NESC offers and supports the award winning FirstClass Communications Platform. Email has become a mission critical service and is no longer considered an option. FirstClass goes beyond offering just email and provides interactive learning tools that can be integrated into the classroom.

To get the most out of you investment, both internally and with other sites using FirstClass, NESC has put together a program to support you in running your FirstClass server and in setting up gateway connections with other sites running FirstClass. The NESC FirstClass offering has the following features:

• Gateway configuration support and consultation
• Telephone and remote FirstClass server support
• Remote support for minor software upgrades
• FirstClass IS configuration support
• FirstClass backup planning
• Batch admin scripting

Gateway configuration support and consultation
NESC will help you setup gateways to other sites so that you can share conferences and directories with those sites. Keeping in mind that security is also a concern we will help you design and configure those gateways so that you allow access to only the resources you wish to share with the remote site.

Telephone and remote FirstClass server support
Over the phone or through the FirstClass client many problems with the FirstClass server can be identified and solved. Technical support from NESC is available from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. to work with your district personal to identify the problem and solution. Should an onsite visit be required this can also be arranged under our on-site services program.

Remote support for minor software upgrades
Part of keeping any server working and secure is evaluating and applying maintenance patches. We will alert you when new patches are available from the vendor. We can help you assess if the patch needs to be applied and what impact it might have given your current configuration. We will also be available to work with you to plan deployment.

FirstClass IS configuration support
From securing Internet services to setup of multiple web sites to shutting down mail relaying, we will provide expertise. We can set up filters to block known troublesome sites. We can also configure your IS to prevent unwanted mail relaying so your server doesn’t get added to a real-time black hole list.

FirstClass backup planning
NESC will assist with:

• Planning and implementing a disaster recover plan for your first class server
• Identifying what needs to be backed up to implementing a backup strategy
• Helping write any scripts that may be required for the backup process
• Identify maximum down time and the plan and implement a solution to deliver that disaster recovery solution
• Finally, test the solution to insure that a recoverable backup is made.