Red Key Solutions

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of finance at a holding company for rural telephone providers. We operate in 10 states west of Mississippi.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Key Solutions?

We needed to bring someone in to help us transition from our previous system, which was old and unstable. Since upgrading our system, Red Key Solutions has worked to keep us current on the technical front.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

Red Key Solutions upgraded our corporate servers to reduce downtime. Our servers act as the nerve center of our organization. While out in the field, our employees can log in to our system to update information and access current data. It’s mostly financial information but there are also operational statistics.

Red Key Solutions’ team worked to stabilize our system by updating and standardizing our equipment throughout our locations. Together, we managed the system transition on a day-to-day basis, and they continue to support and maintain our servers.

The team now provides IT support, recommending tools that allow us to function better. They’ve just implemented Microsoft Teams for us.

What is the team composition? 

I deal with anywhere from 5–7 team members based on what I’m trying to do. For example, if I’m looking at new software, I’ll talk to the owner and sales lead. They also have project engineers, hardware resources, and more. All in all, they’re all helpful and conscious of time commitments.

How did you come to work with Red Key Solutions?

We talked to seven local providers, narrowing our list down based on their knowledge and services. Red Key Solutions beat out some of their competitors with their proposal, and, in the end, they actually did what they said they would do.

How much have you invested with them?

Over the course of the project, we’ve invested approximately $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2016 and are still going strong.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Red Key Solutions moved us to a stable platform with no downtime and improved processing speed. It’s great! I don’t get any support calls anymore, and my team is getting their work done. If there ever is an issue, they’re quick to jump on it. And, they communicate when they can’t resolve something quickly, which is equally important.

How did Red Key Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

They have a proactive approach to review our technology every few months, including our hardware, software, and security system. Sometimes, their audit will result in a project. In those cases, they always come in on time and on budget.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve got nothing but good things to say about them. They’re great at communication.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing jumps out at me.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Follow their lead when detailing the project. When I first started working with them, I tried to direct some areas before quickly realizing that their team was more knowledgeable. That’s when I let them take the lead, and they started to lay out the projects. Since then, they’ve consistently met their timelines and budgets, communicating any issues upfront along with solutions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a Construction Company within both the Commercial and Residential spaces. I am their Controller. I also act as the Point of Contact for Red Key.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Red Key Solutions?

Evolution of our existing IT infrastructure.

What were your goals for this project?

Evolving our infrastructure from our Desktops to our Server stack and everything in between.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Referenced by another Vendor.

Describe the project in detail.

- upgrade of desktops - upgrade of server stack - upgrade of security stack - upgrade of our Line of Business Apps

What was the team composition?

We are in constant contact with both their Project Team and their Service Team. For Projects, we deal with their Project Manager and all projects are thoroughly discuss ahead of execution. For Service, we contact their Service Manager who then assigns the appropriate Engineer to help resolve the technical issue.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

My day to day has become much more efficient. I get more done without all of the technical headaches I used to experience before.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their communication is great. It's nice to get a friendly, knowledgeable person on the other line. I always feel as if they are trying to resolve the issue as if they are experiencing it as well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Jason, their Service Manager is great. There is great communication between our staff and theirs. They are quick, efficient, and provide a premium experience in usually otherwise stressful situations.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of any at this time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a construction company that specializes in site development, in addition to road, bridge, and heavy highway construction. As the office manager, I oversee all office operations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Red Key Solutions?

Before working with Red Key Solutions, our network was managed by a small local IT provider. We were constantly experiencing network downtime, mostly due to issues with the main server. Our company was expanding fast, and we needed a more advanced IT company that could support our growth.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Red Key Solutions was brought in to modernize our entire network system, with the goal of creating a solid foundation for growth within our company. They spent the first week completing onboarding tasks, which included the installation of a new server, a new firewall and a new wireless system.

Another high-priority item was migrating our email into a business class cloud. Since the main server was extremely vulnerable to viruses and had a high risk of crashing, they also installed new antivirus software and a backup server. They continue to make recommendations to improve our efficiency.

What is the team composition?

They assigned an IT director to work on our account exclusively, but we also interacted with their president and their network director.

How did you come to work with Red Key Solutions?

We spent weeks searching for an IT company online before narrowing our list down to three providers. After meeting each company, we found Red Key Solutions to be the most impressive. They were confident in their work, honest about their abilities, and they had amazing references to back up their experience.

What is the status of this engagement?

They became our IT provider in May 2015.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We immediately noticed a difference in performance. Our network ran much smoother, our internet speeds were faster, and downtime was no longer an issue. With the introduction of cloud-based email, we’re now able to access our inbox from any device and location.

How did Red Key Solutions perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication is arguably their greatest strength. They were transparent about the timeline and what to expect, which made the onboarding process organized and straightforward. The IT director responded to all of our needs and questions without difficulty, but we also had access to their helpdesk. Overall, Red Key Solutions was an excellent partner. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Red Key Solutions is always looking out for our best interest. While most companies make recommendations based on a sale’s perspective, Red Key Solutions only offers solutions that are relevant to our goals and challenges. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

We couldn’t ask for better service.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Director of operations of an insurance company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Insurance

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Red Key Solutions to accomplish?

• Leads

SOLUTION

How did you find Red Key Solutions?

Referral

Why did you select Red Key Solutions over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Red Key Solutions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Fantastic customer service 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As needed

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

Yes

What was your primary form of communication with Red Key Solutions?

Virtual Meeting

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

Red Key Solutions gives us the best service

Are there any areas for improvement or something Red Key Solutions could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Operations Manager of a defense law firm

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Insurance defense law firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Red Key Solutions to accomplish?

• Provide IT expertise to employees
• Ensure we have cyber security measures in place

SOLUTION

How did you find Red Key Solutions?

Referral

Why did you select Red Key Solutions over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Red Key Solutions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Set up cloud based network managmenet

IT help desk

hardware/software management

Cyber security compliance management

Microsoft management

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our implementation went smoothly and on time

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

The team was great at follow up and kept the project on our timeline.

They were able to flex when needed to adapt the implementation to fit our needs

What was your primary form of communication with Red Key Solutions?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The employees and leadership are authentic and always make me feel like they are an extension of our law firm.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Red Key Solutions could have done differently?

nothing substantive

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a Manufacturer of utility industry products. I am a Senior vice President

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Red Key Solutions?

we Hired Red Key Solutions to manage our growing IT needs

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to effectively manage our IT needs

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose Red Key Solutions for their expertise and flexible approach

Describe the project in detail.

Ongoing management of our IT needs

What was the team composition?

Red Key uses all the resources of their team

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Red Key has done an amazing job of taking control of all or our complex needs

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We work with Red Key seamlessly and effectively.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Red Key is extremely responsive and understanding of our specific needs

Are there any areas for improvement?

Red Key is always looking at ways to make their services even better