Consulting Services | (888) 899-8060

Consulting Services

RYCOMM provides a full range of local and wide area networking services to assist in all phases of network design and implementation.

• Needs analysis
• Evaluation of existing systems
• Network technology recommendations
• RFP preparation, and assistance in selecting hardware vendors
• Project management during implementation

• Cat 5 wiring installation and certification services
• Selection of wide-area technologies and negotiation with vendors
• Testing and systems rollout and documentation
• Training and network management services
• Evaluating proper uses of Internet technologies

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Business Services

Automation

We are available to serve as a general tool for a client's IT department. You can bring us in as a team member for any specific phase of implementation, or you could spin the entire project off to us and have us take care of everything. We'll simply report back to you as we go. We are very effective serving as the "general liaison" on complex technical projects involving many vendors and internal departments. We will watch for the details that need to pass between the internet provider, the telephone company, the hardware vendors and the server or application consultants. We are often considered to be "the team player that keeps the team playing."

Do you have more than one computer that you want networked? A network allows your computers to share files, a printer, and an internet connection. Even better, a wireless network is now the most common way to connect all of the computers in your home or office, without the mess of all those wires.

Network Troubleshooting: RYCOMM specializes in a full range of network troubleshooting services. Our troubleshooting methodology starts by focusing on network and data link level services, regardless of platform or network operating system. We start by confirming the integrity, health and behavior of the network itself, including devices such as switches, bridges, hubs and routers. We employ all of the modern tools and techniques ranging from category 5 cable certification to SNMP collection and protocol analysis.

Our network engineers will isolate and identify the problem and then work with your internal staff, vendors and manufacturers to ensure the fastest and most economical resolution. We provide full reporting and documentation to backup our theories and test results. If the problem appears to be caused by a particular device on your network, we can often provide loaner equipment during the testing to prove or disprove the device's role in the problem. We will then work with the manufacturer to backup our findings and identify responsibility and an appropriate course of action. If the problem turns out to be a network design, usage, or workflow issue, we will work with your network support staff to propose the necessary changes to bring the network back to the service level that you need.

When the problem has been resolved, we will look at the network management and monitoring systems in place and if necessary, suggest improvements. Our goal would be to have the systems in place to either avoid network problems, or at least provide an early warning system to alert you of a possible problem before it results in downtime.

Step 1: Problem definition

Step 2: Identifying the source of the problem

Step 3: Problem resolution

Step 4: Testing to ensure stability of the solution

Step 5: Ongoing management & monitoring
Network Analysis: RYCOMM brings the term "network analysis" to a new level. Driven by the needs of providing network consulting services to hundreds of clients covering tens of thousands of nodes, we have developed the systems, procedures and tools to help provide answers to questions like:

• Should I consider 100mbps or gigabit Ethernet?
• What would be the best use of high speed switches & bridges?
• Am I getting the best use out of my WAN connections?
• How can I get a breakdown of WAN or backbone traffic graphed by groups of remote users for particular services or protocol?
• How can I get a comprehensive report detailing the behavior & health of my network?
• I want to see all of this data graphed over time, in sixty-second plot points over the course of a week.
• Can you identify threshold levels for each of my key devices and put a data marker on the graphs that shows when each threshold is approached?
• Can you group devices by logical or physical address, and summarize and compare traffic patterns by group and between groups, plotted over time?

