Once the system is designed by the CNE and the decisions have been made regarding the use and upgrade of present hardware, if any, then Connectco proceeds to a detailed software, hardware quote and professional services estimate for final client O.K. These will include training and support, both of which are discussed on other pages.

Once the client approves the system design and training, Connectco schedules the system implementation. A schedule is drawn for the software and hardware, and procurement goes forward.

Complete configurations for any new workstations or peripherals will be specified by Connectco and installed by the manufacturer, where labor is less expensive.

Connectco performs all systems integration of new hardware, including the new network server(s), in Connectco's own Systems Integration laboratory. All server and work station software is installed, including the business systems and netware. Existing licensed client software which will operate on the new network or is to be installed on the new work stations is borrowed on disc or CD-ROM from the client and installed on the server(s) and new work stations, all at the Connectco lab. This saves travel and allows uninterrupted systems work, which leads to much lower professional labor costs.

In addition, all required software for the new work stations and printer server(s) is installed at the Connectco lab,. New printers and other peripherals are integrated and tested. Hardware upgrades or software installation on existing servers, work stations, printers, or other peripherals which cannot be spared by the client but are due to be upgraded or used &quotas is" in the network, can await system installation at the client's place of business.

Concurrent with systems integration work at Connectco's lab, Cablemasters, our associate, will install the necessary network cables, plug boards, and any intra-net communications (e.g., between buildings). They will test each termination to assure the integrity and speed of the network. All cable installation, terminations, and tests are performed to the accepted standards of the industry and the netware supplier (Novell, LANtastic, or other).

Installation at the client's place of business begins as soon as the server(s) new work stations and new peripherals have been configured and integrated with the software and each other. The CNE will configure the network with names, passwords, access groups, and other security systems, both internal and remote.

Because of the extensive preliminary systems work done by the hardware manufacturer and at the Connectco lab, our clients experience a minimum of down time and little remaining labor is necessary to install the system for the client.

Connectco specifies to the client, in advance, the environment for the server(s). (For example, it is important to maintain constant, cool, dust-free running conditions for the servers, since they will be operating continuously. Server down-time adversely effects the network and the business.)

After installing the complete network and all new and existing work stations and peripherals, Connectco will run a final system integration test. The test will include each and every work station, server, and peripheral. At this point, with all software loaded, including the specified business system and office automation packages, the system is ready to run.