The FPA Network Services Group (NSG) specializes in assisting small and medium-sized businesses in getting the most from their computer systems and computer system infrastructure.  We act as the Information Technology (IT) Department for companies who have chosen to outsource this function.   

We follow a four step methodology in delivering these services to our clients:

1. Infrastructure Planning & Goal Setting 
   (aka "What are we trying to do?")
   
2. Infrastructure Upgrading
   (aka "Getting up to Speed")
   
3. Ongoing Maintenance & Support
   (aka "Fix it / Make it work better / Help Desk")
   
4. Periodic Updating, Upgrading & Planning
   (aka "Growth Management")

1.  Infrastructure Planning & Goal Setting (What are we trying to do?)

In the initial phase, FPA Consultants meet with client management and establish key requirements for systems. During this process, we perform the following:

• Meet with key client management and staff to review system status
• Inventory and document all computer hardware and software
• Determine software licensing status
• Establish desktop and system "standards" for the organization
• Evaluate existing security and disaster recovery status
• Document critical applications, key business requirements, and historical problems or system shortcomings

2. Infrastructure Upgrading (aka "Getting up to Speed")

In this phase, we implement recommendations made in Phase I.  The services provided may include the following:

• Upgrade or replace servers and workstations
• "revamp" systems to meet "standards"
• Install and configure new software
• Reconfigure existing software
• Provide procedural improvements to systems
• Implement more consistent security applications
• Streamline internet access, etc.

3.  Ongoing Maintenance & Support (Fix it / Make it work better / Help Desk)

The third phase is the long-term relationship we develop by providing the day to day, month to month support. The services provided during this phase include the following:

• On-site, email, fax, telephone, and remote modem or internet-based support
• Server support, desktop hardware support, desktop software support, network and peripheral support, etc.
• Installation and configuration of all software, hardware, printers, scanners, modems, routers, and other peripherals
• Training in a variety of software and hardware products

Network Support "The FPA Way" also includes:

• Complete network documentation including:
  • Client Registration Notebook
  • Client Network Notebook
  • Client Procedures Notebook
    
• Proactive FPA ePartner network monitoring including:
  • helpdesk emails to FPA
  • automatic backup emails to FPA
  • automatic anti-virus emails to FPA
  • automatic firewall emails to FPA
  • automatic UPS emails to FPA
    
• The FPA Monthly Technology Update email sent to clients to help keep abreast of current market trends, tips and tricks, and recent bug alerts

4.  Periodic Updating, Upgrading & Planning (Growth Management)

The fourth phase is an outgrowth of the ongoing relationship we develop based on the work performed in the third phase.  During this phase, the following consulting services are performed:

• Meetings with key client staff on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis (depending on the needs of the client)
• Review changing or growing business requirements
• Provide and receive feedback as to how various systems
  are operating
• Provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of systems in the organization
• Review FPA's performance at meeting (or exceeding) client requirements
• Listen...