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Network Performance: A Small Company Making a Big Difference
January 12, 2006
Servers, routers, networks, hardware, software and cabling sound like they have little to do with the hands-on patient care that defines us as family practice. But people may be surprised to know that there is a complete hidden world of technology at the Health Center that provides the backbone of all our administrative systems. The wizards of this technical universe are Network Performance, a small company with a big heart for helping the non-profit community.
While the Health Center has an up to date patient scheduling and appointment management system, the administrative staff struggled behind the scenes with a patchwork system of unrelated computer equipment and software. Two years ago, Health Center Board member John Kassel invited Network Performance partner Eric Hart in to tour our facility on Riverside Avenue. Eric was immediately taken with the mission of the Health Center and envisioned a role for his company in helping bring our system up to current technology standards.
"We like to donate our time and get our staff involved", commented Eric. "In giving our time and expertise, it makes us feel useful and just better about how our work can directly support non profits."
Eric, along with Russell Goodwin and John Burton, got to work assessing our current technology and planning the best system for our needs. According to Russ, our mostly donated computers, while serviceable, didn't offer the capability we needed for office efficiency and communications.
"It was difficult to find information and with everything spread out on different systems, back-ups couldn't get done," explained Russ. "Only one computer had Internet access and no one had e-mail capability. We basically had to develop a design that included a dedicated server and we worked to narrow all the possible choices for the Health Center."
The Network Performance Group ultimately chose the Microsoft Small Business Network, but the work had really just begun. Infrastructure, such as wiring, had to be upgraded, as did computers and software. Knowing the Health Center couldn't just afford to purchase outright, Eric, John and Russ went to bat for the Health Center with Microsoft for donations. The result was all the needed software licenses. The Health Center was finally prepared for the new millennium.
"It was a wonderful and generous donation," remarked Alice Astarita, Health Center Finance Director. "We never would have been able to afford to move ahead in this way. Network Performance singlehandedly made it possible for our administrative staff to be remarkably more efficient and effective in their daily work."
Since Network Performance finished up their first major job with the Health Center, they have remained amazingly helpful. Network performance Staff even helped the Health Center interview candidates for our first ever MIS staff person, and still consult on a regular basis.
"We were happy about where we were working", remarked John. "The staff was so friendly and it is a great cause. The people they serve really need their services".
Article written in the Community Connection,
The Community Health Center of Burlington Newsletter, Winter, 2001-2002
