Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/16612
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ NEXSEN PRUET, LLC Streamlining, Security and Savings I 22 n the past year at Nexsen Pruet, LLC, we’ve been able to invest in and improve our infrastructure technology, which has led to significant cost savings in some areas, as well as a more streamlined, more secure infrastructure for the firm overall. One of our primary goals has been consolidation and streamlining of operations. To do this, we’ve implemented a backup MPLS network and Internet access, which gives us a disaster recovery and business continuity strategy in a centralized environment. Additionally, we’ve eliminated remote servers by deploying WAN optimization, as well as implemented SaaS solutions for Web security (using Zscaler), which has enabled us to eliminate six servers. Of course, eliminating servers has led to both direct and indirect cost savings, but we’ve also been able to reduce our voice circuits cost by $50,000 a year, as well as reduce voice operational costs overall. Another way we’ve kept costs down is to make changes with minimum downtime, as we achieved when we handled a move of two offices internally. Streamlining and cost savings are nice, but worthless if security or continuity is compromised. Fortunately, we’ve been able to improve security over the past year. One way has been through the upgrade of endpoint anti-virus software, which has reduced Infrastructure Technologies ILTA White Paper malware and virus infections. But, when the inevitable happens, we’ve also implemented a “containment network” to isolate these malware and virus infections. Continuity is better ensured with our efforts to have our data center vendor have dual power feed to our racks, and by establishing the firm’s DR site and by leading design and construction efforts of DR space in one of the new offices. Finally, we have improved services for the firm’s lawyers and clients through our rollout of webinar technology both internally and externally, as well as an introduction of “presence technology” and an extension of video and Web conferencing beyond the corporate firewall. The first rule of succeeding in the achievement of any infrastructure project is to really be sure to understand the firm’s business objectives, strategic plan and day-to-day operations, all of which enable me to properly prioritize the projects that will be relevant to the firm. In this case, that was the DR/BC (dual MPLS network) undertaking, marketing efforts such as the webinar technologies, and the goal of reducing costs and minimizing security risks. Naturally, interpersonal relationships matter, too, so having effective relationships with vendors and management, as well as sharp negotiation skills, doesn’t hurt, either.