This can be a difficult concept to visualize.  Essentially, it is a method of taking a  physical entities, such as a server or workstation, and translating it into an independent logical entity that operates inside a larger, managed hardware environment, but where it is not dependent on that hardware to the same extent as it was on a physical computer.

Each virtualized server (or workstation) still has the appearance and functionality of the original computer in every way just as it did on the original dedicated machine.  You can log onto it, manage properties, reboot it etc.   Users on the network will not be able to see any difference, except it is now a “Virtual Machine”.

Once a server has been “virtualized”, it’s existence is now equivalent to just a file and can be relocated to almost any piece of hardware you please.  So if your “host machine” has a hardware failure, you can simply move the “Virtual Machine” to another host and users will not be the wiser – but for the small amount of down time needed to bring the VM up on an alternate host.

Choose Virtualization from the Main Menu for more details on the many aspects of virtualization.

Everyone wants a wireless solution these days. They provide great flexibility so you don't have to just be stuck at a desk to operate your PC and access the Internet. And they can be so easy to hook up - most consumer products work straight out of the box without any configuration; just plug 'em in and away you go.

BUT, many users either don't know or don't care that most times they've just set up a public "hot spot" for anyone with a wireless device able to "borrow" some of your Internet bandwidth.

However, it's not just the seemingly inocuous bandwidth use that should be a concern. Without security measures in place, an unscrupulous, curious or malicious "freeloader" also has a foot in the door" to accessing private &/or valuable data on your network.

Wireless networks represent an immense threat to data security compared to wired networks. Someone wishing illicit access no longer needs to be on your premises, just in reasonable proximity. All your valuable data is beaming around the neighborhood.

While the threat to many businesses and homes is relatively small - someone has to have reason to expend the effort to try to access your system - efforts should be made to minimize the opportunity. There are various, relatively simple steps that provide a reasonable degree of security for wireless networks.

  And for your office, creating a seamless wireless network for users to move about your building is not just a matter of putting up some wireless access points (WAP's) - especially if your office is quite large.  Let ITS show you how to create a professional and secure wireless network.

Are you tired of dealing with mountains of paper files?

In reality, the concept of a truly paperless office may still be some time away, but there ARE a lot of ways of digitizing data for paper reduction and electronic filing.

The explosion of unstructured data is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. The quantities of documents, images, email, Web content, audio and video are all growing at an astonishing rate. Within many companies, unstructured data currently accounts for the majority of a company's overall data.

Don't let your data manage you. Let us help you with customized document management, data scanning & storage systems to bring order to the chaos. It can be a lot more affordable than you may have realized!

Benefits of document management inlude

• Cost savings from a reduction in the time required to find content
• Reduction in document creation costs
• Reduction if not elimination of "forgotten data"
• Elimination of duplications
• Reductions in the load on secondary systems such as backup, storage space etc.
• A BETTER, MORE ORGANIZED SYSTEM

ITS has extensive experience implementing and administrating Remote Access infrastructures for companies with users that need to be able to access applications and/or data remotely. ITS can help your company evaluate and implement the solution that best fits your company's needs.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPN's allow a user to connect to your network either via a modem or the Internet in a secure fashion.

Terminal Services / Citrix
A Terminal Server or Citrix server can provide remote access for users with performance coming close to operating in the office on the LAN, even over relatively slow Internet connections. The server on site does all the "heavy lifting" and just sends video to the user's remote PC and receives keyboard/mouse instructions.

SonicWALL VPN
SonicWALL's VPN solutions enable users to securely connect to remotely your company's network. Their predictable performance and resiliency enable you to protect your network and maintain a consistent level of security as your company grows..

Microsoft Windows Terminal Server
Terminal Services allows PCs to operate in a server-based computing environment with all client application execution, data processing, and data storage to occur on the remote server. Applications interaction, keyboard input, and mouse clicks are transmitted over the network and displayed via the Terminal Service Client. Each user that logs on sees only their individual session, which is managed transparently by the server operating system and is independent of any other client session.

