Customer Stories > Case Study 5 | Managed Hosting Solution Chosen After Server Crashes

Managed Hosting Solution Chosen After Server Crashes

In early 2009, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District’s server crashed, resulting in the loss of two and a half weeks of work. It was then that they considered their options – continue using an IT contractor and purchase a new server or utilize the managed hosting service that was available to them.

With 14 full-time staff (4 of which have access to Vadim) in the municipal office serving the District’s population of 30,345, resources are limited. Prior to subscribing to the managed hosted service, the District had used an IT contractor for their networking needs. Since the IT contractor was not a full-time employee, he didn’t have a strong sense of familiarity with the system and because he did not reside in the immediate area, it would sometimes take a day or two for him to address an issue.

Upon reviewing their two options, they decided to subscribe to the SaskTel managed hosting option through Vadim. Not only did they not have to deal with the headache and time commitment of researching and purchasing a new server as well as keeping their server software licensing up-to-date, but they no longer required the IT consultant’s services, which resulted in instant cost savings.

“By using Vadim’s hosted solution with SaskTel, we receive a more up-to-date system, increased peace of mind and we don’t have to worry about doing updates to the system,” says Teri Fong, Assistant Accountant. “Since implementing the solution, our in house IT Coordinator can now focus her efforts on her main job duties of mapping.”

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has been a Vadim client since 1985.

Dan Guerin, Vadim’s Network Support Technician says, “One of the questions I am most frequently asked about managed hosting is what the direct benefits are. I respond simply by telling them they’ll have more time to focus on their core business responsibilities and day-to-day activities.” He adds, “Also, I am often asked who installs the iCity kits and who backs up and maintains the iCity databases. That’s easy to answer - I do!”

Depending on a municipality’s hosting needs, new servers can cost a couple of thousand dollars to several thousand dollars, plus servicing and licencing on top of the server cost.

The Vadim and SaskTel Relationship
Vadim and SaskTel work together to provide Vadim clients with Internet based access to their Municipal Financial Software with a secure connection. This solution offers quick setup without the large upfront costs associated in setting up and maintaining their own IT department. Managed Hosting includes complete software functionality, all upgrades, back-up and off-site storage, security, and technical support services. Managed hosting saves money through lower costs of software, hardware, technical support, and maintenance. The result is a time saving, user-friendly and efficient solution.

Sixteen of Vadim’s clients utilize the Managed Hosting service.

SaskTel is a technology leader with a solid 100-year history and has over 1,100 servers, serving more than 150 government, corporate, and business customers.

Click here for more information on Managed Hosting Services.

Quick Facts

Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, BC
Website: www.acrd.bc.ca
Population: 30,345
Client since: 1985
Staff: 14 full-time
Vadim users: 4
Solution: Managed hosting allows for iCity software to be hosted on SaskTel server
iCity Modules: GL, AP, AR, BR, CR, PA, UB, FA
How it works: Staff click a Vadim icon on their desktop. This takes them to the server desktop over a secure, high speed network. Once logged on, they access their iCity applications.