From Crisis to Continuity: Financial Services Company, iStream, and their Journey with SupraNet’s Data Center Services
Client Overview
- Client Name: iStream Financial Services
- Industry: Financial Services
- Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin (Serving customers nationwide)
- Company Size: 40-50 employees
- Client Since: 2005
Background
When iStream Financial Services, a financial services company, found itself at a crossroads when an FDIC audit forced the shutdown of their internal data center, they needed a partner that could provide reliable, secure, and compliant data center services to keep their business running. SupraNet stepped in, not just as a service provider but as a trusted partner. Over the years, this partnership has centered around four key pillars: Trust and Ability, Quality Service, Cost-Effectiveness, and Responsiveness—all crucial to iStream’s continued success for the past 20 years.
“We grew our business through what you (SupraNet) could do for us.”
Mike Nell, Form VP of IT (2005-2011) at iStream
Trust and Ability: From Internal Data Center Shutdown to Seamless Migration
Challenge: iStream was required to shut down its in-house data center due to an FDIC audit. They needed an immediate, compliant, and reliable solution to move their data operations without compromising business continuity.
Solution: SupraNet quickly provided a secure environment to transition iStream’s infrastructure. Colin Baker from SupraNet recalls, “They needed VPN endpoints changed so they could transfer data from their colo to their office. I said, ‘Ok, let’s see if we can make it work.’” He also remembers hearing the iStream staff person turn around and say to his team, “I think he’s gonna do it.”
That was the first of many personal interactions Colin and other SupraNet staff have had with iStream team members over the past 20 years. This relationship allows iStream to ensure their clients are always connected to the data they need.
Joey Officer, Senior Systems Engineer
“SupraNet is great to us. You’ve always been available anytime we’ve had random issues or things we thought were a problem, or couldn’t say it was one thing or another. You’re always there to help us figure it out.”
The Network Design Challenge: Dual WAN Link from SupraNet to iStream
iStream faced a significant challenge in designing a robust solution to their redundancy and failover needs. Their operations required eliminating all single points of failure. The complexity of setting up connectivity and ensuring redundancy across multiple locations and with multiple carriers, was an unrealistic task for the iStream team’s capabilities.
SupraNet bridged this expertise gap. Because we are both the ISP and the carrier, we had the knowledge and skills needed to design a customized setup where both of iStream’s Internet uplinks were routed through independent sets of hardware to increase redundancy.
“You can buy rack space, power, and the Internet service, but you’re kind of on your own to put it all together. Our clients come to us and say that they need to get information from point A to point B, and we figure it out for them. When we are done, we give them essentially what looks like a long cable that does everything they need.”
Impact on Business
This solution not only increased redundancy and reliability but also spared iStream from the time and hassle of coordinating with multiple carriers. By having the team, assets, and experience to manage all aspects of network connectivity and failover, SupraNet allowed iStream to focus on their core business without the burden of managing complex technical details.
“At some point you have to have a carrier, and for us to have to recreate what a carrier provides was prohibitive. While we might have been able to learn the technical expertise to work with another Internet provider, in order to get those multiple WAN links in, it was just cost prohibitive. SupraNet provides that service seamlessly. Additionally, if SupraNet has an issue with one of the other carriers, we just don’t see it and we don’t have to deal with it.”
Joey Officer, Senior Systems Engineer
SupraNet’s ability to respond promptly built a foundation of trust that has been integral to the partnership. By acting swiftly, efficiently, and expertly, SupraNet ensured that iStream’s operations remained uninterrupted.
Quality Service: Establishing an External Disaster Recovery Site
Challenge: A subsequent audit required iStream to have an off-site disaster recovery (DR) solution. iStream needed a trusted partner to establish a DR site that would meet regulatory demands for redundancy and business continuity.
Solution: SupraNet established a fully compliant DR site at 222 W. Washington Ave. in Madison, WI providing iStream with a robust off-site backup that met federal requirements. SupraNet’s expertise in designing and implementing this DR solution not only ensured regulatory compliance but also enhanced iStream’s operational resilience. SupraNet’s commitment to quality service meant that iStream could rely on a solution tailored to their specific needs, delivered seamlessly.
Cost-Effectiveness: SOC 2 Compliance to Streamline Due Diligence
Challenge: As iStream grew, maintaining compliance with stringent financial industry regulations became increasingly complex and costly. They needed a cost-effective solution that would not only ensure compliance but also ease the administrative burden associated with it.
Solution: SupraNet’s commitment to long-term partnerships means always being dedicated to clients’ success. Driven by a spirit of curiosity and problem-solving, SupraNet embarked on a cost-effective way to address iStream’s compliance challenges. By obtaining SOC 2 compliance for its data center, SupraNet enabled iStream to effortlessly meet federal regulations without the burden or expense of managing it internally.
Impact on Business
This proactive approach streamlined iStream’s due diligence process, saving significant time, resources, and costs. The solution not only reduced complexity and ensured compliance but also highlighted SupraNet’s dedication to providing innovative, budget-conscious solutions that foster long-term client loyalty.
Responsiveness: 24/7 Support and Escorted Access
Challenge: iStream frequently needed to conduct system upgrades and maintenance during off-hours to avoid disruptions. SupraNet’s strict security protocols required escorted access to the data center, posing a logistical challenge, especially during late-night hours.
Solution: SupraNet ensured that a certified team member was available 24/7 to escort iStream personnel into the data center whenever needed. Facilitating access, even during late hours, underscored SupraNet’s commitment to being a responsive partner that adapts to iStream’s operational demands.
Impact on Business
This flexible and responsive support allowed iStream to carry out essential upgrades and maintenance efficiently, without compromising on security or compliance.
“The team was fabulous with us. We could schedule wherever we needed to, just with a couple days notice and they would have someone there from midnight to 4 a.m. if we needed them. We’re very happy with the off-hours level of support that we’ve received over the years.”
Mark Becker, Chief Information Officer
Conclusion
The partnership between SupraNet and iStream exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in the realm of data center services. From responding to urgent needs to developing robust, compliant solutions, SupraNet became an integral partner in iStream’s success, helping them thrive in an increasingly demanding and regulated environment.
Through SupraNet’s Trust and Ability, Quality Service, Cost-Effectiveness, and Responsiveness, iStream was able to navigate critical regulatory challenges while maintaining business continuity. SupraNet’s proactive solutions, such as achieving SOC 2 compliance and establishing a secure disaster recovery site, were pivotal in driving iStream’s growth. By simplifying complex compliance processes and providing tailored, cost-effective infrastructure, SupraNet empowered iStream to focus on their core business without the burden of managing intricate technical details.