By shedding light on the behavior and usage patterns of your network, we enable you to make more informed decisions when purchasing network gear and services — rather than just throwing money and bandwidth at a problem, hoping that conditions will improve. We try to take the guesswork out of the equation by providing interpretation based on statistics and facts, not assumptions, marketing materials or theories of vendors who often have a very limited understanding of the technologies involved.
Network Documentation & Reporting: NETWORK DOCUMENTATION

From a network management & troubleshooting perspective, one of your most valuable tools is up to date network documentation. RYCOMM can help by providing complete logical and physical documentation services. We start with physical blueprints showing cable locations for voice and data systems. There should be a universal labeling system used consistently throughout the cable plant, each wall jack should be labeled as to it's closet location, rack and panel number. From there the physical documentation should continue on to diagram the wiring and server equipment racks. Each device and every connection should be identified, labeled and documented. All desktop equipment should be inventoried and entered into an asset management system, identifying all equipment characteristics as well as office location, user and wall jack designations. Once the physical documentation is complete, we will assist you in preparing the logical diagrams. These diagrams will show the logical connections between devices that make up your networking environment, including routing, addressing & circuit information. All configuration files for routers, remote access servers, backup systems and servers should be documented and backed-up.

Although it may seem to be a daunting task if you are starting with no documentation at all, when finished it will prove to be an invaluable resource for your disaster recovery plans, as well as your network troubleshooting and management teams.

USAGE REPORTS

Usage reports can help provide a view into which users are using your corporate network resources - and when. RYCOMM can help put a plan in place as part of your network management system that will identify procedures and systems for collecting and compiling pertinent information on a monthly basis. The information will be gathered from statistics collected by your managed hubs, switches and log files from remote access servers, file, print and email servers.

RYCOMM can help design a system for processing these log files into a searchable database to track usage patterns and spot unusual user activity. By implementing a custom, automated log processing system, the network manager will only have to copy the log files to a specified server directory. Once there, this log file will be automatically batch processed into the usage database, where the logs will be cross referenced and compiled for automatic usage report generation. The database can automatically scan the data to spot unusual activity based on device and user history, or based on predetermined activity pattern thresholds that you would enter.
Network Monitoring: RYCOMM offers a complete line of remote network monitoring and support services. If you already have network management systems in place, but could use help configuring the systems or interpreting the statistics and reports that they generate, RYCOMM can help. If you do not have any network management systems in place, we can provide the necessary software and hardware components as part of our monthly service, for the most cost effective solution possible. We can configure management systems to send an alert to the RYCOMM Network Operations Center via fax, pager, direct dial up or email. These alerts can range from key network devices disappearing from the network, to threshold triggers for network errors, broadcast storms or routing problems. A RYCOMM Network Engineer can then connect to your network via dial-up, ISDN or a secure tunnel via the internet to assess the situation and begin the problem escalation process.

In addition to remote troubleshooting and protocol analysis services, we can prepare monthly reports showing network usage trends and patterns. These proactive monthly reports serve as an early warning system for network bandwidth and congestion problems. The reports are custom designed to fit your requirements and can be as brief or as verbose as you would like. They are designed to be put into a binder separated by month, with a quarterly summary outlining changes in network usage and performance. This monthly compilation can prove invaluable when planning network upgrades or changes. By having baseline and trend information, compiled over the course of several months time, you are more prepared to make decisions regarding the long-term implication of any particular network upgrade or change that you may be considering.

A remote monitoring contract from RYCOMM offers the quickest response from a qualified network engineer at the lowest cost possible. In conjunction with an onsite contract, we can dispatch a network engineer to provide loaner equipment or to perform any tests or repairs that may be needed onsite.
Network Management: The key to maintaining an efficient network communications system and to minimize downtime lies in the implementation and the use of intelligent network management and monitoring systems.

RYCOMM can help you implement network management systems from the ground up. We start by compiling complete network documentation including baseline usage patterns, problem escalation procedures and disaster recovery planning. We then help assess the level of network management functions that are needed for your organization. From basic network monitoring tools to alert you if a device disappears from the network, to complete SNMP & RMON consoles with VLAN and database integration for asset management

If you are using management tools and technologies that are three or four years old, or not using any at all, it is time to consider the advantages of some of the modern tools and techniques available today. RYCOMM can assist you in determining the management capabilities of your existing equipment and matching it up with management tools and monitoring systems to take full advantage of what is already installed. If more advanced management is required, we can help evaluate and implement new products and systems to meet those needs. Once the products and systems are in place we can then provide configuration and training services to help get it all on track as quickly as possible. We can provide on site or remote monitoring of these systems for you, providing proactive interpretation of status and trigger conditions, as well as remote troubleshooting on demand. We will prepare a short summary of the health of the network systems on a monthly basis to alert you of any dangerous trends or behavior on the network.
Wireless Networking: The key to maintaining an efficient network communications system and to minimize downtime lies in the implementation and the use of intelligent network management and monitoring systems.

