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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.

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.

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

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.