NAGE IT REPORT December 2015 MICHAEL ARIAS – IT DIRECTOR

In the Beginning…  IT needed a complete overhaul.  A virus known as Cryptolocker was corrupting all of our files, making it impossible to restore our previous files and save our work securely.  Outdated and non-functional networking equipment were incompatible to today’s technology standards and made it difficult to use newer devices such as computers to do our job.  Multiple issues with several applications including our membership system and legal system.  provider was not up to date with current technology standards.  issues consisted of being down, crashing, and poor performance speed.  Website was down constantly.  Internet was slow/down often.  WiFi was spotty and unsecure.  Frustrated end users.

Completed Projects to Date  Network Infrastructure Assessment  Network Revamp (from scratch)  New Networking Gear (Cisco Meraki)  New Virtual Servers  Office 365 Migration  Antivirus deployment to all machines  Backup solution for NAGE’s Data. Offsite solution as well.  Numerous amount of hardware upgrades to current server  Restructured devices to current standards  Prepared network for future technology additions such as VOIP (Voice over IP)  Amicus Attorney Upgrade  VoIP Deployment

Project in progress Membership System  To streamline dues collection and provide up to date and current information about our members.  This will enhance our communication to our members and will allow our staff to provide our members with better service.  It will provide access across the country to our staff in order to accurately keep all of our information up to date for our locals.  Completely web based. Does not require any special software.

Membership System: Phase 1  We are beginning our transition into the new membership system with the state of Massachusetts.  In order to start with a fresh slate for the past several months we have been working with the state to obtain updated information about our membership. Such as addresses, s, phone numbers, work address etc. This is critical information that affects how we communicate with our members.  Staff will be trained on the new system.  Once we reach a level of comfort in operations the plan is to expand the system to the next region.  Going Live January 1, 2016

The Transition to VoIP  Cost efficient calls: This is one of the main reasons why companies make the shift to VoIP. Their phone call costs, especially to international destinations, are greatly reduced thanks to this technology.  Portability: VoIP is entirely internet based, which means you can make and receive calls wherever you have access to an internet connection. Skype is an example of a VoIP service.  Connects all of our offices together just like our computer networks. This also contributes to the long distance savings from phone carriers when we are calling each other.

Project in Progress VoIP  VoIP has arrived!!!  We have launched the new phone systems at the Quincy office, Alexandria office, and the Atlanta office.  Our staff is enjoying the perks of finally having a caller ID, and obtaining voic through .  We plan on expanding VoIP service to the rest of our offices in CT, RI, CA and MA.  Along with updating our phones we are also updating our Robocall which is an automated dialer that makes thousands of calls to our members playing a pre recorded message of importance.

2015  Server upgrades – hardware  ISP service upgrades – DSL to cable (satellite offices)  Upgraded Quincy backup solution including offsite backup.  Setup new networking equipment at DC and ATL and Springfield in order to sustain current and upcoming technology.  Prepared the network and deployed the VoIP installation at the first 3 sites.  Membership system preparation  Amicus Upgrades  Website upgrades  Deployed

Going Forward  New web based membership system launching January 1 st (for MA only)  Expanding the new membership system to IAEP, Federal and right to work.  Networking CT, RI, CA as well to act as one network with the rest.  Implementing a VoIP (Voice over IP) phone system at Springfield, Cromwell, CT. Bridgeport, CT. Warwick, RI. Ventura, CA. sites. We are now current with technology making us more transparent, visible, connected and more efficient with our members than ever before - in a more cost effective way.