Custom-tailored design solutions -- all the way from the workgroup to the enterprise

In today's complex multivendor world, high-level network design skills are scarcer than ever. And keeping up with technology changes gets tougher all the time. Supplement your in-house resources with First Step's proven know-how.

Network Design provides a comprehensive, customized "blueprint" to help you make the most of your unique technology environment.

Based on your business and technology needs, an experienced network consultant or project team develops a complete design document package identifying such critical items as the recommended network topology ...the proposed network management solution... appropriate network hardware and software products and technology...required transmission services... and detailed implementation design specifications. A comprehensive statement of work spells out all deliverables and timetables.

First Step's strong alliances with leading industry partners ensure a best-in-class design solution.

Benefits

Streamline the design process with a single point of contact and accountability

Augment your internal capabilities with a minimal investment and no additional headcount

Purchase only the specific services you need -- choose from a full menu of support options

Boost productivity through faster implementation of leading-edge network technology

Rely on First Step for complete network support solutions

High-level design capabilities for your specific requirements

Depending on the size of your project, you are assigned a designated network consultant or a project manager and consultant team.

The consultant or team works with your staff to understand your needs and assess your desktop and server software and hardware operating environment; your network infrastructure (including your local area, metro area, and wide area data network and/or your data/voice/video backbone network); and your network management environment.

When this assessment is completed, you can choose from a wide array of service options:

Logical network design...
based on your specific applications needs; includes all network nodes: servers, clients, and network infrastructure nodes

Network management system design...
specification of all hardware and software required for a total management solution

Network security design...
leading-edge safeguards customized for your security requirements

Physical network design...
a detailed, fully illustrated plan based on the logical network design

Network server design...
based on your business, network, and application needs, First Step provides a network server design that satisfies your performance, capacity, security, connectivity, and server manageability requirements

Specification of network technology...
your network specialist or project manager determines the best mix of hardware, software, and other components; a complete bill of materials lists all recommended server, client, and network infrastructure products

Specification of common carrier transmission services...
recommended services (telephone lines, speeds, connections, etc.) to meet your specific requirements and objectives

Acceptance test plan...
specifies reliable verification and testing procedures to help ensure a smooth, trouble-free startup

Complementary network support solutions
In addition to Network Design, First Step offers comprehensive network implementation services, as well as capabilities that span the network life cycle -- including network planning, installation, integration, operations management, help desk support, training, and ongoing maintenance