StepUP IT Services, LLC

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Director of Technology of a School District

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a school district.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire StepUP IT Services, LLC to accomplish?

• Upgrade Windows Servers
• Upgrade Network Infrastructure
• Provide support for our end users
• Work with high level engineers to assist in meeting Cyber Security standards

SOLUTION

How did you find StepUP IT Services, LLC?

Referral

Why did you select StepUP IT Services, LLC over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from StepUP IT Services, LLC were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

StepUP IT was originally hired to help with a large network infrastructure refresh in addition to monthly managed services. The network refresh consisted of: 

• Engineering plan for Fiber Runs to create Hub and Spoke network design 
• Installation and Configuration of On-Prem HA Firewalls 
• Installation and Configuration of new access switches 
• Installation and Configuration of a new Wireless Controller and Access Points 
• Installation and Configuration of New On-Prem server 
• Migration from older versions of Windows Server to newer 
• Configuration of a new network design to segment network traffic to replace the flat network 
• Completed items as of 12/20: Fiber Runs On-Prem Firewall Solution Network Switches Servers 
• Network Design Completing by the end of December: Wireless Controller Access Points With us being a school district and supply chain, the wireless installation and configuration could only take place during large breaks. 

This is to not disrupt the school day. In addition to this large refresh, we also receive monthly services that include: Help Desk Support RMM Tools Endpoint Protect XDR&MTR Secure Password Managers Monitoring servers and network infrastructure.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We now have a much more secure network with segmented traffic to keep bad actors out of our systems. Having access to RMM Tools and XDR&MTR services also has kept us safe. The new Hub and Spoke design also gives us better transfer rates so teachers and students do not experience lag on their devices which is critical in today's education model.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Everything was delivered on time that StepUP IT had control over. Due to Supply Chain issues, hardware did not always come on time and this had nothing to do with StepUP IT. Regarding their help desk system, they have been great. I have never had any issues where I put in a ticket and is not dealt with promptly.

What was your primary form of communication with StepUP IT Services, LLC?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I appreciated that we were able to enter into a co-managed contract. I can continue working as the on-site Technical director and as needed, they have the option to physically drive over. Otherwise, everything can be done remotely. In terms of cost, it is a much better option to go with StepUP IT than trying to hire staff here in our rural town that has the high-level skills StepUP IT provides. StepUP IT has also provided us with enterprise-level tools to help keep our end users safe and at a good cost that fits our small school budget.

Are there any areas for improvement or something School District could have done differently?

Not at this time. I am very pleased with the level of work we receive and looking forward to future projects with their teams.