LPi Communications Group Inc

Challenge

LPi Communications faced a number of challenges around their advertising and graphics designs for their clients, including: 1) turn around time for approval by client 2) tracking of ongoing design changes and related client instructions or comments 3) ability to access old or archived projects 4) time to transport files and designs to printing companies and clients 5) organization of all projects for presentation internally and externally

Solution

Claero designed and completed a web portal for LPi based on conversations with all levels of LPi staff. The design consisted of a website for which different users, be it project managers, designers, clients, or print companies, could log in with a unique username and password. Project managers could create new projects, upload designs and leave comments. Clients could view the designs for their company and leave comments - project managers were automatically notified of these comments by email. Printers could download the source files after project approval and mark completion. Finally, LPi administrators could add any user type, archive old files and manage a related FTP server for files left for LPi by clients or other LPi offices.

Results

Although still in the roll-out phase, the response to the portal has been excellent by both LPi's clients and staff, with clients even leaving praise in the comments section. Turn around time for approval is faster, communication of changes is more accurate and kept on record, and completed projects are easily archived and later reviewed if desired. LPi has not yet rolled out the portal to print companies, but this is envisioned as soon as all LPi clients and account managers are using the system.

Technology Used

Mac OS X, Cisco PIX Firewall

Challenge

LPi needed to a server which would let staff share very large files with both printing companies and other the LPi offices. The also needed to have a place where their clients could make project files which were too big to send by email available to their staff.

Solution

Understanding the full picture of LPi was the key to recommending an OS X server hosted internally. These reasons included the fact that the cost of using a hosting company would be prohibative, since hosting company costs grow quickly when large amounts of disk space is required. LPi was also running all OS 9 machines and server, and would need an OS X server internally to test their upgrade path. Also, LPi was hoping to offer a web based service to their clients which it turned out would also be best suited to an internal server. Finally, the new server allowed for the off-loading of some tasks from the existing servers, which were showing signs of reaching capacity. Claero installed an OS X server, hosted internally with necessary power protection and backup systems.

Results

The OS X server has experienced no unsheduled down times since installation. It has off-loaded some tasks from the other servers, and has been used to test the migration of some services from the existing servers to OS X as the clients and servers are upgraded. The most important of these services was a system LPi uses for all time, cost and project tracking which is prone to some major problems under OS 9. The server has not yet been used to host the web service that LPi anticipates offering to their clients, however discussions are still underway.

Challenge

LPi has a part-time network administrator who spends some of his time supporting the Mac OS X network. Unfortunately he does not always have enough time or experience to solve all of the problems that occur.

Solution

As needed, he contacts Claero Systems for assistance in trouble-shooting and various network related issues. Claero Systems responds quickly and has provided solutions for all of the requests to date.

Results

LPi's network is running smoothly and their network administrator has a reliable backup resource for difficult situations or when he is away or just doesn't have enough time.

Technology Used

Mac OS X