Nominee: EPIC Information Solutions from Winnipeg, Manitoba
Describe the solution, service or initiative
EPIC has engineered a solution allowing an SMB client to operate all of their servers in the cloud. In addition, the client is connected to their services in the cloud as well, via a dedicated VPN tunnel. The servers are managed by the SMB team, allowing for the addition of new features such as RA VPN, terminal services and more. The firewall in the cloud is shared for multiple clients, but we have implemented security policies to ensure that client A’s servers cannot have access to, or even see, Client B’s servers. This solution offered a simple, cost-effective and hassle-free experience for the end client.
What makes it original or innovative?
In this solution, the domain controller is in the cloud. This is not a common practice, but is an excellent option in today’s cloud-based industry. Having the domain controller in the cloud is simple, cost-effective and allows greater flexibility overall. The service itself is secure and easy to provision, and the only equipment required at the client site is the VPN capable device.
Describe the improvement this solution made to the customer’s sales or revenues and provide measurable evidence of such.
This cloud-based solution is more cost effective than in house domain controller/terminal services, and even more cost effective than implementing a domain controller/terminal elsewhere in the cloud. Further cost savings were made due to the fact that our solution required no need for IT staff, physical or virtual services in house. Our solution improved business continuity by ensuring secure transport. Providing the service in the cloud also allows for a quick turnaround time. Overall, these improvements increased the client’s costs by 40%.
Describe the improvement that was made to the customers efficiency, with measurable evidence.
This solution provided quick turnaround time on services, high availability in the cloud, lesser downtime and no maintenance required from the client side, drastically increasing overall efficiency. This cloud-based solution is more cost effective than in house domain controller/terminal services, and even more cost effective than implementing a domain controller/terminal elsewhere in the cloud. • Requires no IT staff in house. • Ensures secure transport. • Providing the service in the cloud allows for a quick turnaround time.
How did the solution improve the customer’s ability to serve internal or external clients?
Additional services/servers required for the end client can be added very quickly, allowing for flexibility and scalability which greatly enhance the value and long-term effectiveness of the clients’ infrastructure. Because physical location is not an issue office moves or other disruptions do not affect productivity or client interactions.
In what ways does the solution go above and beyond industry expectations?
Our solution surpasses expectation by providing a massive reduction in Turn Around Time for spinning up the service. Implementing the servers in the cloud reduced physical maintenance needs and increased flexibility, both of which contribute to this drastic reduction in Turn Around Time. The flexibility of this solution also allowed for greater service/server agility.
How does the solution further your customer’s green or environmentally friendly plans?
Since no dedicated servers are required, virtually no power is needed to sustain the solution. No physical space is required either, so there is very little office space required and absolutely no waste is produced at all. This solution is 100% sustainable, with no impact on the environment.
Find out who the big winners are on Sept. 11 when CDN presents them at the CEA Awards Gala.
Learn more about CDN’s Channel Elite Awards 2013
