Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM)
“Everything has gone so smoothly with NeoLore. Now I think of them as a partner.”
Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) is a general partnership firm of ACS Infrastructure Canada, Atkins Realis, and EllisDon. With about 100 employees, RTM was awarded a 30-year contract to maintain the Confederation Line, the new light rail transit system in Ottawa.
Nima Zandkarimi, Senior IT Specialist at RTM, enjoys the ongoing opportunities of sophisticated technology. “Right now, I’m working on a CBCT (Communications-based train control) system. It is responsible for making a connection between a train and the wayside. With a CBCT, a train does not require an operator, aside from safety checks.” The system uses digital data to convey information like track conditions, speed limits, and upcoming signals directly to the train’s onboard computer.
“I am also supporting to maintain for the CTS (Communication Transmission System) which exists in a completely isolated environment,” Nima explains. “I’m involved in many areas of technology. In fact, you could say that this company is heavily based on technology.”
RTM, as a consortium of Canadian and international companies, offers unique IT challenges. “Each group may have its their own specific equipment,” Nima says, “but they use the same protocols from a network perspective. In turn, the larger issues, like network security, apply to all.”
“A lot of room for improvements”
When Nima began his career at RTM, his responsibilities included oversight of the managed service provider (MSP). “The MSP we had at that time had been with RTM since 2013,” he explains. “I started auditing various processes and noticed there was a room for improvements.” When I mentioned my findings to the MSP, you could say they would not address the issues in a way that wholly satisfied RTM’s needs.
“I spoke with management, showed them proof about the situation, and suggested that we had to find another MSP. That’s how NeoLore came into the picture, and I am glad they did.”
“I could tell NeoLore was really listening to us”
NeoLore Networks provides personalized client network support solutions backed by comprehensive management and support systems, delivering efficient and cost-effective IT solutions. The company has over 25 years of experience in the Ottawa area, providing clients with reliable networks that maximize their business productivity while containing their IT expenditures. Through state-of-the-art monitoring systems, NeoLore ensures their clients’ networks are secure, stable and available to do business.
“I began searching for an MSP in Ottawa,” Nima explains. “I spoke with people and did research. An MSP’s reputation is very important, just as with any business. I read a lot of client reviews. That’s how NeoLore came into the picture.
“Then, I met with NeoLore and discussed our requirements. They were very professional, had lots of experience, and I could tell they were really listening to us; they wanted to help. The relationship grew from there.
“NeoLore made the onboarding process. Basically, they handled everything. Dealing with the previous MSP wasn’t always easy, but NeoLore was very diplomatic, and we were impressed about how they ran the whole operation. They gave us feedback every step of the way and we felt a sense of trust—which is critical.”
Each organization’s IT needs are unique
NeoLore recognizes that the onboarding process can be frustrating to employees, who may be facing a host of new technologies. The company’s methodology helps to alleviate stress and raise efficiencies. NeoLore’s solutions for business infrastructures address such areas as reducing downtime, network security, overseeing the IT budget, and proactive management.
NeoLore treats each organization’s IT needs as unique. In the discovery phase, NeoLore defines an organization’s goals, its pain points, and special challenges. A snapshot is created of current business versus goals and projections. The next step involves the development of an IT blueprint, contributing to SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) recommendations.
“Everything has gone so smoothly with NeoLore,” says Nima. “Now I think of them as a partner.”
“You are in good hands”
Nima summarizes his experiences with NeoLore. “They help us on an ongoing basis. That’s great. We find them very easy to work with. They are confident about their work. When you deal with NeoLore, you feel assured that you are in good hands. I would recommend them for any company that wants to experience complete trust with its MSP. I didn’t have that before. Now I do.”