One
size doesn't fit all
by Valerie McCammon
Its Monday morning. You know you should be able to forward the 20 pages of work you processed all weekend to your staffs computers, saving time and energy on copying, collating and sending interoffice envelopes, but you don't know how to make your computer system work that way.
Its Wednesday afternoon. Instead of asking an already overworked employee to spend time in the public library, you'd rather research for yourself the customer service information other have told you is more than plentiful on the Internet. There's only one problem, you have no idea how to get your computer system connected to the World Wide Web.
It's the Friday before a three-day weekend. You only have three hours to pull together the six proposal sections from other departments to complete your RFP response for that prospective new west coast client. There's only one problem, you're not sure your computer system will be able to meet your needs.
It's December 1999. You have thousands of customers relying on your accurate accounting systems for all of their business and personal financial records. There's only one problem, you aren't sure that 30 days from now your computer system will know it's January 2000..
It's times like these and the hundreds of other small and large day-to-day activities that make you realize you need to plan ahead to establish a complete information system. A system that meets your needs, not someone else's idea of your needs.
At [Enhanced Network Solutions Group], our motto is: Connecting People, Information, and Resources, says Tim Savage, president. We work as partners with our clients, understanding their business needs and creating information systems that work specifically for each of the businesses for whom we design network solutions.
Whether your company is interested in connecting three or four computers together in one office for internal document sharing your creating a wide-area network encompassing hundreds of workstations over various sites, [Enhanced Network Solutions Group] is able to do the job.
We work with some of the largest companies in the area, but we especially find our services meet the needs of the smaller business with growing technology needs, explains Savage. we can become the information systems department for small to medium sized companies, or we can become a partner with a larger organization's information systems department. We supply additional manpower and expertise in the way it is most needed.
[Enhanced Network Solutions Group] was started almost three years ago by Savage, an energetic young man. His vision began because, as an employee of another company, he saw ways to do things better. His first step was to start his own company.
I have always been interested in business, and I think I've always had a natural inclination toward business. I even sold rocks to the neighbors as a kid, says Savage. I thrive on business. There really isn't an aspect of it I don't like. By creating this company, I am able to fulfill that personal desire while providing the first-class service and network solutions people and their business need and want.
Through [Enhanced Network Solutions Group], savage says he and his team are working to provide network solutions that fit specific needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all computer system too often implemented by companies.
I have created a
specialized company that focuses on networking
solutions that work for our customers, says Savage.
While many other companies sell hardware first and
then secondarily design network systems, we emphasize
the design of an overall system of information flow
that meets the need.
Then, we provide our customers with the hardware to complete the solution we have designed. This focus on the solution first means we aren't making our clients´ needs fit our equipment sales goals. Instead, we are meeting our clients needs, and then supporting the system with hardware, software and continued one-site support and training.
After [Enhanced Network Solutions Group] develops the system that addresses its needs, network engineers bring their specialization to the equation, working at the client's site to implement the solution. That's only the beginning, because ENS then follows through with custom user manuals, warranty documentation, staff training and service contract options.
For the client who is updating outdated computer systems and networks, ENS works with them to donate the equipment to local non-profit organizations in need, giving back to the community they serve.
Part of the company's success has been the commitment to keep current in the technology of the information services field. The staff is continually researching an investigating current and future trends in the computer market. Savage says that because of the diverse backgrounds of the staff, it is able to use that high level of knowledge. More than 360 man-hours were dedicated to staff training and education in the first quarter of 1998.
The technology changes so quickly that we will look back two years from now and laugh at what was available today, says Savage. Because the capabilities are ever changing, we remain dedicated to staying current. Through this commitment to knowledge and education, we're in the unique position of holding very significant credentials. Our staff members hold certification levels more commonly held by branches of larger companies based in Indianapolis and Chicago. We're proud of the ability to offer those levels of expertise and specialization.
Specifically, ENS is an authorized dealer and service center for Compaq, Hewlett Packard, IBM and Digital. As a Novell Gold Partner and a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, the staff can provide complete NetWare and Windows NT implementation and support. Recently, a Compaq accredited service engineer was added to the staff to provide the highest level of support customers using Compaq servers [and workstations].
I have a tremendous staff which has taken on the responsibilities for customer service and implementation, says Savage. They are all honest and reliable, and they consider the company theirs, too. It is this personal commitment, combined with their overall teamwork, that has helped us together build a successful business. And, more importantly, it is what keeps clients coming back.
Matt Gerber is the director of business development at ENS. Our work is a team approach, from the first contact I have with a customer to the project design, bid specifications and implementation of the network solution by the whole team. It is rewarding to be part of that process, he says.
Vanessa Savage, Tim's wife, is vice president of the company. She is an important part of the business and her support made this all possible, says Tim. Yes, it was different to recently begin working daily with my spouse outside of the home, but we have found that it works well for us.
In April, ENS moved into its new location at Covington Creek Professional Village. The new facility has given the company the ability to expand the office and the customer training facilities. The next step will be the development of customer training services in 1999.
We are planning the development of a full-service training center for our customers, a place to teach them all aspects of their information systems. By instruction our customers about everything from their networks to their applications, we are empowering them, says Savage. While not every organization wants that level of detailed knowledge, for some companies that can be as important to their network development as meeting their hardware and software needs.
Looking ahead, Savage
sees the growth of Enhanced Software Solutions, the
branch of [Enhanced Network Solutions Group, Inc.],
which works more specifically with database,
application and Internet design and development.
Our goal is to continue to be the full-service network
solution for our customers, large and small. Our
success is evident through satisfied customers who
continue to grow with us. BP
Copyright ©1998
Business People Magazine
