ASCS IT Consulting & Management

Server Room and Backup Power Systems Design and Construction...

Your server room and backup power system is arguably the most critical part of your IT infrastructure. If it goes down, nothing will work and you’re ‘dead in the water’. We design and build highly reliable and affordable server rooms and backup power systems. We understand Apparent Power, True Power and Power Factor; we get the difference between a VA and a Kilowatt; we can convert BTUs to cooling tons and we understand the need for serviceability and server room security. Let’s talk about your new server room.

Hardware and Software Procurement, and Supplier Contract Negotiations...

The right hardware and software tools save you money. We understand the jargon that comes with procurement, and we understand the small print in warranties and contracts. We can discuss bandwidth vs latency with the Internet service providers, PRIs and SIP trunks with the telephone companies and have years of experience negotiating contracts. Perhaps before you sign that contract, we should take a look.

LAN, WAN, VPNs and Secure Remote Access Systems...

The configuration of your Routers, Switches, WAPs, VPNs, LAN extensions and Internet connections is not a job for the inexperienced. These are complicated devices, and they will have a major impact on the performance and extendibility of your network. We understand POE and Layer 3 and have a solid knowledge of the other factors that come into play when setting up your networking devices. We can make sure it’s set up right — from the start.

Network Administration, Server Installation, PC and Printer Support...

A solid understanding of active directory, network shares, security privileges and group policies is required to effectively manage a modern business network. We have installed hundreds of servers and configured thousands of users in some very complex environments. We can do the same for your business and likely save you the cost of a dedicated network administrator.

Network Security, Firewalls and Antivirus Systems Management...

The security landscape today is truly challenging. Between phishing attacks, hackers, viruses and other malware, your private information is constantly under threat. We develop and manage cost-effective cyber security programs. We understand the concept of an attack surface and the implication of open firewall ports. We are experts at installing and monitoring antivirus systems, and we can make sure your Windows security updates are installed. Why not let us do a security audit, help encrypt your laptops and use our experience to let you sleep a little more comfortable at night.

Data Backup, Restore Drills and Disaster Recovery Planning...

Depending on the source, some statistics claim that 60% of companies that lose their data will shut down within six months of the disaster. Is your data backed up frequently? Are you sure your backups are restorable; do you test them regularly? We oversee the backup of gigabytes of data every day, and we regularly test those backups to confirm they are usable if needed. Why not let us help you with backup management?

Security, Infrastructure and IT Process Audits...

Whether you’re an insurance company underwriting a new policy or somebody about to make a major investment in a business, an in-depth technology audit could save you millions. Our audits consist of more than just asking the basic questions. We dig into the details and validate the facts. We look at open firewall ports, system configurations and backup logs; we examine warranties, software licenses and supplier contracts; and we look at mission critical applications, their reliability and business continuity plans. An ASCS technology audit allows you to make a truly informed decision.

VoIP Telephony and Advanced Communications Systems Design and Deployment...

There are still plenty of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Services) in use today. However, Voice over IP (VoIP) systems offer greater scalability and far more capabilities, and VoIP is fast becoming the norm for new system installations. We understand and install VoIP, and have developed and integrated custom software with the APIs that VoIP often provide. If you’re looking for cost effective, advanced and flexible phone system with some great capabilities, let’s talk about your needs.

New Office Setup, Office Relocation and Technical Support...

Almost anybody can manage the setup or relocation of a basic office. But throw in a complex server room and a few highly connected, mission critical servers and the game rules change significantly. We are experts in navigating these challenges. Not so long ago we moved a 24x7 emergency response call centre with more than 1200 phone numbers. The project called for zero down time, and we delivered. So whether it’s the setup of a completely new office or the relocation of an existing office, we can help with that.

Websites, Web Applications, Custom Databases and Software Development...

We never advocate ‘reinventing the wheel’ by building what you can buy. However, when you do need a new website, unique database, or custom software tool that is not available off the shelf, we can build it for you. We are experienced Microsoft .NET developers. We have a strong, easy-to-understand and agile software development process, and our solutions will run on most existing, modern Windows servers. We develop on Microsoft’s flagship .NET platform, and we use Microsoft SQL Server as our go to backend. You will be surprised just how affordable a solution can be.

E-Mail Systems Setup, Domain Name Registration and DNS Records Management...

