Technology Audits WDSI looks to establish and maintain an interactive, collaborative relationship with the clients that we serve. We believe it is critical to fully understand the unique workflow and dynamics within a firm prior to making recommendations and suggestions regarding technology enhancements. A valuable means of gathering this information is through the performance of a Technology Audit. Process Overview A Technology Audit is typically performed by two senior members of our firm; a technology Consultant and a Network Engineer. WDSI interacts with your IT staff or key personnel using a predefined list of objectives thereby allowing us to gather necessary information in the shortest amount of time. The Audit allows us to gather information about your firm and technology platform including:

• Network infrastructure including cabling, hubs/switches, routers, network printer, digital copiers, network scanners, CD-ROM servers, fax appliances and other network-centric devices
• Server profile detailing specifications, available capacity, drive array and operating system load
• Workstation hardware profiles and operating system information
• Network applications in use at the firm including user counts and version information
• Identification of legacy or otherwise custom/unique software programs
• Network perimeter, server and desktop security and potential vulnerabilities
• Data structure and workflow
• Uniqueness of desktop environments and locally launched applications
• Application customization including macros, templates, forms
• Remote access system in place, usage and effectiveness
• Uncover potential issues that could pose challenges to migrations unless addressed
• General user proficiency level and satisfaction with the current platform
• Existing documentation

The Results

Our findings from the Technology Audit are documented and reviewed with the firm along with our recommendations to your computer committee or management staff. WDSI provides specific recommendations pertaining to ways to improve efficiency, network stability, security, employee satisfaction, recoverability, accessibility and performance. Typically the recommendations are divided into several categories based upon their need for attention. The results of the Technology Audit allow us to work with your firm to develop a detailed Statement of Work, at which point hardware and software costs can be identified and tasks and services may be estimated.

Our goal at the completion of this process is to identify the technology implemented at your firm, understand the problems and identify the correct solutions, provide you with the detail and cost information required to make informed decisions, and be in position to work together to formulate and implement a clear plan for the future.