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Below are details of some of the projects that we have worked upon

December 2007

Tidworth Development Trust - Open Source to the Rescue !

Following the terminal demise of a hard drive and a lengthy recovery process, Tidworth Trust were faced with a problem - a full rebuild of an NT2000 server or utilise the in-house Linux system, currently providing email and networking services.

Within hours, Samba had been configured to give staff access to the recovered data and printers on the network. Users were migrated over to the new server with minimal disruption.

One element of concern was the loss of the company diary and contact system. Egroupware had been being trialled by Castledown Media Staff and it was decided to make the switch over to the new system as soon as possible. Legacy data was imported via a PDA and staff have all made the move to the new groupware application.

 

November 2007

Tidworth Garrison Golf Club - New Website launch

November saw the launch of the Joomla based website. Training was provided to users to enable them to keep their website up to date and their members informed with the latest news and developments within the club.

September 2007

The Amber Foundation - Royal Visit and new hardware

The Earl of Wessex visited Bythesea Lodge to meet Amberteers and see the work of Amber. Prince Edward saw the residential accommodation and a number of workshops  prepared by the Amberteers that included IT, art, music and education and a group from Ashley Court came to perform a powerful drama written by themselves about how drugs, crime and peer pressure can draw young people down the wrong road if they are nor strong enough to resisit them. Thanks to a funding grant, the Amberteers have 3 additional PC's and prnters to help them with their IT projects.

August 2007

Ayrmer Software - VOIP Trials

Arymer Software are currently trailling a new VOIP (Voice over IP) telehone system based on Asterisk.

May 2007

Ayrmer Software - 2 Companies switch to Open Source Servers

After visiting the clients and discussing their current IT and hardware requirements, both companies decided to switch from a Microsoft SBS server over to Linux based servers.

The requirements of both companies is fairly similar:

Email with full spam and anti-virus facilities and webmail

Centralised data storage

Automated, offline and secure backup procedures.

Remote Support Facilities as well as VPN accessto enable working from home

A cost effective system with maximum expandibility.

Migration of data and email was performed over a weekend, along with moving to new premises. The system offically handed over on the next working day.

 

March 2007

Tidworth Development Trust : Taking Control

After running a legacy email system for a number of years, the amount of spam and unwanted "Junk Mail" was becoming a problem both in terms of unwanted disk space and more importantly time lost by the office staff.

Implementing an Open Source Solution server based on MailScanner, Spamassassin, ClamAV amongst other tools, the Tidworth Development Trust has now gained control of their mail system, whilst also introducing new services such as "Out-of-Office" messages, a webmail system to allow staff to work away from their desks or office.

Testing is currently underway with a "groupware" system allowing user specific as well shared calendars and resource booking as well as instant messaging service.

The previous website was a static site with very little upating taking place due to the nature of the site design. The website has been moved to the Open Source Joomla CMS (Content Management System) so enable staff to update the site on a regular basis.

 

February 2007

Tidworth Community Area : A New Site and New Facilities

The Tidworth Community Area website provides information on events, local topics, local business directory and news to residents in the parishes of Chute, Chute Forest, Collingbourne Ducis, Collingbourne Kingston, Everleigh, Ludgershall, Tidcombe and Fosbury and the town of Tidworth (including Perham Down). The site was transferred over to the Open Source Joomla CMS (Content Management System) to enable the volunteers to keep the site up to date with the mininum amount of training as well as the ability to keep the site up to date when they are away from the office.

January 2007

Ayrmer Software : One Year On and a new rollout

Working in conjunction with Ayrmer Software and their client in London, the previously installed open source office system was upgraded to the latest Linux version which we had been testing in -house for a period of time. Additional IT equipment including new desktops and printers were installed, all within 24 hours with minimal impact to the customer.

November 2006

Castledown Radio : VOIP Telephone System Installation

To help with the official launch of Castledown Radio on 104.7FM, Hightrees Organisation Limited have installed a Asterisk based PBX VOIP system. This allows callers to the station to leave requests and dedications, leave feedback or talk to staff. The system also allows staff to put callers "live" on air for interviews or "phone-in" shows.

October 2006

Ayrmer Software : New Linux Development Server

Arymer Software and Hightrees Organisation Limited have teamed together to install a new LInux based development server to handle their growing development requirements. The system will be expanded in the coming months to handle VPN access, mail handling and VOIP based telecoms.

September 2006

Food Engineering Services : Standardisation of PC resources

Food Engineering Services asked Hightrees Organsation Limited to install and configure new PC equipment and migrate their old data to a new Office setup.

As well as using standard Microsoft Applications, Open Source Software has been installed for email, web browsing and remote access control for both staff and for

July 2006

Nord-Lock : New Office Server

A linux based server has installed to provide centralised storage and user administration, internet access and security, VPN access for both staff and remote IT Support, email server, backups and Samba support. By using an Open Source Solution, the client has reduced their costs on software licensing and have established a stable IT platform for future expansion.

