Cavendish Medical Ltd, a leader in providing financial services to the medical profession, is based in London with a total of 15 users.  They asked Telanova, who were already managing their IT, to move their systems to new offices with the minimum of down time.

The majority of Cavendish’s daily work is carried out on-line. Prior to the move the internet connection was very unstable so there were periods when they couldn't work.

It was Telanova’s responsibility to make sure the move ran smoothly and that the future infrastructure limited any further issues.

Project Objectives

In discussing the infrastructure for the new premises telanova suggested the following improvements:-

• Dual Internet with automated rollover if one connection fails, therefore
  • Better firewall for increased security
  • Restructured remote access to enable easier connection if one line failed
  • Auto rollover email delivery to ensure constant delivery of emails if one line fails
• Rack server cabinet
  • Maximising available space
  • Security
  • Ventilation

Easier methods of remote administration were required to help speed up the process of fixing any future issues within the company for this we would need to look into constructing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) between Cavendish and Telanova.

Many of their users require remote access as well as users in the office requiring email and internet services to carry out their day to day tasks.  This would mean that the current means of connectivity would have to be redesigned in order to keep the office up and running for longer without fault.

Remote users would also have to be taken into consideration with the use of VPN’s and how they would cope with the possibility of changing connections.

The delivery of email would also have to be re-addressed due to the possibility of changing connections.

Making It Happen

• Careful planning
  • DNS changes would have to be made for
  • Mail forwarding would have to be altered for delivery to either of the two new ADSL lines
• Pre-move testing
  • Testing both new ADSL connections
  • Managed cabling tested after installation
• Execution
  • Working closely with members of Cavendish to ensure acceptable installation
  • Install systems according to plan
  • Test all systems and troubleshoot any issues

To make this happen a new approach to the connectivity was introduced with not one but two connections using auto rollover to ensure constant connectivity and delivery of mission critical applications.

With the introduction of dynamic DNS we were also able to assist those working remotely via a VPN system ensuring that no matter which connection was currently active they would be able to connect to the office network.

With the assistance of one of Telanova’s partners (axlr8) we were able to change the way email was delivered to ensure that there was no dependency on which line was active.

Conclusion

David Browne of Cavendish Medical said “I was delighted and impressed with Telanova’s can do attitude, skilful planning and execution.  The move went very well and we’re very happy with our system; it’s much better and more reliable.”