, Joskos trainers instructed the client’s staff in how to administer the new systems to perform such duties as:
- Opening and closing email accounts, and dealing with email sent to old or non-existent accounts.
- Backing up and restoring data from server(s).
- Updating virus protection and firewall software.
- Blocking access to certain websites, and ensuring that intruders could not access or damage the client’s network.
- Adding and deleting user accounts, and configuring accounts so that staff and pupils had access to appropriate resources (files, printers etc).
- Installing and uninstalling applications, and controlling access of staff and pupils to applications.
In spite of the extremely limited time and logistical difficulties, Joskos performed all the tasks listed, and ensured that the client was completely satisfied, by the deadline date of September 2nd 2002. On the opening day all server services were working to full potential, and all teachers and pupils could access and use the network’s resources with no difficulty, and were pleasantly surprised to come back from the summer holiday to a computer network which was functioning satisfactorily for the first time in over a year.
Joskos has been thanked and praised repeatedly by the client who is amazed with the level of after sales service that they have been receiving, along with the high levels of support that they have been provided by the Joskos Support team who now completely manage the client’s network system.
As part of our support contract, Joskos have permanently based a Network Manager on site who is there to support and plan the future for the client’s new fully-functioning Windows 2000 network system. In addition, for any serious issues reported by the client, a senior Joskos technician dials in or visits personally to resolve the problem.
Jo Shuter, the Head Teacher at the school, is extremely pleased with her new Dell PC with flat screen monitor, and told us “It is a joy for everybody in the school to be able to do their work without having to worry about computer and networking problems. For the first time in over a year, thanks to Joskos, we have a fully-functioning and properly-supported network”.