Presentation at Making Links Conference 2010 in Perth, Western Australia. www.makinglinks.org.au

1. Computing Assistance Support
& Education Inc
Rural ConnectionsRural Connections
‘‘Is it really possible to implement ICT solutions remotely?’Is it really possible to implement ICT solutions remotely?’
Darrell BurkeyDarrell Burkey
P r e s i d e n t
Computing
ssistance
upport&
ducation
A
S
E
incorporated

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A Partnership - Sharing ExpertiseA Partnership - Sharing Expertise
Dharriwaa Elders Group
Define the needs and agree to be a test case
CASE
Has the experience and expertise to
implement solutions tailored to meet the
needs of community groups and seeks to
improve remote support functionality

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The Technical GoalsThe Technical Goals
 Convert a peer to peer office network to a server
to peer network.
 Improve security and reliability of systems.
 Provide training and ongoing technical support
as required

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How We Did ItHow We Did It
 New server shipped directly to CASE office for
installation of software and creation of
documentation.
 Server installed by DEG staff with direction of
CASE staff. This allows for remote connectivity
to DEG network.
 CASE technical support staff remotely operate
each workstation on network to reconfigure for
use with enhanced network services. DEG staff
assist in this process via phone.

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Success FactorsSuccess Factors
 Appropriate staff on both sides
 Proper planning with clear goals
 Allowance of time for training
 Use of standard systems with low overhead
requirements

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What Was AccomplishedWhat Was Accomplished
 Robust fault tolerant server installed with
disaster recovery systems in place
 Improved file security and privacy measures
 Empowerment of staff to understand and
control their systems
 Establishment of technical support services
 An ongoing partnership to support the goals of
the Dharriwaa Elders

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ChallengesChallenges
 About a year later it was decided that
outstanding issues required on-site support
 Server hardware was upgraded
 Additional workstation and network tasks were
performed such as checking cabling and the
installation of a networked security camera

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SummarySummary
 With better scoping the project might have been
possible to complete entirely remotely
 Being on site provided extremely valuable
opportunities for both groups
 Most goals were accomplished well within budget
 CASE staff have offered to return to DEG on a
volunteer basis having found the experience highly
rewarding
 Local business may provide chartered flights to
support needs of remote communities

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LinksLinks
 Dharriwaa Elders Group –
http://www.dharriwaaeldersgroup.org.au/
 CASE podcast with Wendy Spencer of
Dharriwaa Elders Group –
http://www.case.org.au/podcasts-5.html

10. Computing Assistance Support
& Education Inc
Questions?

11. Computing Assistance Support
& Education Inc
Thank You!