Types of Services Offered

The main categories of computer services offered by the firm are:

• Networking and Data Communications:  Local, wide area, and virtual private network (LAN, WAN, and VPN) design, installation, and administration, emphasizing Windows Server 2003/2000/NT (some Novell NetWare and Unix); Terminal Services and other remote access to office data; network infrastructure design, implementation and support (routing, DSL, cable data, frame relay, ISDN, DNS, DHCP, etc.); Internet and intranet services, including web, FTP, and email servers; wireless networking (802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a).
• Operating Systems and Applications:  Windows Server 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95 and applications software selection, installation, maintenance, training, and support; emphasizing Microsoft Office (also supporting WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3); in-depth spreadsheet capabilities; macros; Visual Basic for Applications.
• Accounting Systems:  computerized accounting systems (including QuickBooks) based on an in-depth knowledge of both computers and accounting.
• Databases:  database systems development and maintenance emphasizing Microsoft Access, SQL, and Visual Basic (also dBase and FoxPro).
• Data Management and Security:  tape backup and other redundancy systems; firewall, anti-virus, and other data security systems; data organization strategies.  More information on network and data security...
• Hardware Systems:  computer hardware systems design, acquisition, installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Training:  individual or group instruction at your place of business; software applications, networking, or other specialized topics; assistance developing training plans and curricula; training staff selection and training.
• IT Planning and Management:  computer systems plans and budgets; information technology (IT) staff selection, training, and supervision.
• Other Specialized Systems:  graphics, desktop publishing, web sites, and CAD; audio, video, and multimedia; hotel/campground reservation systems; etc..

We also can provide many other services that do not fit in the above categories.  To find out if we can provide services of any specific type, just ask us by email, phone, or otherwise.

Our Role In Your Organization

There are three main types of roles the firm plays for its clients.  For organizations without any IT staff,  Vista can fulfill all the functions of an IT department on an ongoing basis.  For organizations with less-experienced IT personnel, Vista can take the lead in the provision of ongoing IT services, but work with in-house staff to deliver those services efficiently.  For organizations with high-level, in-house IT expertise, Vista may supplement that expertise in specific technical areas or for specific projects.

Organizations with from 1 to 20 or 30 computers may find it most efficient to have Vista meet all of their professional IT needs directly.  On a small scale, any savings from hiring a specialized IT employee is usually outweighed by communication and coordination inefficiencies, if a consultant works with the employee, or by poor system reliability and performance, if a consultant is also needed, but is not used.

Organizations with from 20 or 30 to around 100 computers may well find it advisable to hire an IT employee, but may not be able to justify the cost of a full-time, high-level IT professional with extensive experience.  In such cases, Vista can provide planning, design, guidance, and higher-level technical expertise under the general direction of non-technical management, and a less-experienced staff member can work with Vista to provide constant presence in the organization and insure that routine IT functions are preformed at the lowest prudent cost.  Vista can also help hire such an employee and function as his or her technical supervisor.

Larger organizations with high-level, in-house computer expertise still sometimes need help to cover gaps in technical expertise or to help with special workload needs.  In such cases, Vista is happy to work under the direction of IT management.

Hardware And Software Purchases

Vista's primary role is providing computer design, implementation, and support services, not selling hardware or software.  However, there are times when such merchandise can not be obtained efficiently from other sources (e.g. other resellers are unable to obtain specialized equipment or to meet delivery deadlines).  When it serves the client, Vista is able to supply hardware and software.

The client always has the choice.  Vista's role can be limited to providing services, including designing, specifying, and helping acquire systems from other vendors.  Alternatively, Vista can supply some or all of the hardware and software required to meet the client's needs.