Server Upgrade and Installation for a Smoother, Safer Information Technology Infrastructure
Experiencing problems with its network and knowing it was a result of the server being overworked, the staff at the National Employment Law Project (NELP) was nervous that their inability to properly backup and save important files would someday come back to haunt them. The server supported nearly fifteen workstations and had reached its disk capacity such that staff could no longer save important files without first making room on the disk drive. For a nonprofit that thrives on the information that is shared between staff on behalf of their clients, the situation was precarious. The search for an affordable, reliable technology assistance provider had thus far been unsuccessful.
The only person on staff who knew anything about computers was NELP's administrative assistant. She was a classic "accidental techie" within a nonprofit organization, having learned most of what she knows about computers on the job and becoming the "go to" person when someone in the office has a technology question. She heard about NPower NY at a panel discussion and called us for advice on the network situation.
NELP became one of NPower NY's first clients when it opened its doors in spring 2001. Our consultants recommended that NELP add a server and upgrade its current server to the current version of Microsoft's network operating system, Windows Server 2000, as well as segregate the Exchange server from the file, print and backup functionalities in order to increase performance. In addition, we would document the configuration of their network and train Allison on the basics of server administration. NPower NY facilitated the purchase of a server through a group discounting program as well as a software donation from Microsoft.
At the project's close NELP had a stable and reliable network operating system based on two servers instead of one. Staff were able to save important documents and backups are regularly conducted to ensure information protection. NELP's accidental techie was more knowledgeable about her network and knows she can call NPower NY if she ever has a question about technology for her organization.
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) has advocated for over 30 years on behalf of low-wage workers, the poor, the unemployed, and other groups that face significant barriers to employment and government systems of support. Several common themes connect NELP's work: ensuring that employment laws cover all workers; supporting worker organizing and alliance-building among key constituent groups working with low-wage workers; helping workers stay connected to jobs and employment benefits; and expanding employment laws to meet the needs of workers and families in changing economic conditions.
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