You would be hard pressed to find a company that does not rely on e-mail or even their website as a critical part of their business. While common place, however, these tools have associated complexities that require a certain level of expertise to manage. E-mail and websites rely on DNS A records, MX records and SPF records, reverse IP lookups and more. We’ve registered and configured thousands of domains. We have also seen domain name registrations fall through the cracks after the marketing guy moves on to a new job. Let’s make sure your business doesn’t have to scramble to recover an expired domain. Let us help you protect your online assets.

Website, Software and Systems Testing...

There is only one thing worse than rolling out a website that doesn’t work properly and that’s receiving complaints about the website that doesn’t work properly. We can help you avoid this by putting together a team of tech savvy testers who can put your new creation through its paces — with fresh eyes. We can run your site or software through both ad hoc and structured tests and provide you with insight into its usability and reliability.

Server Colocation Facilities and Cloud Services Management...

Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to build your own infrastructure. Either the costs are too high or you just don’t have the staff and expertise needed to manage it. We can provide cloud services management or arrange colocation facilities. We have space in facilities that are state-of-the-art and high-security. It has a redundant uninterruptable power supply (UPS), diesel generator backup, Novec gas fire suppression system, high-resolution video surveillance system, swipe-card access and redundant cooling systems. It also has fibre from multiple ISPs onsite and is staffed 24x7x365. The centre has been cleared by the Canadian Industrial Security Directorate (CISD) for the storage of sensitive government information.

Dwight French is a Senior IT Executive, Systems Manager and Innovator with 20+ years of experience designing, building and managing large, complex, geographically dispersed IT systems and software solutions on the international stage. He is a Certified Engineering Technologist with an in-depth, theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced infrastructure engineering, computer networking, network security, information systems design, software development and electronics.

Over the years, Dwight has delivered solutions to a diverse range of business sectors including: Electrical, Mechanical and Architectural Engineering firms; Marketing and Advertising agencies; Research and Call Center organizations; Public Relations companies; Media Monitoring companies; Creative and Graphic Design shops; Online Marketing businesses; Web Development and Hosting companies; TV Production studios; Event Management companies; Software Development organizations; the medical supply and veterinarian industries; and various Government agencies.

In September 1995, Dwight joined the Bristol Group where he remained for more than 14 years as the Director of Information Technology. During this time, he was the senior go-to technology person on all corporate initiatives; he built the Bristol computing network throughout Atlantic Canada and Qatar; set up and managed the hosting of hundreds of client websites; engineered, coded and deployed the corporate project and time-management intranet; designed coded and deployed a call center management system used to track the data collection activities behind Omnifacts Research; and he built the management information and product processing system that tracked business transactions and electronically delivered headlines, transcripts and digital media for 709News.

In March of 2010, Dwight co-founded NL News Now Inc.; a Newfoundland leader in media monitoring and news gathering and distribution. His primary focus in this partnership was the deployment of a secure, searchable data warehouse and product delivery system. His overarching role was to manage the tech and provide IT leadership and guidance to the NL News team. Dwight remains a trusted consultant for NL News today.

In April 2011, Dwight joined a Newfoundland high-tech contracting company, where he spent just over two years as the Deputy Program Manager on a major software development project (NGDS) for the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. NGDS (Net-Centric Geospatial-Intelligence Discovery Services) is the search and discovery facility providing access to geospatial holdings warehoused throughout the United States.

In July of 2013, Dwight took on the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with Telelink; an ISO certified communications centre specializing in 24/7/365 emergency response and live safety services (journey management and lone worker monitoring) and traditional telephone answering services. In his role as CIO, Dwight was a member of the executive team that oversees strategic planning and corporate growth. He was responsible for the authoring, negotiation and review of partner, client and supplier contracts; oversaw all IT operations, engineered and constructed the Telelink state-of-the-art, high-security data centre and colocation facility; developed and deployed a backup Journey Management system and designed, coded and deployed the corporate and various partner portals. Telelink remains a customer of ASCS IT Consulting & Management today.

Today, Dwight is 100 percent focused on providing IT consulting and management services through his consulting and management company ASCS — founded in 1995. His philosophy is that IT is really just an enabler — while IT solutions are technology driven they must always be people focused. He believes strongly that creative thinking and innovation, coupled with a positive attitude, communication and collaboration, is at the center of success.