Efficient Network Design for French Broad EMC

French Broad Electric Membership Corporation PROJECT SUMMARY: DESIGNING EFFICIENT NETWORKS Prior to 2016, French Broad Electric Membership Corporation had nagging issues with their aging data network. Problems stemmed from their ‘hub and spoke’ network design which created multiple points of failure throughout the footprint as well as non-standardized and incomplete VLAN configuration, all of which resulted in oversized broadcast domains and degradation of services/network quality. Kelby Cody, French Broad Electric’s IT Administrator, engaged Epsilon for assistance in the design, configuration, and deployment of their new enterprise data network. A new ‘ring’ network design was planned which leverages high speed gigabit fiber optic links spanning across each site, providing redundant access to all network sites, offices, and power substations. This network ring also takes advantage of both existing and new long haul fiber optics providing a large internal network across its sites in Western North Carolina with network recovery and convergence from failure within seconds. Start your transformation CONTACT US NOW
Business Acquisition with Hybrid Cloud

Goldsmith, Molis, and Gray, PLLC (GMG) Challenge Goldsmith, Molis, and Gray, PLLC (GMG) recently acquired the local accounting firm, Steve Greene CPA, in order to better serve their existing customers and to expand their geographical presence in WNC. As with any acquisition or merger, there are many considerations surrounding the integration of another company’s computing devices, systems, telephony, and workflow processes. Navigating this process can be both time consuming and expensive if is not well planned in advance. Solution As GMG’s Information Technology Services Provider, the Epsilon team worked closely with GMG to plan the technology integration well in advance. Epsilon’s engineers scanned the new environment with our network monitoring and assessment toolset to catalog all the devices on the network and assess the need for replacement. Epsilon also was able to pull upgraded fiber internet quotes from local partner ERC Broadband and expand the phone system needs through VoIP provider Ringfree Communications. Once the technology assessment was completed, we deployed upgraded networking gear including managed switches, managed wireless access points, and enterprise grade firewall services. Since GMG was already utilizing the Epsilon SAVE Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure as a Service, we pre-staged their private and secured GMG cloud through the SAVE Onsite Appliance including the GMG domain, group policies, application presentation, and other needed files and folders to allow for an simple implementation when it came time to cut over their infrastructure. While the integration of another organization following an acquisition or merger will always be stressful, our planned approach to this process can save time, money, frustration and, most importantly, allow our customers to focus on running a successful business. Start your transformation CONTACT US NOW
Ransomware Attack Recovery at Local Nonprofit

Council on Aging of Buncombe County (COABC) In June 2022 Council on Aging of Buncombe County (COABC) – a local nonprofit serving aging adults and their caregivers in Buncombe County, NC and surrounding counties since 1964 – was the victim of a ransomware attack on their network disrupting their IT systems and creating significant operational challenges as a result. This costly, time-consuming, and sudden event disrupted the organization’s operations and strained its resources. After researching local businesses to provide the services needed to recover, COABC selected Epsilon, Inc. to take the necessary steps to rebuild the network and computer systems. “Whenever a customer, much less a local non-profit, is affected by ransomware, it is frustrating,” said Matt Fraser, Vice President of Epsilon’s Commercial Services Division. Epsilon engineers deployed a plan to cut off all systems and services from the internet, and quickly rebuilt the Council on Aging’s primary infrastructure including network, servers, computers, and applications. “We were pleased to even provide a temporary network and secured computer systems so that Council on Aging could still operate throughout the restoration process.” In addition, Epsilon addressed network and system security vulnerabilities, enhanced business continuity and backups, and even deployed cyber awareness training services to improve their employees’ knowledge of cyber threats in the world today. “As a nonprofit with limited resources to fulfill the stark increase in demand for our services,” said Heather Bauer the Executive Director of COABC, “having a crisis such as a ransomware attack could have gone as far as closing our doors for good. By partnering with Epsilon who built their brand on providing white glove IT services based on security and compliance, we are confident that our systems are in good hands.” After six months of providing these services and stabilizing the IT systems at COABC, Epsilon has further offered to help reduce monthly service costs in the form of a sponsorship. This sponsorship was much needed and valuable relief for COABC in the critical recovery phase. “Ensuring that Council on Aging continues to get top notch IT Services is so important to the success of their mission. Epsilon is happy to help ensure that COABC and their IT assets are supported, secured, and available for years to come without breaking the bank.” In addition, COABC secured additional support from a Janirve SUN grant from the Community Foundation of WNC, which enabled COABC to fund the remaining IT support costs for the fiscal year July 2022-June 2023. “Having CFWNC and Epsilon as partners, both with caring, talented, and knowledgeable people on their teams, have made a tremendous difference in where we were as an organization prior to this ransomware attack, and where we are today,” Bauer states. COABC is proud to have this community support and we appreciate our partners beyond measure. Buncombe County’s aging population is being served at a higher level with these relationships. Start your transformation CONTACT US NOW
Highland Brewing’s 30- Years Milestone: Growth and Innovation

Embracing Technology to Elevate the Brewing As Highland Brewing Company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, over a decade has passed since the renowned Asheville, NC craft brewery embarked on a significant expansion project. The multimillion-dollar initiative included the installation of a new bottling line, a state-of-the-art cooler, enhanced production areas, and improvements to the guest experience. To support this ambitious endeavor, Highland Brewing Company sought the expertise of Epsilon Inc., a trusted technology consultant, with the goal of optimizing their existing small business network, enhancing connectivity to new and existing brewing equipment, securing remote vendor access, improving the guest Wi-Fi experience, and providing comprehensive IT support for their employees. Transforming the Network Infrastructure Epsilon’s engineering team rose to the challenge, designing, configuring, and deploying an enterprise-grade data network that transformed Highland Brewing Company’s system into a secure, multilayered, and unified network. By leveraging industry-standard designs and cutting-edge network technologies, Epsilon ensured that Highland’s infrastructure could seamlessly support the brewery’s growth and innovation. Empowering Wireless Connectivity In addition to the wired network upgrades, Epsilon implemented a unified wireless solution that provided secure and reliable indoor and outdoor wireless services to employees, patrons, and guests. This enhanced connectivity enabled Highland Brewing Company to deliver a seamless and engaging experience for all who visited their facilities. Comprehensive IT Support for Operational Excellence To further support Highland Brewing Company’s day-to-day operations, Epsilon’s Premier Solution Center Help Desk Services were made available to the brewery’s employees around the clock. This comprehensive IT support ensured that Highland’s team could focus on crafting exceptional beer while Epsilon handled the technology-related challenges. Celebrating 10 Years of Success in Partnership Through its partnership with Epsilon Inc., Highland Brewing Company was able to successfully navigate its ambitious expansion project, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance its operations, improve the guest experience, and position the brewery for continued growth and success. As Highland Brewing Company continues to innovate, the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence is evident. Epsilon is proud to have played a role in this journey, and we look forward to continuing to support Highland Brewing Company’s technological needs as they embark on their next chapter. Start your transformation CONTACT US NOW