Networking Services and
Intrusion Detection System
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Meeker County |
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| A Solid Relationship |
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It takes time to build a solid relationship—but it’s definitely what Marco and Meeker County have established over the years. Meeker County’s first experience with Marco dates back 15 years when the County had just one PC in their entire facility used to process their payroll. Today the County has about 140 PCs and a network server at each of their three buildings—the County Courthouse, Law Enforcement Center, and Family Services Center. The buildings are connected via fiber and copper cabling, with high speed Internet and phone services between all three buildings.
Throughout the years, Marco has assisted Meeker County with various IT projects including implementation of their email and virus protection servers. The County used to have a designated person from each department to handle user calls and IT issues in addition to their normal responsibilities. As the County’s IS needs increased, they felt the time was right to hire a primary IS person to help facilitate their technology needs. In 2003, Mary Spreiter, previously from the Public Health Department, was appointed as the County’s IS technician. Mary knew their system well so when she moved from Public Health to the IS position, it was an easy transition. Her experience in working with Marco’s technicians over the past 15 years also was helpful.
Mary commented, “It’s been proven over the years that any time we have had a need, Marco has been there for us. From planning...to installation...to follow-up, Marco provides the specialists to fit our particular needs. It’s very beneficial to us to get the knowledge from the people who are out in the field every day.”
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| The Solution |
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The County’s most recent implementation was an Intrusion Detection System to add another level of security to protect their network’s sensitive customer information. The system consists of a Cisco PIX Firewall 515 and a Cisco IDS-4235 and was installed and implemented by Marco’s technical engineers, Wayne Gamradt, Terri Gill, and Lyle Carter. Mary said, “Lyle Carter has been working closely with us to teach us about the firewalls and the Intrusion Detection System. He follows up with us even after the installation and makes any adjustments as needed.”
As the County has grown over the years, Marco has kept pace with their technical needs. Marco provides the County with the expertise and outsourcing services when they need them. Mary commented, “Steve Hary (Marco Account Representative) is honest and fair. He has really been good to us. Steve visits often to introduce new technologies to us and keep us informed of our options. Marco is always willing to challenge us.”
Mary added, “We’ve created a system where we call Ron Askamit (Marco’s Service Coordinator) when we want someone to come out or just when we have a question. Ron can often provide an answer without having to send out a technician. Or if we have a warranty question, he’ll direct us to the right person. Marco has one main point of contact on their end and we have one on our end, which works great!”
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| In Summary |
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In addition to Meeker County’s data networking services, Marco also has worked with the County in implementing their Mitel SX-2000 Light communications systems, cabling, and Steelcase systems furnishings.
“It’s the trust factor with Marco,” said Mary. “We trust everyone that comes out here. We know they are going to treat us fair, and we don’t feel like we have to continually monitor everything they do for us.”
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“It’s been proven over the years that any time we have a need, Marco has been there for us. From planning...to installation...to follow-up, Marco provides the specialists to fit our particular needs.
It’s a trust factor with Marco. We trust everyone that comes out here. We know they are going to treat us fair, and we don’t feel like we have to continually monitor everything they do for us.”
Mary Spreiter
IS Technician
Meeker County
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| Marco assisted Meeker County in setting up their new dispatch area with new computers and large, high resolution screens for their dispatchers. |
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