Architecture has always been a juggling act. With so many people - engineers, contractors, subcontractors, building suppliers, city inspectors and more - involved in the process, it is crucial that everyone has the latest information, coordinates schedules and work efficiently. From design to construction, teamwork is key. For Krutz Associates Architects (KAA) of Des Plaines, IL, Compaq Entrepreneur Solutions are making that teamwork possible like never before.

The Business.

"The more we keep everybody on the same page the better our product is going to be," explains Walter Hainsfurther, president of KAA. "Clients don"t really care how we do it, they want it done, better, faster, cheaper." Small firms like 14-person KAA face an even greater challenge. Larger firms wield far greater resources, in both staff and budgets, to hurl at demanding projects. Competition is fierce.

The Technology Need.

Keen to stay ahead, KAA was an early adopter of computer-aided design (CAD). "Eleven years ago," Hainsfurther says, "it was something of a novelty. Now clients expect delivery of information electronically." But until recently, KAA still relied on diskettes when it needed to share information. The firm faced a growing need for a reliable network solution that would eliminate redundancy and assure accuracy.

The Compaq Solution.

KAA turned to Jay Jensen of Jensen Information Technologies Inc. in Des Plaines, who set the firm up with a Compaq solution tailored to meet the needs of the small company, a ProLiant 2500 server running Windows NT networked to a mixture of Deskpro desktops and Armada portables. "Who"s got the up-to-date information?" asks Hainsfurther. "Now, with the network in place, it's at our fingertips."

The benefits of the Compaq solution have surpassed expectations, Hainsfurther says. "We see a lot more collaboration based on schedules, saving on the very basics of running the office. People trade information more freely than before. It's improved our team efficiency and productivity. We can circulate a file and get instant feedback." Key in KAA's choice, though, was the creative financing solution Jensen provided. KAA financed much of the solution through Compaq Capital.SM "Compaq Capital offered us an affordable method for acquiring the technologies we need now. And leasing gives us a way to easily upgrade later as our needs change."

And in an office with no budget for IT personnel, the reliability of the solution and the services and expertise of the Compaq SMB Solution Provider are added benefits. Since Jensen set up the network, calls to the reseller for technical support have been minimal.

Positioned for Growth.

As for the future, KAA expects to remain in this strong position for quite some time. "This solution has added efficiency and quality to our work, and has opened the door to future opportunities," Hainsfurther says. "Soon we'll be able to link outward to project-specific Internet sites. We can set up and run projects at a distance. Soon, CAD plans and specifications will be integrated with a manufacturer's website." For Hainsfurther, with technology like KAA's Compaq solution, the future will make juggling work a lot easier.