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For project management, OLIP uses an intranet in conjunction with an MS SQL-based server and Microsoft’s 2003 Server to provide superior project management. In one screen shot, the executive team is able to access the most current file version worked on by every team member. When a file is modified, it automatically informs the employees who need to be notified.
Improved information accessibility is provided by using four components: a virtual private network, a terminal services server, a Palm Treo and bulk document scanning. The virtual private network enables the systems in Bogota to securely access the firm’s New York–based network.
Communications is also a part of OLIP. The firm uses a hosted PBX and VoIP to allow phone systems in Bogota and New York to communicate seamlessly.
The final component of OLIP is corporate culture. By using secure IP videoconferencing, the company can have meetings with its team based in Bogota. This helps to maintain strong ties between the two teams.
THE RESULTS
It took Etectonics 18 months to fine-tune this project. During that period, about 30% of the partners’ time was required. There were two exploratory 15-day trips to Bogota to plan the logistics and meet with government officials to investigate the opportunities and incentives the country has in place for direct foreign investment. Those trips also allowed for the opportunity to interview the general manager, form the partnerships with the universities and talent pools, study the best location for the office, inspect the technology infrastructure, purchase the technology required and then deploy it.
The availability of high broadband penetration, Colombia’s neutral time zone with the U.S. and the availability of educated and bilingual human resources were key in the company’s final decision to outsource to Bogota.
OLIP has increased revenue and customer satisfaction and has also dramatically decreased turnover. OLIP can serve as a model for small businesses hindered by having administrative tasks performed by managers and owners who should be focused on the future of their company. For Etectonics, OLIP generated a savings of up to 50% in a number of departments.
Congratulations to the companies chosen as finalists in our Small Business Best Practice Awards. They are:
FINALISTS
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Byne Group/Suffern, N.Y.
www.thebynegroup.com
LEADERSHIP
FUEL Outdoor/New York, N.Y.
www.fueloutdoor.com
M5 Networks, Inc./New York, N.Y.
www.m5net.com
Metropolitan Exposition Services, Inc.
Moonachie, N.J.
www.metro-expo.com
Synergy Workplaces/New York, N.Y.
www.synergyworkplaces.com
TargetCast TCM/New York, N.Y.
www.targetcast.com
MARKETING
Entrust Northeast, LLC/Verona, N.J.
iCIMS/Hazlet, N.J.
www.iCIMS.com
Infinity Info Systems, Inc./New York, N.Y.
www.infinityinfo.com
Powered by Professionals/
New York, N.Y.
www.poweredbyprofessionals.com
Salon Professional Services Inc.
(dba: Avenue You)/Belmar, N.J.
www.aveyou.com
Sweetriot/New York, N.Y.
www.sweetriot.com
SALES
Prime Visibility, LLC/Bethpage, N.Y.
www.primevisibility.com
TECHNOLOGY
Core Data Center, Inc./Bethpage, N.Y.
www.CORE.bz
Dave Chartock is a freelance business writer. He can be reached at chartock@aol.com.
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