IT & Cybersecurity Services for Real Estate Firms

Industry: Real Estate Services

IT & Cybersecurity Services for Real Estate Firms Introduction

Boost IT specializes in providing IT & Cybersecurity Services for Real Estate Firms. Dexter Companies is a prominent player in the real estate development services industry, specializing in commercial and industrial projects. With a diverse portfolio spanning several states, they faced growing pains related to their IT infrastructure. The existing systems were fragmented, leading to inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and hampered collaboration.

“Working with Boost IT was the perfect fit. They stepped in and took care of us with the best solutions and hands-on assistance. Everything is so much better.”
Blake Dexter, Owner

Challenge

1. Fragmented Systems: Dexter Companies had disparate software solutions for project management, financials, and client relations. This led to data silos and hindered cross-functional visibility.
2. Cybersecurity Concerns: With the increasing frequency of cyber threats, Dexter Companies recognized the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive client information and proprietary data.
3. Scalability: The existing IT setup did not align with Dexter Companies’ expansion plans. It lacked the scalability required to support the company’s projected growth.
4. Collaboration Barriers: The lack of an integrated platform made collaboration between departments and project teams challenging, leading to delays and miscommunication.

Objectives

1. Centralized System Integration: Implement a unified platform to consolidate project management, financials, and client relations systems for seamless data flow.
2. Enhanced Cybersecurity: Strengthen security measures to protect against cyber threats, including data encryption, firewall implementation, and employee training.
3. Scalable Infrastructure: Design and deploy an IT infrastructure capable of accommodating future expansion and technological advancements.
4. Improved Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration by introducing tools and processes that facilitate effective communication and information sharing.

IT & Cybersecurity Services Solutions

1. Unified Project Management Platform

We supported an integrated project management system tailored to Dexter Companies’ specific needs. This platform incorporated features for project tracking, resource allocation, and milestone monitoring, providing real-time insights to all stakeholders.

2. Robust Cybersecurity Measures

To protect the company against cyber threats, we conducted a thorough security audit and implemented a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. This included:

• Data Encryption: All sensitive data was encrypted both in transit and at rest.
• Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): We deployed advanced firewall and IDS solutions to monitor network traffic and identify potential threats.
• DNS Protection: Filtering out access to malicious sites in all internet traffic
• Dark Web Monitoring: Monitoring the Dark Web for compromised usernames, passwords and other private information
• Employee Training: Conducted cybersecurity awareness training sessions to educate employees about best practices and potential risks.

3. Scalable IT Infrastructure

We designed an IT infrastructure that accommodated Dexter Companies’ growth projections. This included:

• Cloud Integration: Leveraged cloud services for scalable storage, computing power, and redundancy, including a cloud VOIP business phone system.
• Virtualization: Implemented virtualization technologies to optimize server resources and improve flexibility.

4. Implementation of a Cloud File Sharing Platform

OpenAI recommended the adoption of a leading cloud file sharing platform customized to Dexter Companies’ specific requirements. The chosen platform facilitated:

• Centralized Data Repository: Allowing employees to securely store and access project-related files from anywhere, eliminating the need for local servers and facilitating easy collaboration.
• Granular Access Controls: Providing administrators the ability to define access permissions, ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Version Control: Enabling multiple team members to work on the same document simultaneously, with the platform automatically managing versions to prevent conflicting edits.
• Secure File Sharing and External Collaboration: Allowing Dexter Companies to securely share files with external stakeholders, such as contractors, architects, and regulatory bodies.
• Audit Trails and Compliance Reporting: Providing detailed logs of file activities, aiding in compliance with industry regulations and internal security policies.

5. Collaboration Tools Implementation

We introduced a suite of collaboration tools, including video conferencing, project wikis, and instant messaging platforms, to enhance communication and information sharing across teams and departments.

6. Office Move Support

Dexter Companies also needed to move offices right after their move to the cloud. The first step was to get them migrated to the cloud to get rid of the old, slow hardware. Boost IT provided guidance during the office move in a few areas:

Site Survey –  conducted a professional site survey to ensure a smooth transition and avoid surprises
Internet Migration – evaluated the client’s internet needs, negotiated contracts, and managed the ISPs multiple visits for hardware installation and activation
Vendor/Contractor Coordination –  coordinated with the GC/property manager to ensure the new space met the power requirements and had low-voltage wiring in place
Network Infrastructure – procured and installed cabling & network infrastructure equipment needed for the new space
Moving Company – ensured the moving company prepared Dexter Companies’ equipment properly so move day goes smoothly and operations are ready to go

Results

1. Streamlined Operations

The unified platform resulted in a 25% reduction in project management overhead, allowing teams to focus more on project execution.

2. Enhanced Security

No security breaches or data leaks were reported post-implementation, indicating a significant improvement in cybersecurity.

3. Scalability Achieved

Dexter Companies reported smooth operations even during periods of rapid expansion, validating the scalability of the new IT infrastructure.

4. Improved Collaboration

Teams reported a 30% increase in efficiency due to improved communication and information accessibility.

Training and Onboarding

We facilitated comprehensive training sessions for Dexter Companies’ employees, ensuring they were proficient in utilizing the platform’s features effectively. This included training on best practices for file organization, collaboration, and security measures.

Integration with Existing Systems

The platform was seamlessly integrated with Dexter Companies’ existing tools, including project management software, email, and calendar applications. This integration ensured a smooth workflow and minimized disruptions to ongoing projects.

IT & Cybersecurity Services for Real Estate Firms Conclusion

By addressing Dexter Companies’ IT challenges, we successfully modernized their infrastructure, paving the way for continued growth and innovation. The integration of a unified cloud file sharing platform, robust cybersecurity measures, and scalable infrastructure has positioned Dexter Companies as a leader in the real estate development services industry.

Real estate development is a 24×7 business and Dexter Companies team members are always on the go and work from anywhere. When a team member receives a call about a property, they pull up data that includes detailed information about the property and owner which can be very sensitive. They need cloud storage that protects their data and provides data access anywhere at anytime.

---