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POINT systems continues to grow its’ customer base. We are delighted that our reputation for providing a first class service has resulted in a number of new accounts.



ASTRA reduces satellite bandwidth costs

As with all IT technology satellite broadband solutions continue to improve.

Recently we’ve seen some new KA Band services being deployed – while there have been some “teething problems” they do offer more bandwidth at a reduced cost.

To compete with these new services, suppliers of KU band technology are offering new service packages and lower costs.

Depending on the customer application, these services can be more cost effective than the newer KA Band services.

For example, ASTRA are providing faster download speeds now – and their prices have been reduced!

POINT systems can help with advice on the most appropriate solution. Why not give us a call?

 



Check out the benefits of using Pre Terminated Fibre

There are 6 main factors driving installers and end users to use a pre-terminated solution as opposed to terminating on-site: -

  1. 1.     It’s the best way to terminate a fibre
    1. a.     the method of terminating (adding connectors directly to the core fibre) mains that quality of the terminations is high and consistent and thus giving guaranteed performance.

 

  1. 2.     It’s the cheapest way to terminate a fibre
    1. a.     the cost of terminating in a factory is less than on-site. This is due to speed at which multiple terminations can be done and also because the termination technique (hot cure oven) is the cheapest form of termination. This cost comparison doesn’t include other costs incurred by an installer of fibre such as capital expenditure on equipment and training of staff.

 

  1. 3.     It’s the only way to produce high volumes in short timescale
    1. a.     high volumes can be terminated on-site but space and set up times often restrict operations. Not to mention the cost of labour on-site to complete large projects escalates when overnight accommodation and travel costs start to be included.

 

  1. 4.     Access to site
    1. a.     time on-site is dramatically reduced. Although using pre-terminated fibre is not a “plug and play” solution when using traditional fibre links, the work on site is simplified to pulling, cleaning, inspecting and testing.

 

  1. 5.     Lead times
    1. a.     with products being delivered in 3 – 5 days it is quicker to order a completed fibre link than order the component parts from a distributor and then wait on-site for the delivery and then terminate

 

  1. 6.     Access to the skills and equipment
    1. a.     with the downsizing of many installation companies and the competition for new work, often installers do not have the in-house capacity to complete a project once it has been won.

 

 

 

Comparing the Installation Cost between

Pre-terminated fibre and On-site terminations

Example comparison: Installing 3 x 24 fibre LC-LC Tight Buffered OM3

30m link from rear of patch panel 1 to rear patch panel 2

100% On-Site terminations Product Costs from a distributor:

Method 1: Using epoxy and polish

  1. 105m fibre (35m per link) = £210
  2. LC simplex connectors x 144 = £0.80 each
  3. Termination consumables = £20

 

TOTAL COST  £345.00

Labour Costs:

Terminating 144 connectors: -

  1. Stripping the cable
  2. Preparing the epoxy
  3. Applying the connector
  4. Scribe and polishing
  5. Inspecting (both visual and with a microscope)
  6. Testing

 

Estimated at:

2 men x 2 days @ £200 per day*

TOTAL COST = £800.00

Product and Labour

 

 

 

 

 

£1145.00

Product Costs:

Method 2: Splicing pigtails

  1. 105m fibre (35m per link) = £210
  2. LC simplex pigtails x 144 = £0.90 each
  3. Splice protectors x 144 = £18

 

 

TOTAL COST = £357.00

Labour Costs:

Splicing 144 pigtails: -

  1. 1.       Stripping the cable
  2. 2.       Splice pigtail
  3. 3.       Inspecting (both visual and with a microscope)
  4. 4.       Testing

 

Estimated at: -

2 men x 1 ½ days

TOTAL COST = £600.00

Product and Labour

 

 

 

 

£957.00

100% Pre-terminated Product Costs:

  1. LC-LC 24 core OM3 @30m = £180 each

 

TOTAL COST = £540.00

Labour Costs:

 

  1. Inspecting (both visual and with a microscope)

2 men x ½ day

TOTAL COST = £200.00

Product and Labour

 

£740.00

 



Network Monitor – avoid performance bottlenecks and reduce costs

POINT systems has signed up as a partner for Paessler – developers of world leading PRTG Network Monitor.

So if you want answers to questions such as:

       Who or what is using my network bandwidth?

     What applications are using cpu cycles / memory / disk space?

     How do I monitor virtual servers / VoIP connections?

Then this is what you should do:

First – watch this short (4 minute) video

Here is  the link to the PRTG Introduction video: http://www.youtube.com/user/PaesslerAG#p/u/5/Y33dd_tox68

 Then download the free 30 day trial software

Trial download link

http://www.paessler.com/download/prtgtrial/reseller_trial_link/18bed

When you’ve run the trial software for a week or two you’ll want to know the price of the software

Contact POINT systems – we’ll help you determine the optimum solution

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you get for your investment!

You can use the inbuilt mapping and graphs to determine trends helping to solve problems before they occur

 



Latest Satellite Broadband technology proving succesful!!!

