One Call Does It All

Verteks serves as a one-stop IT resource for Highland Tractor.

Information technology is undeniably complex, but that doesn’t mean vendor relationships have to be. For Highland Tractor, Verteks Consulting serves as a one-stop resource for its technology needs.

Although Highland Tractor has a skilled network engineer on staff, Verteks plays a key role in the firm’s IT strategy. The Ocala, Fla.-based purveyor of construction, forestry and turf equipment looks to Verteks for sound advice, technical expertise and help with complex projects.

“Like any business in this day and age, we rely on computers for every aspect of our operations. And our IT needs continue to expand as our business grows,” said Randy Fitts, General Manager, Highland Tractor. “Verteks knows the best solutions available and, more importantly, how to put them to work for our organization. They’re a great resource for us.”

Solid Foundation

Highland Tractor has turned to Verteks for a wide range of projects, including the implementation of a 3Com NBX IP phone system. The 3Com solution replaced an antiquated four-line phone system that lacked the functionality Highland Tractor needed to support its business growth.

“The 3Com phone system has given us a stable voice communications platform that interfaces with the computer network,” said Pete Kamay, IT Director for Highland Tractor. “It’s very user friendly and provides us with voice mail, call monitoring, call reporting and other features we need.”

Verteks deployed the 3Com system at three of Highland Tractor’s eight locations. The system has been so successful that a company-wide roll-out is in the works.

Kamay says the system will ultimately reduce long-distance costs by tying all of the locations together. Simplified administration is another key selling point.

“Sitting right here in Ocala I can take care of any phone needs at our remote branches. Moves, adds and changes are so easy,” Kamay said. “Just this morning, our general manager asked if he could check his messages from other extensions and have calls go to his cell phone while his office is being renovated. I was able to take care of that for him in a couple of minutes.”

A Helping Hand

The 3Com system is scalable and easy to upgrade – a real boon to an organization that continues to expand. In 2006, Highland Tractor added a new wing to its corporate office and needed 30 new phones as well as conferencing capabilities. All Kamay had to do was enter the new license codes, and the phones were operational.

That’s not to say that Verteks wasn’t involved in the expansion. Highland Tractor called on Verteks to install all of the network cabling in the new facility, and to install a fiber-optic link to their existing building.

“Cabling can be very challenging, but Verteks is so fast and efficient – it only took them a couple of days to run about 120 network drops in the new wing. They have it down to a science,” Kamay said.

“Anything that’s impractical for us to do internally – because we lack either the skills or the time – we turn over to Verteks. They have a wide range of capabilities, a highly trained team and competitive rates. Verteks is the only place we have to call.”

The Right Stuff

Training and certifications are important, of course, but the practical knowledge that comes from helping solve real business problems sets Verteks apart.

When Highland Tractor needed a better way to connect its branch locations to the central office, Verteks recommended using a WatchGuard firewall with virtual private network (VPN) capabilities to create secure “tunnels” via the Internet. Because Verteks had successfully deployed the WatchGuard system in similar situations, Highland Tractor was confident it was the right solution.

“We were using older technology to connect three stores but as we started adding more locations it just couldn’t keep up,” Kamay said. “I called Verteks, confident that they would know what we needed. I didn’t have to do any research – I just told them the situation and they recommended WatchGuard. They said, ‘We’ve installed this before and we know it works.’ And it does. The system has been rock solid, and it’s easy for users at the remote locations or even at home to log into our system.”

Technology can be complex, but Verteks has the knowledge and experience to make it work seamlessly. And, best of all, area businesses have just one number to call for the IT help they need.

“I know this network better than anyone and I know what our business needs are. But there are also times when I need outside assistance,” Kamay said. “Verteks has already done the research, and has already implemented these technologies in other facilities. They know the potential pitfalls and workarounds for any snags that might come up. They’re very efficient and easy to work with, and they get the job done.”