Verteks Consulting: Channeling Voice and Data Networks

Verteks follows a six-step process—Discover, Design, Implement, Document, Train and Test—to ensure our clients have a solution that meets their needs. During the discovery phase, we assess and document the client’s IT environment including servers, storage and networking. In the design phase, we design a business continuity system that meets or exceeds the RPO and RTO requirements which also includes planning for retention of enough backups to meet regulatory and compliance requirements.

During the implementation, we install the hardware and software and configure the backup agents, appliance, and ‘snapshot’ intervals to meet the objectives. We then document the system, which includes detailed disaster recovery, and business continuity plans covering server boot order, applications or networking, and recover files, folders, SQL databases or tables.

In the training phase, we train designated staff on the ways to recover files, folders and complete systems as well as add and remove new servers from the system to keep the continuity solution 100 percent effective as the business changes. In the Test phase, we simulate failures and conduct full recoveries with the IT team in real-world conditions.

Explain the benefits of Datto for a potential client.

A client was struck by a ransomware attack that was initiated by a user clicking on a link in a phishing email which encrypted the PCs data and spread to a server before it was caught. Since the customer had a Datto, we could restore the files quickly. The customer’s Datto was configured to take snapshots every 15 minutes, and because of the style of the ransomware attack, the client did not realize it was encrypted for about an hour. Using Datto’s technology, we were able to ‘turn back the clock’ to a time when the data was not encrypted on a prior snapshot, restore the files, and have the business operating at 100 percent within an hour.

On the distinct features of the firm that give it a competitive edge.

Our company’s culture. The way our team embodies our core values every day. Our core values are Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy, Assurance and Readiness. We are a large group of veteran members that have been with the company for more than ten years, with several over 15 years of service—these long-term team members continually set the standard, ensuring our values stay strong.

On the trends in the Business Continuity arena.

Some of the most significant trends we see in IT are the advancement in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. When it comes to business continuity, these trends will require us to continually evaluate and adapt so that our client’s IT systems and data continue to be protected. Verteks is evolving by continually updating training, and enhancing processes, procedures, and controls so that the systems designed and implemented will protect a client’s vital IT systems and data both now and in the future.

What does the future hold for your organization?

We are planning to increase the size of our network operations center and headquarters in Ocala, and we have a search underway for a more extensive facility to meet our future growth needs. We are also rapidly expanding our ability to provide managed IT security in addition to managed business continuity so that we can protect our clients’ IT systems and data from evolving threats.