RYCOMM can help you implement network management systems from the ground up. We start by compiling complete network documentation including baseline usage patterns, problem escalation procedures and disaster recovery planning. We then help assess the level of network management functions that are needed for your organization. From basic network monitoring tools to alert you if a device disappears from the network, to complete SNMP & RMON consoles with VLAN and database integration for asset management

If you are using management tools and technologies that are three or four years old, or not using any at all, it is time to consider the advantages of some of the modern tools and techniques available today. RYCOMM can assist you in determining the management capabilities of your existing equipment and matching it up with management tools and monitoring systems to take full advantage of what is already installed. If more advanced management is required, we can help evaluate and implement new products and systems to meet those needs. Once the products and systems are in place we can then provide configuration and training services to help get it all on track as quickly as possible. We can provide on site or remote monitoring of these systems for you, providing proactive interpretation of status and trigger conditions, as well as remote troubleshooting on demand. We will prepare a short summary of the health of the network systems on a monthly basis to alert you of any dangerous trends or behavior on the network.

WLAN provides continuous, cable free access to your network, e-mail, and the Internet throughout the workplace. Onsite work teams, like consultants, can create temporary peer-to-peer (ad hoc) networks for high efficiency collaboration and document sharing.
Firewalls and Security: One way to protect your computer is to install a firewall, which keeps intruders from sneaking into your computer and accessing your private data. Protect yourself and your family ... with help from RYCOMM.

Connecting your business to the Internet promises many benefits: near-instant communication with clients and vendors nationally and internationally, access to immense information resources, the ability to offer access to internal data systems regardless of machine type and even an inexpensive alternative to wide area network links.

Unfortunately, adding access to the Internet also opens you to risks from the outside world. Emerging technologies such as Java only add to the confusion, making the job of protecting your data even more difficult.

RYCOMM can has the knowledge and expertise to help you provide complete access for your users and clients without jeopardizing the information systems critical to your organization's success. We offer strategies to quantify your risk, create network security policies and protect your assets.

From the most basic screening routers, to ultra-secure Internet Firewalls, we'll show you how to minimize the risk and limit your exposure to these often malicious attacks. If you haven't given any thought to this vulnerable area of your networked systems, now is the time you should.

If you have been using the Internet for any length of time, and especially if you work at a larger company and browse the Web while you are at work, you have probably heard the term firewall used. For example, you often hear people in companies say things like, "I can't use that site because they won't let it through the firewall."

If you have a fast Internet connection into your home (cable modem), you may have found yourself hearing about firewalls for your home network as well. It turns out that a small home network has many of the same security issues that a large corporate network does. You can use a firewall to protect your home network and family from offensive Web sites and potential hackers.

Basically, a firewall is a barrier to keep destructive forces away from your property. In fact, that's why its called a firewall. Its job is similar to a physical firewall that keeps a fire from spreading from one area to the next. As you read through this article, you will learn more about firewalls, how they work and what kinds of threats they can protect you from.

REMOTE ACCESS

RYCOMM can help you implement systems and technologies to communicate with your remote workforce from across town or across the globe. Utilizing the latest communications technologies and products, we can assists with the planning & implementation.