Over the past few months we have been working closely with a number of suppliers on the deployment of the latest KA SAT band satellite systems.

This new technology offers greater bandwidths at competitive pricing.

For example, a 10Mb/4Mb link can be deployed for something like £150 per month

Tests have shown actual throughput at 7Mb/3Mb

There are several applications for this technology:

     Where ADSL is not available or gives poor performance

    When Telecomms providers can not deploy circuits quickly enough

    For critical business links that need resilience

We are hoping that Mobile Solutions will become available soon – watch this space!!

 

 



See what the experts are saying about the new WEBROOT product

Following the acquistion of PREVX Webroot has been developing an integrated desk top security solution utilising the most adavanced features of both product sets.
The resulting product – Webroot Secure Anywhere – has been receiving much acclaim.

Here are a few comments:

“Webroot SecureAnywhere is truly revolutionary – in a standardized benchmark test, out of a possible 98 points, we scored 90. Our closest competitors scored 62.”

From Passmark Software

Conclusions : 4.75 out of 5 stars
Webroot has gone from being a midlevel competitor to possibly one of the best suites out there. The impact on your computer memory is remarkably low, you could easily beat the installation process in a staring contest it’s so fast, and the features are solid and work well even for a high-end premium security suite. The integrated mobile support bodes well for the future, too.

From CNET Editor

 

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus AND Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete won Editors’ Choice from PC Magazine today (scored 4.5 / 5)

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393918,00.asp#fbid=5ljhab5um1T

This unusual system definitely works. Webroot detected 100 percent of the sample threats and scored a perfect 10 of 10 points for overall malware blocking, rootkit blocking, and scareware blocking.

 



POINT systems announces partnership with Webroot SaaS

We are pleased to introduce a new award-winning security service provided by Webroot. Security Software as a Service (SaaS) is a sustainable security approach that is cost-effective, manageable and flexible.

Most importantly, Security SaaS provides better protection by blocking threats in the cloud, away from your network. There are no software or hardware purchases, no single-point-of-failure risks, and no unexpected outages and replacements. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guarantee top quality performance and availability, so you can rest assured you have the highest level of protection.



Invitation to Webroot SaaS Webinar and link to registration

We’d like to invite you to attend a Webinar to find out more about Security Software as a Service (SaaS).

5 Key Differences You Need to Know About SaaS vs. On-Premise Security

Tuesday 1 March, 2011, 12.00 PM – 13.00 PM GMT

Wednesday 9 March, 2011, 12:00 PM – 13:00 PM GMT

Please choose your preferred date and click one of the links below to register and receive full details.

REGISTER for Tuesday 1 March, 2011 Webinar

REGISTER for Wednesday 9 March, 2011 Webinar



New broadband rapid deployment customers

We have recently won two new contracts with construction companies to supply and install satellite broadband kit for rapid deployment at new construction sites.

We can do this at any mainland location in the UK, and it can typically be installed within 2 or 3 days. We can also provide a site survey and decommissioning service.

Two options are available:

  • Customer owned equipment – We will manage storage / delivery etc
  • POINT Systems owned equipment – Customer pays rental for period of hire

We have recently provided satellite broadband to two major construction companies:

COSTAIN Limited

CROUDACE HOMES Limited

In both cases they had been waiting for a long time for installation of fixed links. They chose POINT systems to deliver a satellite broadband solution



Pickled Egg

Pickled Egg appointed Point Systems to provide a satellite broadband link for The ASUS Technology Zone. The Mobile Satellite sits on top of a 1959 Vintage Caravan, which has been completely re-furbished to provide our client with a mobile computing zone that will tour UK events, festivals over the next 18 months. Working with this retro style Pickled Egg have completely stripped and replaced the interior to provide 7 workstations and comfy seating areas at either end, with further outdoor space for 4-8 Netbooks.

We have just finished our first event in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and have been extremely impressed with an uninterrupted connection. We would have no hesitation in recommending POINT Systems.



New Career Skills

New Career Skills is a private company providing training for people looking to start a new career. Since the company makes extensive use of IT there is a need to protect the IT network from malware and viruses.

After some analysis and testing Webroot Spy Sweeper was selected as the best solution. We know that this is one of the best products on the market. We were pleased with the ease of installation and manageability.

The product works well and appears to have very little affect on the performance of the PCs.

POINT systems supplied the product for us and they responded well to any questions raised and have been efficient in all areas. I would have no hesitation in recommending their services.



POINT systems attends CILIP Mobilemeet

POINT systems attended the recent CILIP Mobilemeet held in Dewsbury in May 2010. This meeting was an opportunity for people involved in mobile libraries from around the country to meet and discuss latest issues. Many attendees came on board the POINT systems demonstration vehicle to see our satellite broadband system in action and have a chat about different IT solutions that can be implemented on mobile libraries.

We look forward to attending the CILIP Mobilemeet next year in Matlock. In the meantime, CILIP members can see our advert in the upcoming August edition of Service Point magazine, or attached here to download.

