Network Support and Implementation Services

A full service nationwide book store chain with 40 stores and warehouses around the country, including Hawaii and Alaska , had need of a Wide Area Network to support internal as well as external information handling requirements.  The chain's goal was to have a WAN which would allow users to logon at any "point of entry" and gain access to all required and available information without regard to non user issues such as topology or interconnect schemes.

The retailer is expanding its WAN through the implementation of applications that utilize client/server architecture within a distributed computing environment.  This approach allows the retailer to expand its network in step with application needs and also instep with advances in networking and application technology that are currently being brought to the market.  This includes an integrated voice and data network, distributed database technologies and document management.  The retailer engaged the services of The Barnes Group to perform two primary tasks.  One, the chain had need of network support services for LANs ranging in size from 5 to 250 users in both local and remote locations.  Secondly, the retailer needed guidance and support in the tasks of preparing and upgrading existing and future LANs for usage in the Wide Area Network.  Included within the scope of services was the foundation work for Disaster Handling and Business Resumption Services.