Citrix Metaframe Application Server
Citrix embraces and extends what Microsoft's Terminal Server offers by offering a more robust client, better print support, better web and application publishing, and a more efficient network protocol among many other features.

Who needs to be concerned about Network Security? Anyone who has valuable data that is shared by more than one user on more than one computer.

Everyone agrees that valuable resources should be kept under lock and key. Your company's data is it's lifeblood and has a value far beyond what most people realize.

A major facet of what we do at ITS is to help secure your company's business and financial data from both internal and external security risks, many of which you probably had no idea even existed!

We help identify potential problem areas and make recommendations on solutions to bring your companys level of protection up to what you will be comfortable with. These can include:

• Firewall Implementation
• Anti-virus and Proxy Server
• Remote Monitoring and Logging
• Security Auditing and Testing

Networking is at the center of every company's computer system. It is used to store files on the file server, print to networked printers, send and receive e-mails, and access webpages on the Internet.

Network design covers many aspects, the simplest being your Local Area Network (LAN) which includes cables, hubs, switches, server(s) and other shared resources such as printers. Your LAN can connect to Wide Area Networks (WAN) such as remote offices and the Internet. Remote Access Services and Virtual Private Networks (RAS/VPN) provide the ability to work from home and other remote locations. Firewalls and routers complete and secure your network so that only those who should have access to it.

ITS has the extensive expertise and experience to keep all your computers and their users running happily, productively and securely with minimum down time and problems.

LAN and WAN Design
ITS can plan and implement both new and existing LAN and WAN installations. We help evaluate current systems for possible problems and/or network slow downs. We troubleshoot segments and equipment for networking errors and test for faulty cabling.

RAS and VPN
ITS can install VPN/RAS equipment so users can connect from remote locations. We provide documentation and site visits to help simplify the connection process.

Internet and Firewall Design
Regrettably, Internet access isn't just plugging your network into a box and away you go, but that's where many service providers who sell access to the Internet leave you. You might be exposed to every would-be hacker on the planet and not even know it! ITS connects your network to the Internet securely using tried and true methods and technologies that your company can depend upon. So you can sleep at night.

Performance and Upgrades
As your company and technologies change, so does your companys needs. Whether it's more hub space, wireless, or a faster network, we here to make it happen.

Whether you're a home user or business user on a multi-server network, the most valuable and critical asset is the data on that system. All too frequently, that data is not adequately protected by a robust backup system.

Data loss can be catastrophic. The National Archives & Records Administration in Washington, DC reports that 93% of companies that lose their data center for 10 days or more due to disaster, filed for bankruptcy within one year. 30% of all businesses that have a major fire go out of business within a year, 70% fail within five years.

It is VITAL to protect your valuable data with a reliable back up system. And it MUST be fast, easy & automated, eliminating as much human effort as possible (humans grow lazy and are inconsistent - - with devastating results.

Solutions:

There are many ways to effectively backup your data. Depending upon with whom you're talking, you'll get all manner of vehement responses about the "best way to do it".     In our opinion, one solution that seems ideal for one client may be totally inappropriate for another; there are a lot of factors to consider. Some of these include:

• Data only or full system imaging? (an entire subject of its own; see more info below)
• How much data you have
• Cost considerations - both intial purchase & on-going media/equipment replacement
• Location (susceptability to flood, theft, vandalism)
• Trust factor - do you feel "safe" with your data on some remote organization's server?
• How quickly / how much your data changes
• Estimated cost for down time if recovery is needed
• Personal / staff involvement/discipline: changing media, taking off site, etc.
• Ease of use
• Reliability of hardware & media being used; suitability to client "style"
• Time required to perform backups in conjunction with other automated functions

More Info:

Click on the links below for more details on specific back up topics :

Data only vs. full system imaging - what's it worth to get the whole system, not just the data?
Back up problems - be aware of what they are, how to avoid them
Pro's & Con's of different backup methods
Personal involvement - it needs to be someone's job to properly understand / manage backups
Primary backup systems & backup backup systems - a second method &/or archiving of older data
Backup to remote servers - e.g. Internet-based backup services etc