In the past few months, POINT systems have supplied the new Crystop satellite broadband system to Aberdeenshire County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Council for use on board their mobile libraries. If you are interested in finding out more about mobile satellite broadband please contact us.



New Products

WEBROOT

POINT systems is pleased to announce a new relationship with industry leading supplier WEBROOT.The WEBROOT Spy Sweeper product continually wins awards for best product for eliminating malware.

The Corporate edition now has the option for integrating Sophos Anti Virus software making it a real winner!

Spyware, viruses, and other malicious malware threats become more aggressive and damaging every day. Webroot’s award-winning endpoint security provides the most effective protection against known and unknown malware threats, with powerful remediation to eliminate infections.

To read more about WEBROOT click here >>



edgeBOX – an award-winning multi-function gateway appliance

POINT systems is able to deliver an exciting new product – the edgeBOX! Manufactured by Critical Links – this product has been installed in over 25,000 locations.

Critical Links is a global provider of converged voice, data and IT solutions for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that dramatically simplify and cost-reduce by consolidating over a single scalable and fault-tolerant platform.

Critical Links’ flagship product, the edgeBOX is an award-winning multi-function gateway appliance that includes VoIP/IP-PBX, VPNs, security, NAC, QoS and a WiFi access point as well as a fax server, web server, e-mail server, print server and data storage.

It is available on a range of hardware platforms that support up to 300 users, with different form factors and a host of broadband interfaces such as BRI/PRI(T1/E1), FX0/FXS, Ethernet, etc. Critical Links typically serves SMBs through a global network of VARs, System Integrators, OEMs and Service Providers

Call us to see how edgeBOX can save you money and find further information here >>



POINT systems announces new Satellite Broadband technology

At POINT systems we provide advice on a wide range of technologies. One area where we have considerable experience is Satellite Broadband.

We currently work with three different manufacturers and advise customers on the most appropriate solution for their particular application.

To read more about this and see the latest videos click here >>



Reduce the cost of fixed lines!

At POINT systems we provide advice on a wide range of technologies.

We have recently undertaken a project for a customer where we have replaced a leased line with a bonded ADSL solution.

This solution works really well and is significantly cheaper. Could this be of interest to you?



Merthyr Tydfil – static satellite

The Dolygaer Outdoor Education Centre provides a base for School groups, youth groups and those involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for expeditions and training. The Centre had no means of accessing the internet until they were made aware of the Satellite Broadband option.

A static system was fitted and now provides high speed internet access for both staff and visitors. The system was installed efficiently and has proved to be very reliable. The users are very happy with the service they are receiving

 



Age Concern Stockport – server/VMWare/citrix

Age Concern Stockport provides a wide range of services and activities in order to deliver on their mission. In line with the organisations constitution all these services are designed to benefit people over the age of fifty living in Stockport. They rely on their IT infrastructure to provide this service and recently undertook a complete infrastructure upgrade.

POINT systems carried out the project which included the supply of a new server (DELL), the installation of VMWare, a refresh of user devices (desktop PCs, lap tops and printers), Citrix implementation for remote users and a wireless infrastructure. We also provide on going IT support and on line back up.



Costain – Bell Common – wireless/IPPBX

Costain are carrying out the refurbishment of the Bell Common tunnel on the M25. This required a number of engineers to work from portakabins on the edge of the motorway. However telecommunications lines could only be installed at the “roof” of the tunnel.

POINT systems deployed a wireless link from the roof of the tunnel down to the 4 portakabins. We also deployed an IP PBX and wireless handsets. This allowed the portakabins to be moved without disruption to the service.

 




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Latest News


ASTRA reduces satellite bandwidth costs

As with all IT technology satellite broadband solutions continue to improve. Recently we’ve seen some new KA Band services being deployed – while there have been some “teething problems” they do offer more bandwidth at a reduced cost. To compete with these new services, suppliers of KU band technology are offering new service packages and [...]

read more >>

Check out the benefits of using Pre Terminated Fibre

There are 6 main factors driving installers and end users to use a pre-terminated solution as opposed to terminating on-site: – 1.     It’s the best way to terminate a fibre a.     the method of terminating (adding connectors directly to the core fibre) mains that quality of the terminations is high and consistent and thus giving [...]

read more >>

Network Monitor – avoid performance bottlenecks and reduce costs

POINT systems has signed up as a partner for Paessler – developers of world leading PRTG Network Monitor. So if you want answers to questions such as:        Who or what is using my network bandwidth?      What applications are using cpu cycles / memory / disk space?      How do I monitor virtual servers [...]

read more >>

Latest Satellite Broadband technology proving succesful!!!

Over the past few months we have been working closely with a number of suppliers on the deployment of the latest KA SAT band satellite systems. This new technology offers greater bandwidths at competitive pricing. For example, a 10Mb/4Mb link can be deployed for something like £150 per month Tests have shown actual throughput at [...]

read more >>