Melillo Center for Mental Health Turns to The Next Page for Custom Computer Network

Glen Cove, NY - March 1, 2003 - When executives at the Melillo Center for Mental Health realized that a computer upgrade was necessary, they turned to The Next Page for help and guidance.

Like many organizations, the Center’s computer and information infrastructure had evolved over time to satisfy immediate needs and was not in any way integrated. Additionally, given its mission, the Melillo Center requires absolute security of confidential client information.

“We had a very complex and unique situation,” noted Dan Vogrin, Executive Director. “We’re a rapidly growing non-profit organization and expensive, off the shelf, cookie-cutter approaches to information integration just wouldn’t work for our needs. The variety of activities we must monitor and the number of different ways we were doing it required extensive analysis to understand and implement a solution.”

The process began with a comprehensive technical needs assessment. The existing infrastructure was carefully reviewed and numerous interviews were conducted with staff and management personnel. The Next Page was also instrumental in developing important electronic access policies.

“The Melillo Center needed a system which would allow for collaboration, both internally and externally,” said Ilona Berzups, President and CEO of TNP. “They have a very strong teamwork dynamic and they needed to easily access and share information. Melillo Center also has mobile associates and manages several remote locations that need to be connected in real time”.

As with many established organizations, information technology at the Melillo Center had evolved over time with free standing PC’s or small independent networks running inconsistent software. Data was not easily accessible for all and no in house Email system was in place. A comprehensive IT plan was created and a multi-phase implementation plan was developed.

In Phase I a network infrastructure was implemented in cooperation with The Next Page alliance partner MEI Technology Consulting. This system featured a fully integrated approach using a centralized Citrix server for all applications and files eliminating unauthorized and outdated software and retaining all work in a central, secure location. Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Outlook were used for EMail and internal communications with a high speed DSL connection to the Internet.

Phase II included the rollout of a Blackberry Wireless Communications solution to provide field staff with real time Email, text communications and Telephonic communications through one portable device.

With Phase I and II completed easy and secure access to information over both internal LAN (Local Area Network), and external WAN (Wide Area Network) gateways became a reality. Security is inherent in the system with controlled access to files, applications and the Internet all from a single point. Backups are performed nightly for all files and applications and the system is designed for easy upgrades.

The third Phase will include additional business process analysis and the development of database driven intranet tools to power the Melillo Center into the future with the communications, productivity and security they need to continue to provide outstanding service in the Mental Health community.

The Angelo J. Melillo Center for Mental Health has its headquarters in Glen Cove, NY, with locations throughout Nassau County providing outpatient mental health and alcohol clinical treatment; outpatient alcohol day rehabilitation; as well as residential programs.

Founded in 1995 The Next Page (NXPAGE LLC) creates custom software solutions, delivers professional Web development services, database management and work flow enhancements to business, nonprofits and foundations, enabling these communities to collaborate through effective use of cutting edge technology.

For more information visit The Next Page at www.nxpage.com or call us at (866) 668-3864.