RYCOMM can assist with all phases of planning and implementation including:

Needs analysis
Security concerns and issues
Comparison and selection of technologies and products
Negotiation and interaction with the telephone company and long distance carriers
Installation & testing of communications server & equipment
User training and orientation
Creation of "remote user manual" of procedures & policies
Ongoing monitoring & support

SECURITY AUDITS

RYCOMM specializes in a full range of network troubleshooting services. Our troubleshooting methodology starts by focusing on network and data link level services, regardless of platform or network operating system. We start by confirming the integrity, health and behavior of the network itself, including devices such as switches, bridges, hubs and routers. We employ all of the modern tools and techniques ranging from category 5 cable certification to SNMP collection and protocol analysis.

Our network engineers will isolate and identify the problem and then work with your internal staff, vendors and manufacturers to ensure the fastest and most economical resolution. We provide full reporting and documentation to backup our theories and test results. If the problem appears to be caused by a particular device on your network, we can often provide loaner equipment during the testing to prove or disprove the device's role in the problem. We will then work with the manufacturer to backup our findings and identify responsibility and an appropriate course of action. If the problem turns out to be a network design, usage, or workflow issue, we will work with your network support staff to propose the necessary changes to bring the network back to the service level that you need.

When the problem has been resolved, we will look at the network management and monitoring systems in place and if necessary, suggest improvements. Our goal would be to have the systems in place to either avoid network problems, or at least provide an early warning system to alert you of a possible problem before it results in downtime.

Step 1: Problem definition
Step 2: Identifying the source of problem
Step 3: Problem resolution
Step 4: Testing to ensure stability of solution
Step 5: Ongoing management & monitoring
Internet and Intranet: Maybe you're considering how to use the Internet as an effective tool for your business. Maybe you've already decided what you want, and just need a helping hand to take you there. Either way, RYCOMM offers expert assistance to ensure successful deployment of Internet based services for virtually any business or educational environment.

We use a practical, step-by-step approach to demystify and help you better understand what "the Net" has to offer. Presenting this knowledge to our clients, they're better prepared to take full advantage of its capabilities. Better decisions requires better (or more) information, and that's what we provide.

Through management interviews, technology assessments, and projected usage reports, we'll recommend a solution perfectly suited for your business needs. With our team based approach, we work as the liaison between your ISP (Internet Service Provider), your creative agency (Web Site development) and hardware/software vendors to guarantee a trouble free installation.

So, whether your office consists of 5 or 500 computers, we're ready to help. We have an outstanding track record of successful installations, and we're waiting to add your name to the list.
Email Systems: For many businesses, office e-mail is no longer a luxury but an important necessity for effective communication. Add to this the advent of the Internet as global transmission method, and the importance connectivity becomes evident. No longer do your clients and customers ask if you have e-mail - they expect it!

Many small to medium sized firms have been limping about with less than optimal Internet e-mail solutions. This takes the form of single-user dial-up Internet accounts, or accessing e-mail through online services such as AOL or NetZero. Often, this results in poor communication through missed messages (because someone forgot to check the account) or bad file transfers which come through corrupted (if at all!).

RYCOMM can customize and install a cost effective, reliable e-mail solution for your entire office. If you're starting from scratch, we can help you determine the best mail server and client software based upon your intended usage. If you already have an interoffice (intranet) mail system in place, we can assist in evaluating the appropriate gateway software to get you connected.
Multiplatform Integration: RYCOMM can assist with all phases of your multi-platform integration projects. We are experienced with integrating applications and processes across Windows, terminal based host systems, Mac OS, Unix, X Window, HTML and Java based systems. Our approach is to identify and use customizable tools and applications that support standard integration technologies such as ODBC, Active X, OLE, SQL, Perl scripting, Applescript, Visual Basic and others. Rather than suggest that you purchase all new equipment and software, we attempt to fine tune and compliment the systems that are already in place. By enabling data exchange between users and systems on different platforms, we are able to help achieve maximum efficiency.

