Claero Systems

Challenge

1) Ensuring that we were profitable in our quotes; i.e., that our hourly estimates matched the time spent 2) Providing better tracking of hours, invoices, software and hardware inventories, network diagrams, proposals, etc. to our clients 3) Become more efficient and accurate with our tracking of sales leads, revenue forecasts, tasks, computer maintenance for clients, etc.

Solution

A web based portal that provided a) internal access for tracking of client-centric information including time, tasks, leads, maintenance work, docuements, b) a private client side where each client uses a username / password to view all information about their company as soon as it happens, and c) a public side, used for information such as what you are now reading.

Results

Claero has been able to become much more efficient at estimating hours for client projects, as well as tracking and analying that information both internally and with our clients. Our clients often express how impressed they are with our documentation of their work, and that fact that it is always up to date. And our sales funnel and maintenance tracking is far more effective. Due to the efficacy of the portal in increasing our productivity, we are constantly adding new functionality, and even looking at clients who may also be able to benefit from this system.

Technology Used

OpenBSD, MySQL, PHP (inc. GD, JPGraph)

Associated Web Sites

Challenge

As an IT / computer consulting and services company, Claero needed a website for marketing reasons. A website was also needed as the access point for an internal portal that would be developed in the future. The website had to be clear and concise - "to the point".

Solution

Claero developed www.claero.com. Emphasis was put on keeping the design simple, while conveying the complicated industry that is IT consulting. The website continues to evolve and change as the years go buy, but the founding principles remain the same.

Results

Although wary that the website would be perceived as too simple, with few images and no "flash", Claero has received numerous compliments on their site - the most telling perhaps being feedback on how easy it is to find the information for which people are searching. Although under constant scruitiny internally, the website has proven it is effective in conveying the "profitability and business needs first" philosophy that is central to Claero Systems.

Challenge

Claero needed a very stable internal network including high speed access for all employees, wireless access, file server, and they wanted to host their own email server and a backup web server. Employees also wanted VPN access so they could access all file, email and other resources as if they were in the office even when they were at home or travelling.

Solution

Claero installed the Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 (SBS) suite on one server, with fail-over services to a secondary offsite server. The Microsoft SBS suite allowed for email hosting including full collaborative services such as shared contacts and email folders, and email to fax services. A separate Linux server was installed to host the backup website. A Cisco Firewall/VPN device was installed to protect the internal network and allow for VPN access by remote employees. Finally, multiple levels of virus protection was set up, UPS power protection installed, and nightly backup jobs configured.

Results

Claero's setup is typical of any small business, and has been working very well for over two years. There have been two unscheduled down times; one due to a hardware failure, and the other due to the highly experimental nature of Claero's network. In both cases no data or email was lost and the systems were up within hours.

Technology Used

Windows Small Business Server 2000, OpenBSD Linux, Windows 2003 Server

Technology Used

Microsoft Small Business Server 2003, Cisco PIX Firewall / VPN Appliance, McAfee Total Virus Defense, McAfee SpamAssasin