June 2006

Amber Foundation : Wireless Networking

Thanks to a funding grant, the Amber Foundation have been able to purchase new laptops and install a wireless network system to enable residents to work on educational and training projects.

May 2006

Hightrees Organisation are proud to sponsor and support the Tidworth Area Festival which is taking place on 30th July 2006 and includes Chico, of X factor fame, performing live on stage along with many other acts and attractions for the whole family.

March 2006

The Crown Hotel - Created by a student as part of a Multimedia College project, the Crown Hotel at Everleigh, also known as "Flame Lily" hotel have adopted the initial website and will be using to advertise the facilities and functions they offer.

February 2006

Amber Dextrous - Amber Dextrous is a new business enterprise of the Amber Foundation and is based in Melksham in Wiltshire. It is a ‘charity yard’ consisting of a second hand goods, furniture for home and office, a reclamation yard, eBay sales and car valeting service. Hightrees have installed the IT equipment and provide IT support for the new business.

January 2006

"Open Source Office" Installation

Hightrees and Ayrmer Software have recently installed an "Open Source Office" for a client based in London. Each new Linux based desktop PC has been configured with a variety of software packages, replacing the the traditional Microsoft based Windows XP and Office applications.

The desktop applications include :

Firefox - The award-winning Web browser for both Windows and Linux

Thunderbird - Simple to use, powerful, and customizable, Thunderbird is a full-featured email application for both Linux and WIndows.

OpenOffice - OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites, the product is free to download, use, and distribute.

Nvu - A complete Web Authoring System for Linux Desktop users as well as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver

As well as replacing the desktop PC's, a new server was installed to provide centralised storage and user administration, internet access and security, VPN access for both staff and remote IT Support, email server and Samba support of legacy data and older Microsoft based laptops. By using an Open Source Solution, the client has reduced their costs on software licensing, has been able to purchase new PC's witn minimal impact to their day-to-day working practices.

November 2005

Gaining Corporate & Public Sector Work Event

Hightrees Organisation Limited attended the "Gaining Corporate & Public Sector Work" event organised by WiredWest and Business Link.

Charlie Collins from Ayrmer Software supported by Hightrees and Anvil Organisation Ltd gave a presentation and discussion on Open Source software/Open Source Solutions and the benefts that this could bring to SME's.

TDT Recruitment Consultancy Limited : Recruitment Consultancy launched. TDT Recruitment Consultancy Limited is a brand new recruitment consultancy, due to be launched in January 2006. Specialising in the provision of high calibre recruitment services in the Tidworth and surrounding areas, we will be working directly with major new business developments, which will create thousands of new jobs for local people.

Tidworth Community Area : New Website

Tidworth Community Area is comprised of the parishes of Chute, Chute Forest, Collingbourne Ducis, Collingbourne Kingston, Everleigh, Ludgershall, Tidcombe and Fosbury and Tidworth (including Perham Down).

The site's main function is to distribute information about the Community Area, including Event information and the Tidworth Community Area Newsletter "Pulse"

By using Mambo, an Open Source Content Management system, staff can maintain the site internally and help distribute information to the local community area in a quick and efficient manner at a low cost, an important factor with a 'community' project.

August 2005

Tidworth Golf Club : New Hosting and Site changes

Hightrees Organisation has taken over the hosting of the Tidworth Golf Club website and will be implementing new functionality to the current site to give more information to both the public as well as new services to the current members.

July 2005

The Amber Foundation: Linux server rollout

Hightrees Organisation Limited have recently rolled out an Open Source Soluttion for centralising the core computing functions for the Devon site of the Amber Foundation.

The server configuration initially offers important functionality, such as centralised user administration, data storage, backup facilities and web content filtering as well as VPN access for remote IT support for both the server and the desktop PC's and has the flexibility to grow with the charity's requirements with minimal expense.

March 2005

Castledown Radio : Community Communication Project

Castledown Radio is a new community radio project which was official launched on March 12th 2005.
Hightrees Organisation Limited have been involved with the specification, installation annd configuration of the IT systems within the Media Centre project, which covers everything from network cabling to VPN configuration, audio stream encoding to webhosting and design.

Rangebourne Petcare : First Web Venture

Rangebourne Petcare of Devizes are in the process of building a new website which will cover all aspects of the petcare service which they offer. Hightrees Organisation Limited are designing and hosting the website.

The Amber Foundation: ADSL Home Office Installation

The Amber Foundation and Hightrees Organisation Limited have recently rolled out a 'home workers' setup which enables staff members to work remotely from the office. Anti-virus updates are available via the web, removing the dependancy for a centralised server installation. A VPN system will be implemented later in the year for maximum flexibility. PlusNet are being used as the ADSL supplier and each 'home office' is equipped with an ADSL router, Epson Colour Printers and on-site support from Hightrees Organisation Limited.

Both Amber main sites are now running on ADSL which has improved the data communications within the organisation and provides a suitable platform for future IT systems and services.