This approach allows you to leverage investments in existing equipment and systems and to select the best platform, OS and application for each project. By allowing data to flow freely back and forth between systems, you can open up new opportunities for workflow and process automation.
Disaster Recovery Planning: Disaster recovery is a term that connotes earthquakes, floods and fires. But most network problems are not so apocalyptic. For a high velocity, communications intensive company, it can be a disaster simply to have e-mail down for a day. It can be a disaster not to be able to access mission critical business applications for even one hour.

RYCOMM can protect your company from disasters large and small.

Our disaster Recovery service is designed to:

• Access your current vulnerabilities.
• Determine how much downtime you can tolerate
• Evaluate and recommend the most sensible and efficient backup/recovery systems, such as file backup procedures, redundant Internet access or e-mail recovery.
• Implement, test and maintain backup/recovery systems.
Workflow Analsys: Workflow analysis is a basic component of many of the other consulting services that RYCOMM brings to the table. A solid understanding of your existing workflow and processes proves to be an essential prerequisite to effective information technology planning. Weather evaluating an Internet/Intranet project, migrating a host based application to client/server technology or trying to optimize your network services for a production prepress operation, formal workflow analysis comes first.

RYCOMM can assist you by providing an objective, outside point of view during the data gathering and interviewing process. We can help compile data and document the workflow, while quantifying network loads and activity. A network analysis report can be an invaluable reference during this process. The goal of a formal workflow analysis document would be to help identify inefficiencies, unnecessary duplication of effort & data, workflow bottlenecks and under-utilization of existing technologies & equipment. This document forms a basic " foundation of understanding" that other MIS and Information Technology planning will be based on.

Making recommendations without a solid understanding of what the users really do, and why, how & when they do it forces the use of old fashioned guess-work, assumptions and imagination. It is to everyone's advantage to take the time to perform even a basic written document outlining the mutually understood workflow processes.
Process Automation: Often, a workflow analysis will reveal productivity bottlenecks, critical to workflow efficiency. Though crucial to your business, these tedious tasks often constitute a significant portion of your production cycle.

Using technology available with off-the-shelf and customized programming tools, RYCOMM can help automate these repetitive and time consuming tasks. Many tasks such as downloading or formatting files, compressing and archiving backup files, automatic report generation, and batch faxing can be automated to maintain peak efficiency.

If a workflow analysis identifies any manual functions that can be predicted based on monitored conditions, the process is a candidate for automation. By using standard programming and scripting tools, we can help show you how to gain the most from your existing systems and resources.
Virtual Administrator: Augment your existing staff with specialized on-site expertise when and where you need it. Enable your in-house staff to focus on core business operations by handing off time-consuming maintenance and support. Minimize downtime by optimizing network operation, thereby increasing your organization's productivity enterprise-wide. Pay for the level of expertise you need, only when you need it. Know that you've partnered with an organization that takes your network and site administration as seriously as you do.

We specialize in providing businesses of all sizes with outsourced system, network and website administration solutions. Whether you need periodic support to augment your in-house capabilities, a turnkey network administration program, or emergency support, RYCOMM engineers can provide these services when and how you need them-a certain number of days per week or by the project. When the problem has been resolved, we will look at the network management and monitoring systems in place and if necessary, suggest improvements. Our goal would be to have the systems in place to either avoid network problems, or at least provide an early warning system to alert you of a possible problem before it results in downtime.
Flexibility
Efficiency
Cost Effectiveness
Increased Productivity
Peace of Mind

Because the failure of a network can constitute a business failure, network and website administration are strategic business issues, and skills in these areas are a crucial investment. To ensure that your computer network and website remain available and reliable, they require ongoing and preventive maintenance. The bigger or more complex the network or site, the more resources their administration requires. That's where we can help.

WE"VE WORKED WITH A DIVERSE CUSTOMER BASE. HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
For more information call RYCOMM. MA 508.992.7799 | RI 401.437.5079 | NH 603.637.1679

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