Corporate Internet access and e-mail provision

Client case study:
Recruitment Firm

Client needs: The company expanded internationally to establish branch offices in Europe and the US. They required standardization of their systems to drive down costs and enhance system performance.

Solution: Handling remote connections to the corporate global network required a focus on security and open (Internet-based) standards. Joho Technology consultants recommmended an IP-VPN solution using Cisco hardware, with IP Security protocol and 168-bit (3DES) encryption. Virtual Private Dial-Up Network (VPDN) functionality was also added to allow freelance staff access to the company’s network from remote locations.

Results: Overhead costs were reduced by 23% due to lower communication charges and increased ease of managing the new network. Valuable data was protected with the most up-to-date encryption methods, authentication, and data integrity for secure tunneling across the Internet. Flexibility and scalability were built in, so the firm could grow its network as necessary.

Primary benefits

  • Turn-key simplicity
  • Customized domain name
  • Flexible mail account management
  • Best-of-class ISP price/performance
  • Balanced security and flexibility

The Joho Approach

1. Client Assessment

  • Investigate access requirements
  • Determine current needs and future growth projections
  • Budget/financing considerations
  • Written report of findings

2. Solution Design

  • Specify mail server requirements
  • Size/price Internet access
  • Choose a suitable level of security
  • Considerations for remote access
  • Additional vendors/system enhancements
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA)

3. Implementation

  • Mail account setup
  • Domain name registration
  • Coordination with ISP to obtain/upgrade Internet connection
  • Install and configure routers, firewalls
  • Firewall and mail server administration
  • Full documentation

4. Upkeep and Reporting

  • Disk usage awareness
  • Upgrade reccomendations
  • New staff account setup
  • Security logging/monitoring