FocusTech aims to allow clients to concentrate on business

by Kris Ann Hegle

SBJ Contributing Writer

In 1997, Paul Roberts decided to head out in a different direction. He had worked at RINFO Inc., a computer software company that developed specialized packages for businesses in the truck and equipment industry, for almost 20 years and was the company's majority stockholder.

When a competitor offered to buy out the business, Roberts decided to accept the offer, and he sold RINFO in July 1997.

Within months he and his wife, Beverly, were planning a new business. Unlike RINFO Inc., their new business, FocusTech LLC, would target technology-specific clients rather than industry-specific clients.

The new company's plan was straightforward: FocusTech would help businesses in the region implement more effective computer networks.

In February 1998 the Robertses began hiring employees. During the next few months, six new staff members were hired, and some were sent off to attend training programs.

A couple of the new recruits were already Novell certified network engineers, and they immediately began working on the corresponding Microsoft network certifications. One became a Microsoft certified solution developer.

In addition, the company itself became an authorized Microsoft certified solution provider.

Beverly Roberts, who has a background in computers and Internet technology, also began working at the business. Like many small-business owners, she wears several hats, serving as the company's controller, as well as assisting with special networking projects.

According to Paul Roberts, the profes-sional services offered by Focus-Tech vary.

Some clients seek out FocusTech because they wish to move from a local area network to a wide area network and connect their network to the Internet.

Other clients are more concerned with security issues. Some of FocusTech's clients send confidential information across the Internet.

FocusTech's consultants work with these businesses to help them find better ways to encrypt information so it can't be accessed by computer hackers. In addition, the consultants work to develop internal safeguards for confidential information stored on a client's in-house servers.

After being contacted by a client, FocusTech's consultants do an information-technology survey. During the survey, the client's existing computer equipment and software programs are documented.

"We like to do an IT survey front-end because it prevents us from attacking any network issues in a piecemeal fashion," Paul Roberts said. "As part of our service, we update the IT survey anywhere from once a quarter to once a year so our clients always have a current accounting of their network infrastructure."

In addition, FocusTech's staff offers a security audit to determine what weak points, if any, exist in the client's current networking system.

Soft spots are identified, and the client receives a report, as well as recommendations, on ways to reduce or eliminate security risks.

Then the actual networking implementation gets under way. Schematic drawings are developed, and a list of component parts required to build the new computer network is made. Cabling subcontractors are contacted, and FocusTech's staff supervises the network's installation.

FocusTech's consulting work doesn't stop once the new network system is in place, however. The client's staff also receives training on how to troubleshoot common network-administration problems.

Complex problems, however, are handled by FocusTech's staff. These problems may be fixed on-site by a FocusTech consultant, or the client's computer network may be accessed remotely.

A few clients have FocusTech completely handle their network administration. In fact, one local construction company's network server is located in a secure area at FocusTech's office.

The demand for trained network administrators is high, Paul Roberts said, and currently FocusTech is working in partnership with Southwest Missouri State University's Center for Continuing and Professional Education to provide training classes at the university's computer institute.

FocusTech also offers on-site corporate training classes, as well as one-on-one training.

Currently, most of FocusTech's clients are referred by clients who have previously done business with the firm.

In the coming year, the Robertses plan on expanding their client base through referrals and by targeting businesses with a high concentration of networking needs.

"We focus on the networking infrastructure and systems-management issues for our client companies so they can focus on their core business," Paul Roberts said. "Everyone shouldn't have to be computer experts to put technology to work for their business. That's where we help."[[In-content Ad]]