Case Study — San Leandro Ford

San Leandro Ford, a leading Northern California auto dealership founded in 1991, contacted LanXpert to help them architect the network, PC, and Internet infrastructure for their transition to Internet-based computing. San Leandro Ford realized early on that the Internet emergence had dramatically changed the way companies run their operations and wanted to make a strategic move to leverage this shift.

For several years, San Leandro Ford had been using a mainframe/terminal network architecture maintained by a large Dealer Management System vendor. In order to enable Internet connectivity to the desktop, while retaining connectivity to the mainframe, a major architectural redesign was needed.

Following LanXpert’s recommendations, San Leandro Ford purchased needed equipment, including new desktops, a Windows server, and E-mail messaging server. LanXpert engineers methodically configured and installed the new equipment, and created comprehensive documentation for the end users.

For security and disaster recovery, LanXpert installed a stateful inspection firewall, centralized Antivirus software, and backup software. LanXpert also integrated and centralized several third party automotive applications, easing the sharing of critical inventory and pricing information among multiple users.

San Leandro Ford employees are able to seamlessly access information on the Dealer Management System mainframe while reaping the benefits of an Internet-connected, networked client/server Windows infrastructure. LanXpert worked closely with the Dealer Management System vendor to ensure a smooth integration process.

LanXpert engineers have taught several computer classes to San Leandro Ford employees, walking users through everyday tasks using applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, E-mail, and the Internet Explorer web browser. These classes successfully enabled users to become more familiar and comfortable with the capabilities of their new computer network.

Current Status

In the five years since LanXpert began serving San Leandro Ford with scheduled weekly maintenance visits and on-call support, San Leandro Ford’s network has grown at a tremendous rate. During this time, LanXpert has helped San Leandro Ford double the number of networked PCs, added two additional Windows servers for automotive applications, desktop management software and extensive Web site logging. The Wide Area Network (WAN) has grown to link together a remote branch office and telecommuters via Virtual Private Network (VPN), all with LanXpert’s knowledgeable support.

LanXpert engineers have kept the San Leandro Ford network working smoothly, avoiding all of the worm and virus-related troubles that have befallen other networks. Using a combination of off-site testing and timely automated installation methods, LanXpert keeps San Leandro Ford’s network up-to-date with the latest security patches and fixes on desktops and servers. LanXpert engineers also monitor network performance, answer employee computer questions and train users on how best to use the computing resources. At San Leandro Ford’s request, LanXpert specialists have also created specialized spreadsheets, databases and forms to ease the input and transmission of registration transmittals and other data.

Chuck Oliver
Controller
San Leandro Ford