February 2005

DA Gambia: Clean and Simple

A simple site regarding a holiday home to let in the Gambia.

January 2005

Parnham Coaches : Recovery and Hosting Services

Parnhams Coaches offers long distance coach transport as well as for shorter hire and excursions. 

After having their website 'mislaid', problems over webhosting and service provision, Hightrees Organisation managed to recover and rebuild their website as well as organise a simple hosting package to cover all their web and emails needs.

December 2004

Downland Produce : Media Fame for small business

Download Produce who currently host their web and email services with Hightrees Organisation Limited, are to be featured in a new ITV program Countdown to Christmas.
Downland are a family firm and are very proud of their reputation for producing succulent pork from their own pigs .

Roundabout Travel : Website Creation and Hosting Service

Round-A-Bout Travel have become the company many private and corporate clients choose when they are seeking a high quality, flexible and reliable service. Their fleet is continuing to expand, enabling them to offer a wide range of services through a varied range of vehicles. Customer Service and attention to detail continue to be of paramount importance to them and this in turn will assure you of a service, specifically designed to meet your individual requirement.

Hightrees Organisation Limited have provided Round-A-Bout Travel with a simple yet effective website and hosting solution which can grow with the company and the services that they provide.

December 2004

The Amber Foundation: System Stability and Standardisation

As part of the IT Support services that Hightrees supply to the Amber Foundation, we carried out an ' IT stablisation' exercise on each computer in daily use to define a common standard.

By bringing each PC into a common setup, daily problems have been significantly reduced (less than one issue a fortnight) and has enabled suitable planning and expansion of the IT systems for the future. As every user now uses the same default software, IT Support is reducded and the number of individual PC problems has dropped to almost 0. At our clients request we have sourced and installed non-expensive PC's and laptops as and when required, to replace equipment coming into the 'end of life' cycle.

Hightrees Organisation Limited has also taken over the web and email hosting of the Amber Foundation and is currently introducing simple yet effective tools to help with distribution of information within the company. By implementing a simple SPAM/mail filterwe have reduced the amount of 'junk mail' being delivered to each user's mailbox, reducing the time taken to 'house-keep' emails as well as reducing virus threats.

The current default software installation consists of :

Windows XP Pro, Microsoft Office Professional :

This package includes, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Powerpoint and Publisher.

Sophos Anti-Virus, Adobe Acrobat Reader

May 2004

The Amber Foundation: Full Computer and IT System Support

Amber exists to help young people, male and female, (18-30) in the UK transform their lives. They come to us without work, without self-esteem and without any sense of direction. Coming from a life of unemployment, and sometimes homelessness, depression, poor health, petty crime and drug addiction or prison, Amber offers them a safe environment - a chance to make a clean break from the past and to make a firm foundation for a brighter future.

Hightrees Organisation Limited is helping the Amber Foundation charity to ensure that the existing IT services are performing to the best of their ability, whilst assisting Amber assess and implement new IT systems to provide a reliable yet low cost computing platform for both the 'business' needs and the needs of the Amber residents.

If you have any IT equipment that you would like to donate to the Amber Foundation, or would like to know how you can help this worthwhile charity, please contact us.

April 2004

Digley Associates : PDA Based Computing Platform

Digley Associates are completely independent Leisure Consultants and offer totally impartial and unbiased advice, assistance and services giving the clients the information they require to create and maintain a safe yet stimulating play environment. The European Safety Standards recommend Inspections of play areas are carried out at regular intervals and DIGLEY ASSOCIATES LTD offer a comprehensive inspection service.

Hightrees Organisation Limited (HOL) working alongside Diglet Associates, tested and implemented a PDA based computing platform to assist with the recording of the inspections, resulting in a more efficient recording structure and improved reporting facilities.

Tidworth Development Trust : Improving e-info Facilities

'e-info' works on a drop-in basis where people can come in and use the service whenever they need information. Trained staff are always on hand to help with any queries or requests people may have. 'e-info' is the joint Councils' Local Information Point for Tidworth.

Hightrees assisted by installing the network into the new premises and connecting it to both the exisiting IT infrastructure as well as the new NTL cable system.

We used a Linux based PC to provide secure internet access as well as enabling the organisation to consider new IT Technologies which can be implemented at a later date. All 'public use' PC's use a standard Microsoft based software setup as to help with costs and any support issues that may arise.

January 2004

Tidworth Development Trust : Supporting IT in the Local Community

The Market Lavington and Codford ICT centres provide the local communities with a high speed Internet access point where ADSL or Broadband services are not available. The centres enable anyone to access personal computers, printers and other equipment as well as satellite broadband Internet access, free of charge.

Working in partnership with local community groups, Tidworth Development Trust provides assistance in getting the ICT centres up and running - with funding from: 'Sustain The Plain', an EU and Defra funded programme of projects; and from the South West of England Rural Development Agency, with HOL taking care of installation, configuration and support of the ICT centres IT resources.

   
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