What was the scope of their involvement?
They performed a network security audit of our vendors’ operations. They ran diagnostics to see if we had any intrusions, reviewed the current set up, and interviewed the staff to get a sense of what security knowledge they had.
Then, they produced a report with some benchmarks about what's typical versus the weak points in our system. 3i International had found they didn’t have any type of intrusion software in the switches. The score was so low that our doctor made an immediate decision to terminate the contract with the vendor (there was already a background of distrust due to a situation with their invoices).
During this period, 3i International came in very quickly, learned our system, what needed to be done, and mapped out a plan for that transition. We had to get attorneys involved because the vendor wouldn’t give us secure information about the network.
3i International was able to explain what needed to be done with the attorneys present so we could get the vendor to cooperate. During this time, 3i International also managed our Outlook 360 account because the vendor had control of our emails.
While all this was happening, our phone system was collapsing. So, 3i International also navigated us through a seven-week process to change the phone system. They held our hand through the process. They gave us the forms to fill out an FCC complaint, and the next day it was taken care of. The team recently supported the set up of our new phones.
Also, all of our printer copier contracts were expiring. 3i International immediately assessed what we needed and did a survey of our staff. Now, we’re converting to eFaxes, and they’re working on that for us.
What is the team composition?
I was working with 6-7 people including Dean (Director of Services, 3i International), Vitaliy (Tier II Support, 3i International), Marco (Account Manager, 3i International), and Robert (Customer Service, 3i International).
Dean was the key person for the whole network project. I worked with Robert on the phones and another point person on the copiers and other equipment. Mark (CEO & Co-Founder, 3i International) and Chris (COO & Co-Founder, 3i International) also participated.
How did you come to work with 3i International?
We had purchased computers and laptops from their company before, and we had a good experience with them. I also knew of a company they worked for in the oil and gas industry. So, we had a very solid personal referral. I spoke with Mark because I knew they could perform a network security audit and a HIPAA audit.
How much have you invested with them?
We invested $90,000 to $100,000 per year for the three-year contract.
What is the status of this engagement?
We signed the contracts in April 2019, and we’re still working with them now.
3i Internationals’ urgent, accommodating approach reassured stakeholders during a trying process. They led efforts to regain control of clients’ network and Office365 account from their prior vendor and implemented a new phone system. Their clear directions and depth of expertise were integral.