Challenge

Over the years, we have moved several law firms to the cloud. Lawyers, generally, do not like changes. And like most in the legal world, downtime is costly. On the other hand, we have to ensure cloud systems have to integrate with a variety of legal software, from bookkeeping to print solutions that track to client files.


Solution

Implemented customized remote application platform that included everything found in our OfficeHost Premium package . Arranging for smooth deployment involved coordinating with industry specific software applications and creating custom scripts and practices. Method to the madness included moving emails first and then creating step-backups and scripting at each juncture. Entire migration spanned over a long weekend to ensure minimal downtime.


Results

A cookie cutter approach was developed over the years. This enables for a quick deployment without much fuss while still allowing clients to enjoy all the latest versions of their software. How? Because Sandbox West conducts weekly after-hours testing at our facilities. By constantly testing and rolling out different updates, clients are able to work without errors and glitches.

Challenge

To provide a cost effective, secure, and standardized model for rapid expansion and deployment in British Columbia and Alberta locations. An end to end solution was required – everything from cabling, to network infrastructure, user equipment, and including all cloud hosted applications, hosted email services and VoIP services. This was to be ready to deploy for 1-3 locations per month, and up to 14 locations within the 1st year.


Solution

Designed cutting edge customized remote application platform that included setting up application & remote access servers, secure backups, and email & VoIP phone solutions for staff. Arranging for smooth deployment involved coordinating with industry specific software applications, sourcing equipment and cabling, creating standardized colour coordinated site/equipment maps, and working closely with local technical resources for site installations.


Results

Successfully deployed 11 locations in the first 10 months of the Alberta expansion. Worked closely with key points of contact to institute province wide support policies and facilitate close coordination with 3rd parties. Maintained and fine-tuned software applications & domain environment policies, and provided end user support for all locations & key stakeholders. This setup allows for rapid future expansion as this is a scale-able solution with time saving deployment of applications as part of the secure domain environment.

Challenge

To provide a cost effective and secure move to Sandbox's Cloud Servers. 2 week deadline provided with around the clock (24/7) assistance during migration.


Solution

Arranging for smooth deployment involved coordinating with industry specific software applications, transferring files over one pre-specified weekend and providing step-by-step guidance at each juncture/check-point.


Results

Instituted domain environment policies, copied all data and created several backups at each step. Organization and transparency is a necessity and clients were kept in the loop at each step. Sandbox provided all the required software and even had one tech fly to client site as a courtesy.

Challenge

To provide a low-cost solution to replace eight aging desktop systems running Windows 7/XP with a minimum of down time. We also sought to upgrade the existing network to allow for six new work areas, and conduct a major overhaul of the server room to remove two old servers and add additional rack space and a new patch panel. Finally, we needed to upgrade the switch to provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) for VOIP phone system. Old Infrastructure

Three servers running in a small server closet with all network equipment sitting on a small shelf, no wiring for new workspace and no room in the existing 24-port patch panel (which was mounted in a small 2u rack.) Existing desktops were all outdated systems with large amounts of data stored locally, as well as in roaming profiles. All phones were powered by an AC adapter.


Solution

Replace outdated computers with donated workstations. Add new hard drives with clean installs of Windows 7 and Office 2010. Wire new space into a new 48-port patch panel and install into a new 24u wall-mounted rack. Replace the old 24-port switch with a 48-port PoE switch to allow for future growth along with power for phones. Remove both old servers from the server room and clean up all wiring, moving all network equipment onto a shelf in the new rack. Perform all work after hours and on the weekend to minimize impact to client


Results

With careful planning and the generous donation of older high-end workstations, we were able to provide a major PC upgrade to almost all the staff at the Make A Wish office, including the addition of dual displays to all desks. By using disk images we were able to replace a total of 10 systems, including re-synchronization of local data as well as roaming profiles in a very short timeframe. The server area was completely rebuilt, providing easier access for maintenance, and much better ventilation of the whole area. By combining several projects into one weekend of work, we were able to minimize the impact to the staff almost entirely, while providing a vast improvement to the overall network infrastructure.