Faithhorn Farrell Timms

We currently have 10 HP servers spread throughout our five office locations, all utilising Intel Dual and Quad Core Processors.

A mixture of Microsoft and Linux based operating systems are deployed on the servers, with pilot programmes testing the latest releases including Windows Server 2008 and Exchange 2007.

All offices are connected via high speed internet links secured by IPSEC Virtual Private Networks using sophisticated data encryption, thus ensuring reliable and secure data transfer between offices.

Firewalls located in each office provide additional security in the form of deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention.

Data is protected from hardware failure on all servers, using RAID technology, and from malicious software, using multiple levels of virus and spyware protection.

A comprehensive backup system is also in place, using high capacity LTO tapes and the latest in backup software technology.

All staff have the ability to access e-mails and files remotely, wherever an internet connection is available. In addition, certain users have been issued with Windows based PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) that enable data collection when out on-site.

Our Dell workstations run various Microsoft Windows platforms, coupled with the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook Word, Excel, Powerpoint), while many also utilise other applications such as Microsoft Project and Visio. Various other technologies and software are in place to assist with productivity (i.e. Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat Professional and AutoCAD) and IT support (i.e. Windows Remote Assistance).

Microsoft group policy is enforced as a way of securing workstations and data, and ensuring standardised desktop settings and security practices for all users.

Significant time was invested when designing our network to ensure security, reliability and flexibility. This not only enables the network to perform well today, but it also accommodates future growth and expansion of the Practice.