Why Aukema & Company, PC Hired Us
The Holland, MI consulting firm was running a four-year-old accounting system on an out-of-date computer. They badly needed an updated computer system.
How STS Fixed Their Problem
STS responded by adding computers and, as Aukema & Company’s staff grew, a server.
“They keep equipment at a level that I need,” Aukema explains, adding, “It’s probably more than I need, but I didn’t want to get behind.”
As Aukema & Company has expanded, their software and equipment has moved and changed. For example, STS moved their email off of the firm’s servers, which will allow them to run their existing servers for a longer period of time. STS also installed a new hyper drive to increase speed, relieve what’s on the network, and save a huge amount of data.
Aukema appreciates how STS keeps his firm’s equipment, software, and network maintained and how the founder, Mark Kolean, takes a hands-on approach to major issues and installations.
“I bought a new backup system in case we have a problem,” says Aukema, “and Mark was here himself putting it in. About half the time we have any new work going on he’s the one doing the installation. If it’s a new server, new workstation, or a fix, one of his techs will do it.”
Aukema points out that they haven’t had a problem with their network in over two years; therefore, Mark hasn’t needed to make an appearance in-house except for installations.
“If we do have a minor issue, we email them and they take care of it,” Aukema says. “They can sign in remotely and have it fixed before they can drive here. I have no reason to switch. They take care of what needs to get done–and it just goes.”
What They Say About Shoreline Technology Services
After working with STS for almost two decades, Aukema explains that he doesn’t even worry about his firm’s computer system as long as it turns on Monday morning when he arrives at work. He can’t remember any extended periods of time when the network went down during his tenure as an STS client. Now, he and STS are focusing on making upgrades to his network.
“The server that they installed still runs,” he says. “It’s kind of like your car. As long as you turn the key and the car turns on, you don’t worry about it.”
When Mark recommended higher value computers, Dennis agreed to make the investment with the caveat that the equipment not produce any issues. Some of his monitors have lasted for more than a decade.
“I would rather pay a little higher dollar amount and have a system that works,” he says. “I can’t complain when equipment lasts this long.”
