Feature Overview

The Standard Platform is a core infrastructure services product designed for stability and ease of deployment.
Standard Platform runs on Microsoft Windows 2003 & XP

Our normal installation has two servers. If one fails your entire company isn't affected. Our other resilience features include:

• We replicate user files between servers
• We can provide redundant (two) Internet connections
• We can support multiple physical networks
• Some enhanced resilience features require additional software licenses e.g. fully redundant email requires two Microsoft Exchange licenses (one per server).

Technology Overview:

Network

We can usually install Standard Platform on your existing network infrastructure.
Alternatively we can supply you with a new resilient network (effectively two networks with our servers plugged into each).
If physical wiring is a problem in your building, we can also configure and install Standard Platform to take advantage of a wireless network.

Standard Build

The most stable installations are when your existing desktops (and laptops) are re-built to a full Standard Platform specification.
You can choose to take this additional service at a later date.

Existing Desktop Installations

We can also work with your existing desktop configurations. We simply re-point them at the Standard Platform servers to take advantage of the new features.
Heterogeneous Desktops
Having a standardised environment does not mean that all the desktops and hardware have to be exactly the same make and model.
Standard Platform can support a wide variety of desktops and laptops although the most stable installations require that the underlying hardware be on the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List. Laptop Support
Standard Platform also supports laptops whether they are used internally on the network or dialled in via a modem using a secure virtual private network.

Printers

The Standard Platform provides support for printer management whether they're attached to servers or directly connected to the network. Server Hardware
We will work with you to determine the server configuration appropriate for your organisation. Usually, we would supply SMEs with the Standard Platform on 'office environment' servers from either Dell or Compaq. Other server configurations are also available.
For reliability, the Standard Platform servers we specify are on the Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). Internet Access
We install a private network between the Standard Platform servers to allow them to communicate and replicate data without impacting the performance of your existing client network.

Hardware Specifications

Servers

We can work with most hardware configurations but our preferred server platform is Compaq or Dell. We do, however, insist on using 'server' class machines (rather than desktop PCs) that are on the Microsoft Windows 2003 Hardware Compatibility list (HCL) for core Standard Platform services. We regard this as the most cost-effective, resilient solution.
Server hardware specifications can be extended (if required) to include features such as on-board redundant power supplies for the ultimate in reliability.
The servers can also be presented on uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for extra resilience in the event of a power failure.

Desktop & Laptop

The most effective route to a stable and reliable system is to re-build all of your desktops and laptops with a Standard Platform standard build with all of your applications having been pre-packaged. You can choose to take this value added service at a later date.
By default, we will work with your existing client configurations for the installation of Standard Platform.
We will also install a fully re-built desktop (or laptop) so that you can determine whether any problems you experience also occur on your Standard Platform desktop.
Support for Standard Platform on desktops is on a 'best-efforts' basis if the underlying hardware is not on the Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). Our Installation Survey process can determine the suitability of your equipment. Software installation is performed with Microsoft Installer.

Anti-Virus Defences

Perimeter and online anti-virus defences are available to prevent virus attacks against your servers, desktops and laptops.