Case Studies - Olson Sunberg Kundig Allen

Olson Sunberg Kundig Allen Architecture Industry

isoutsource.com saves $20,000 annually for Olson Sunberg Kundig Allen
	BACKGROUND
	Thirty-five years ago, Jim Olson started a firm based on some simple ideas: that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature and culture and between people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. The firm’s work, including museums, college and university buildings, places of worship, and residences – often for art collectors. Together the four principles – Jim Olson, Rick Sundberg, Tom Kundig and Scott Allen – have created an office with international reputation garnered through a dedication to their projects, and recognized in extensive publications and awards, both in the United States and internationally. The office has the capacity of a large firm – computerized, diversified, and skilled in every aspect of planning, design and management – balanced by the rich teraction and high-level intensity of a small firm. With over sixty people in the firm, at least one of the four principles is deeply involved in each project.

	PROBLEM
	OSKA needed its’ information technology infrastructure to facilitate and keep pace with its’ growth. The principals desired responsive and reliable support services along with expert advice on how to maximize their return on technology investments all while minimizing ongoing costs, capital outlays, and management overhead.

	SOLUTIONS
	Hiring full, permanent IT staff along with the corresponding management and human resources overhead was not an attractive option. Neither was relying on the lack of resources from a seemingly inexpensive one or two person firm. OSKA wanted to partner with a consulting firm that had a background in the architecture industry, sufficient size to handle the breadth of their technical needs, senior staff who understand how technology supports business strategy, and has deep relationships with the leading hardware and software manufacturers. OSKA chose isoutsource.com® complete information servicesTM – beginning with a strategic plan for how technology will support the business today and in the coming years. OSKA has a network using industry standard equipment and designed using best practices including: • Hewlett-Packard Server Hardware • Microsoft Windows Server Operating System • Microsoft Exchange Server for email and messaging • MS SQL Server for their accounting systems database • VelographTM computer workstations running Windows XP Professional and Office business productivity suite • McAfee Anti-Virus Suite • Veritas Backup Exec • Hewlett-Packard DLT & Sony AIT tape drives • Hewlett-Packard ProCurve Switches • WatchGuard Firewall • Blackberry Enterprise server – for mobile email OSKA also has a complete information servicesTM plan covering: • Annual Technology Plan • Quarterly IS management and planning meetings • Weekly scheduled support visits • Helpdesk services • 24 x 7 server monitoring • Asset management and IT documentation

	RESULTS
	OSKA has a solid technology infrastructure that has supported their growth and provides a foundation for continued expansion without having to dedicate inordinate management resources or commit to an in-house IT staff. In addition, OSKA believes this has saved up to $20,000 per year compared with an in-house solution – money which can be used to invest in their core business and not overhead.