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Developing a Virtual Private Network
                                                                                          by Karen Anderson

Small to medium sized nonprofit businesses face unique challenges that often hinder their efficient functioning as well-tuned organizations. There are budget and staff limitations, often the need for a small staff to function in a variety of locations and job assignments, employees with minimal training in technology, and very limited availability of IT personnel. These situations translate into poor communication, lost time, lost dollars, and lost efficiency as a nonprofit — the very problems that can mean the demise of such an agency. The other factor to remember is that, though they are non-profits by nature, these organizations still face bottom line issues of profit and loss, just like any other business.

One such organization facing these serious issues contacted Meritel Group, a regional Information and Technology Implementation and Support firm, offering support services to small, medium and corporate enterprises. In a high tech world, this low-tech, non-profit business needed a boost. Focusing on the client's business objectives, it was then that a Virtual Private Network solution was designed, planned and implemented within a short time frame.

With a main office and eight remote sites, this organization now finds itself able to communicate more effectively, better utilize staff time, and accomplish their tasks more smoothly and easily. The employees at the remote sites now work with real time data where records are updated instantly. Software update services, anti-virus protection, and intrusion detection services implemented in this Virtual Private Network provide the business with peace of mind and assurance measures to keep its network safe. Data integrity and backup solutions maintain the integrity of its information around the clock.

On the IT side, with the Virtual Private Network in place, there is now much less travel time for the IT personnel between offices. The IT personnel can manage servers and work stations from the convenience of one main location. With a Windows Active Directory Environment, the Virtual Private Network allows for seamless management of users, computers, data, networked equipment and peripherals.

This agency is pleased to find an almost immediate return on its investment. It is already realizing a savings in overhead costs, seeing a marked increase in the productivity and satisfaction of its employees, and is incurring support costs that are reasonable and manageable. Better use of company time now means better results for the organization. A Virtual Private Network became the single solution to a myriad of problems and issues faced by a growing business.

Find out more about our services by contacting Meritel Group at (877) 265-6578 or send an email to info@meritelgroup.org.