Agility Network Services, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior VP of a fire safety consulting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Agility Network Services, Inc.?

We needed help with IT consulting and managed services. Our goal was to ensure we had the best technology suited for our business and was cost-effective.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Agility Network Services, Inc. provides us with managed IT and consulting services, helping us with day-to-day problems with computers and technology. Initially, the team evaluated our current arrangement and helped us purchase hardware and our first server. The team has also helped us purchase and manage Adobe software.

Agility Network Services, Inc. has also assisted us with moving our equipment from three different locations and converted a handful of new server updates for us. Additionally, the team helps us with cybersecurity. They've implemented a proof point, which is an email filtering system that allows us to quarantine messages that may be suspicious.

Agility Network Services, Inc. comes to our site once every two weeks to help with any issues we have. 

What is the team composition?

We currently have one primary teammate assigned to our account, but we deal with several employees from Agility Network Services, Inc. through the help desk service. One of their executives, Shahnul, has been involved in some of our projects in the past and in introductory meetings when we get a new teammate assigned to us.

How did you come to work with Agility Network Services, Inc.?

We found them through a referral. The team's experience and price were major factors in our decision. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spend about $3,000 a month.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in the spring of 2012, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Agility Network Services, Inc. has helped us achieve our goals. One of the major things they’ve helped us with is prolonging the life of the equipment we have on-site. The team has been able to perform the necessary maintenance activities and troubleshoot any problems. They can also repair equipment as needed. 

Overall, Agility Network Services, Inc. has helped us save money. We've been happy with our relationship for a long time.

How did Agility Network Services, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

Agility Network Services, Inc. communicates very well with us, and the projects have been completed within the expected timeframe. We have a ticket process for any problems, and they’re available by email and phone.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team's knowledge of our systems is one of their best assets. Every teammate is knowledgeable and willing to help. When we communicate with them, we feel like the team's top priority.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Agility Network Services, Inc. put together a seminar for us, and we weren’t impressed with the quality; it was general and basic information. We weren’t familiar with the person who did the presentation, and he wasn’t that familiar with our company either.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take advantage of their services, and don’t hesitate to contact the team if any issues arise or if you have any questions about anything IT-related.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the IT Analyst of Beacon Fasteners and Components, Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a supplier of quality driven high performance screws.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Agility Network Services, Inc. to accomplish?

• Upgrade firewalls that were approaching EOL
• Update and streamline Office 365 licensing

SOLUTION

How did you find Agility Network Services, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Agility Network Services, Inc. over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Agility Network Services, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Agility to work on consolidating current and expiring Microsoft licensing for Beacon. Switching to annual licenses to lock-in current rates and reduce cost. Drop licenses that are no longer needed. License management will also be made easier with fewer types and fewer invoices.

Agility also recommend and ordered new firewall equipment for Beacon. To be installed in place of current equipment which is reaching EOL. Keeps Beacon's firewall security up-to-date. Handles increased throughput resulting from recent ISP service upgrade.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Cost savings. Better network security and performance. Easier license management.

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

Very easy to work with and gave us ample time before certain deadlines and expiry dates to make a decision on the best path forward for Beacon. Explained different options and provided suggestions based on Beacon users' needs.  Projects were completed on-time or otherwise communicated promptly to Beacon.

What was your primary form of communication with Agility Network Services, Inc.?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I appreciate their candidness regarding the needs of a small business. They understand the expense factors that small businesses face. Their help desk is also top-notch.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Agility Network Services, Inc. could have done differently?

More upfront notice of overage accumulation before they are incurred could help us manage our use of their services better.