The Challenge
When the CPAs at Macdonald Page & Co needed help maintaining their state-of-the art "portable" Compaq computers in 1987 they turned to Systems Engineering to keep them moving. Since then, "MacPage" has grown, and the technology needs required to support Maine's third largest accounting firm have grown right along with them. At the same time, the software and systems have evolved significantly in capacity, sophistication and complexity. With more than 75 employees in MacPage's South Portland and Augusta offices, the firm needed to improve network security and provide remote access to client data to teams in the field. For MacPage's busy CPA firm, downtime was is not an option.
The Solution
Macdonald Page & Co LLC utilizes Systems Engineering expertise that combines high-end computing and IT systems design with vertical applications experience. Systems Engineering's unique, business-centric perspective of the professional accounting marketplace was employed to help grow MacPage's operational capacity. Working in virtual partnership with MacPage, Systems built a robust and stable IT system capable of supporting their strategic business goals and objectives. In addition to implementing a 10-server (T1-based) network with remote access, System's provides a full range of IT managed solutions. This support includes 24/7 network monitoring, systems security, software licensing, server and workstation patches, OS updates and hardware maintenance.
Results
Whether they are working in a client's office or preparing for a meeting from a hotel room, MacPage accounting teams now have complete remote access from the field. Taking the relationship one step further, MacPage recently decided to outsource technical support through Systems Engineering. The accounting firm believes that Systems Engineering offers more than technical and CIO-level consulting; in their opinion, they provide "peace of mind." And while both companies have grown significantly over the past 20 years, Macdonald Page continues to rely on Systems Engineering to keep them ahead of IT.
"We had a thunderstorm hit us on a Friday night. It blew out all our outlets and took out our entire network. Systems Engineering came in that night and worked through the weekend. They had everything back up and running before everyone came in on Monday morning. That's why I say Systems Engineering gives you peace of mind."
— Ralph Hendrix, COO of Macdonald Page & Co.
"We rely on technology 24/7 to be competitive in our marketplace. Years ago, I could give somebody a 13-column pad and a pencil and a calculator, and they were up and running. Those days are long gone. The importance of technology to my business on a 1-to-10 scale is a 10."
— Ralph Hendrix, COO or Macdonald Page & Co.