The Goal

Convert AAC Property Management to Mac OS X from Windows and establish a portable, cost-effective wireless network.

The Assignment

  1. Transition to Mac OS X with minimal downtime
  2. Implement a wireless networking solution
  3. Establish solutions for email, collaboration, contact management, and accounting
  4. Reduce service and support costs

As a thriving small business, AAC Property Management (ACC) just could not afford downtime, yet their Windows network lacked the reliability and stability it required for future growth. When owner and manager Paul James tried his new Macintosh at home, he quickly experienced the stability and ease of use of Mac OS X. At that point he decided to switch over his business from using a Windows platform to a Macintosh platform.

“When we have a challenge or technical problem, Pelarious explains it to us in plain English, then gets back to us with the right solution.”

— Paul James, owner
    AAC Property Management, LLC

As a rapidly growing property management firm, AAC projected that it would need to relocate to larger facilities in the near future. Instead of installing a traditional wired network that would not be transportable when the company moved, James wanted to investigate the possibility of a wireless network to reduce overall service and support costs and virtually eliminate downtime. Leveraging existing files and easily backing up work were other prerequisites. Wireless proved to be an attractive option because the absence of cables would give AAC’s offices a more professional, less cluttered appearance as well as provide a much more cost-effective solution. James hired Apple Consultants Network member Pelarious to guide AAC through the transition.

The Solution

Reliability.
Pelarious recommended iMac computers running Mac OS X for maximum stability and easy, trouble-free maintenance. All the software needed to run the business was available for Mac OS X: Now Up-to-Date Contact for calendaring and contact management; Quickbooks Pro for accounting; Retrospect Workgroups Edition for backup; Microsoft Office for business productivity; and FileMaker Pro for maintaining property listings.

A portable, wireless network.
After installing and configuring the iMac computers, Pelarious worked with AAC to establish an AirPort Extreme wireless network. Based on AAC’s budget and needs, Pelarious recommended a digital cable modem for broadband access. Pelarious then used the Apple Airport Extreme Base Station connected to the broadband access point to share the high-speed connection throughout the entire office. Their new wireless network ensured that their office move was easier to manage and less time intensive.

Transition to Mac OS X.
It didn’t take long for AAC to transition to their new Macintosh systems. AAC employees attended a Pelarious seminar, Core Skills for Mac OS X Users, where employees learned the Mac OS X interface and features. The transition proved to be an easy one for all employees, and they were extremely pleased with the outcome—less time rebooting their machine along with easy-to-use software.

The Results and Benefits

Reduce system administration costs.
AAC previously experienced frequent crashes, email issues, and high support costs using their Windows system. But now, with Mac OS X, AAC has a highly stable, rock-solid system that has significantly reduced support costs and downtime. Employees are more productive because they spend less time rebooting their computers and troubleshooting email issues. “We don’t crash. We don’t have to restart. And using Control+Alt+Delete is never mentioned any more,” says James.

“As members of the Apple Consultants Network, our customers and potential customers know we're qualified before we ever start a project. We gain immediate credibility. And, we can address specific customer needs that can't be immediately fulfilled by our staff by pooling resources and knowledge with other members.”

— Patrick McGraw, president
    Pelarious, Inc.

A portable network.
When AAC moves to its new facility, their AirPort Extreme wireless network can easily accompany them. There’s no need to install expensive cables, and the company can maintain a more polished, professional appearance. “With a wireless solution, the entire network is easily transportable,” says Patrick McGraw, president and founder of Pelarious. “There’s no need to leave behind expensive wiring only to have to install it all over again.”

A smooth transition.
AAC made a seamless transition to Mac OS X. After attending Pelarious’ one-day Mac OS X training, the entire AAC staff was able to get to work right away without any loss in productivity. The company quickly and easily accessed existing accounting and Windows files, thanks to the cross-platform compatibility of the Mac and software like FileMaker Pro, Virtual PC, and Quickbooks Pro.