Customer Success Story CANADIAN URBAN INSTITUTE C U S TOMER PR OFI LE
Internationally recognized as a leader in urban planning innovation, the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the leadership, planning, and life in urban regions in Canada and around the world. They provide a broad range of programs, services, and activities including research, convening urban decision-makers, promoting leadership and ideas, and building citizen participation. Client’s include the City of Toronto, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
E M P L O YEE S: 30 (Toronto) 30 (International) INDUST RY: Not-for-profit/Research B ENE FIT NEEDS:
THE RESULTS:
THE C HA LLEN GE
A key business tool used by CUI is Geographic Information System (GIS). GIS is used to communicate complex information like relationships, trends, and patterns in visually interesting and easily understandable ways. A slow server allowed only flat, printable maps, not the interactive web-based maps they needed to present information in an engaging way.
“The friendly and individual attention made it easy for users to gain confidence in System Architects and their Managed IT Solutions”, says Ed Mafa, Director of Finance.
CUI needed a robust and comprehensive IT solution capable of supporting their current and future business needs.
Once the improvements by System Architects’ Managed IT Solutions were installed and activated, many issues were resolved overnight.
T H E S O L U T ION
The leadership team at CUI were relieved when System Architects were able to immediately address all of their concerns. Once an initial assessment with System Architects’ Managed IT Solutions division was completed, Canadian Urban Institute agreed to a complete overhaul of their technology environment - from website management to new servers. A new server was installed, replacing the aging and failing server. The new server enables the staff at CUI to work collaboratively on spreadsheets, allowing staff to work more efficiently. New backup software was installed, ensuring that projects can be archived and saved. The new server also made their website more functional and user-friendly. The team at System Architects provided on-site training and one-on-one attention to each user, ensuring that any questions about the new system were answered. This made this transition to the new system fast and easy.
THE R ES U LTS
With new servers running at full speed, CUI is now able to produce interactive web-based GIS maps that are quickly understood and easily shared, providing a much more engaging experience for their clients. Their website is fully functional, allowing guests to register for events with ease. Should the staff at CUI encounter any trouble, they know that customer support is available 24x7x365 by telephone or e-mail. An advanced trouble ticket system ensures that issues are resolved quickly and completely. On-demand billing ensures that every dollar of their information technology budget is well spent. The cost of service, support, and equipment is transparent and predictable, with no questions left unanswered. Perhaps the greatest improvements for Canadian Urban Institute is the sense of confidence and the assurance that a team of information technology experts are working with them to detect and prevent disasters before it happens. They know that the team at System Architects have the expertise and tools to manage their growing business needs and the day-to-day support to ensure business continuity and the successful delivery of key products. A BOU T
Based in Toronto, System Architects is a leader in Information Technology support and service.With a global presence and a local touch they specialize in full-service IT support for small- and medium- sized businesses. For more information on how System Architects can help modernize your business, call 1-866-955-4856 or visit www.systemarchitects.ca.