Advizex Supports County IT Modernization
The Team
A dedicated group of IT solution architects and project managers collaborated on this initiative.
The Problem
A midsized county in Northeast Ohio, supporting approximately 3,000 employees across multiple departments, was facing significant IT infrastructure challenges. Like many public-sector organizations, the county operated under stringent capital budgets.
Their wireless network relied on outdated, end-of-support access points. Performance had noticeably degraded, and durability issues were emerging. The initial objective was to replace 44 access points to maintain operations. However, this approach would not address the broader, systemic concerns.
Given the limited capital budget and the need for a more comprehensive solution, the task was to identify an innovative, cost-effective path forward.
The Solution
The strategy focused on working smarter, not harder.
Rather than simply replacing a fraction of the access points, the recommendation was a full wireless refresh—deploying 265 new access points throughout the county’s environment. This was delivered through a subscription-based networking service model, enabling operational expenditure(OpEx) funding and circumventing capital budget restrictions.
While this solution was not initially under consideration, an unsolicited proposal was developed that aligned with the county's budget constraints and demonstrated how the full infrastructure upgrade could be accomplished without significant upfront costs. Beyond hardware, the solution incorporated centralized management licenses and support, with provisions for scalable expansion as the county continues its modernization journey.
The Implementation
Implementation is currently in progress. The county’s IT team is leading the deployment, but given the project's scale, there are discussions about engaging professional services for additional support. This represents phase one of the modernization. Following the completion of the wireless refresh, the focus will shift to upgrading switches, both for campus and data center environments. Preparations for these next steps are already underway.
The Technology
The solution comprises:
- Enterprise-grade access points
- Centralized network management
- Subscription-based networking services
By leveraging a flexible subscription model, the county secures the necessary technology without the delays associated with capital expenditure approvals. The approach is scalable, manageable, and budget-conscious—precisely what public-sector IT demands.
The Impact
The immediate result is a robust, modern wireless infrastructure serving all county departments. Looking ahead, the subscription model provides ample flexibility for growth. Change orders are already in progress, with further modernization initiatives on the horizon. The county has shifted its strategy from periodic hardware replacements to an adaptable, service-oriented model that supports ongoing modernization.
The Conclusion
What began as a simple request for 44 replacement access points evolved into a comprehensive modernization plan, supported by a sustainable funding model. This case exemplifies the value of true partnership and the importance of rethinking initial requirements. Now, the county benefits from infrastructure that not only meets current needs but also provides a clear pathway for future growth.