Reliability and Performance
Getting the fundamentals right.
Net Therapy's Solution
1. Introduce a dedicated, highly specified server that is robust, and reliable. It would run Windows Server 2003 NHS license (discounted) or Windows Server 2003 SBS. We would create a proper Windows domain, and connect all machines to it - thus improving stability, better manageability, and security. We would create individual staff accounts on the network, to allow for private, confidential areas, and ensuring that all staff data, from documents to emails, music or favourites, are backed up to the server. "Roaming" accounts can be created so that staff can log on to any machine, and see all their own documents, emails and other preferences.
2. All machines would be Internet connected, though an industrial firewall. All machines could therefore receive their Windows updates, have Internet access if required, and can be configured to allow fast, secure remote assistance across broadband from the hardware and software support staff. If required, staff can be prevented from accessing web-sites, by machine or by login. Server managed anti-virus would be installed, which pushes out updates to the clients, and enforces the security policy of regular scans. Dialup modems would be completely removed - they are hopeless for remote access, being slow and unreliable, Internet access is via broadband, and transmissions to the DBP can now be done via broadband as well.
3. All client machines would be standardised, and brought up to date, scanned for any existing viruses, and would be physically checked out, and have RAM updates if necessary.
4. The x-ray and surgery machines that are used for digital imaging, would be reconfigured so that all data is held on the server, where it is included in the backup schedule.
5. We would introduce new, industrial specification backup software, create a pool of at least 10 tapes, spanning 2 weeks, and create schedules so that the backups occur automatically, out of hours. Using software that backs up data even if files are open, we would ensure that backups are successful, even if someone leaves a workstation logged in to the practice management software. We would configure advanced verification and notification features, so that Net Therapy are able to monitor the daily backup, and investigate any failed occurrences.
6. We would recommend the purchase and configuration of a spare client machine, ideally a laptop, as these can be pressed into service quickly and easily. This would have all the network applications installed, so that it could stand in for any of the client machines, should they fail.
7. We would recommend the replacement of the inkjet printer, which is slow, and has cartridges that run out every few days. We would recommend a fast and robust network capable colour laser printer, to which all the machines are able to print.
8. We would replace the current 10/100 mbps hub, with a smarter and faster gigabit switch, and upgrade all the client machines and server to gigabit networking. For a modest outlay, this upgrade ensures that the network bandwidth is no bottleneck, and will result in better performance of the practice management, and other software.
9. As a mixed private/NHS practice, we can roll out Office 2007 Enterprise version at no cost throughout the network. This is the full version of Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Publisher and Access.
10. We would enable remote backup and monitoring from the Net Therapy network, which enables us to take nightly snapshots of the critical data on the server, and allows us to remotely monitor the server and network 24x7x365, so we know if any critical components are stressed or failing.
With the fundamentals in place, the network will be hugely more reliable and resilient, and the users will appreciate the stability and performance, as well as the newer features. Furthermore, it can be more easily maintained and managed, as all the data is held centrally, and all the client machines are standardised.