When it comes to practicing law, the attorneys at Langdon & Emison rely on closely examined evidence and effective argument. This winning strategy has earned the firm a national reputation as a leader in product liability and personal injury litigation.
So when the desire to incorporate new communication technologies — coupled with burgeoning storage requirements — made a strong case for upgrading the firm’s network infrastructure, it wasn’t surprising that the verdict to proceed was unanimous. Langdon & Emison wanted a way to better manage and store ever-increasing amounts of data relevant to each case. This could amount to terabytes of information, required by attorneys as cases play out. Equally important, the firm wanted to enjoy the numerous advantages of deploying VoIP and a fully converged network. Such benefits include significant cost efficiencies, increased functionality along with enhanced productivity.
The firm also planned to capitalize on a virtual LAN network environment. A convenient, flexible and cost-efficient way to modify logical LAN segments in changing environments, VLANS can help maximize VoIP investments.
Network Upgrades
“We wanted a long-term solution that would allow us to grow more effectively,” explained Shaun Bender, IT director for the Lexington, Mo.-based law firm, which represents clients across the United States. In order to execute on its storage management, VLAN and VoIP initiatives, Langdon & Emison first needed to bolster its network infrastructure. This included implementing a more flexible, robust and layered network solution. The firm began by deploying a Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switch, which offers a broad set of connectivity features and powerful internetworking software, as well as the modularity that protects system investments as network needs evolve. “It’s just a powerhouse unit,” Bender said. The switch was complemented by the Cisco Catalyst 4500 Supervisor Engine 6-E with CenterFlex technology. Optimized for firms deploying business-critical applications, the product offers an intelligent, high-performance, next-generation extension to the Cisco 4500 Series Switch. Additionally, the firm deployed Cisco Catalyst 3560-E Series Switches to the network edge, enabling applications such as IP telephony, wireless and video. The switches also offer Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability along with incremental availability, security and QoS to enhance network operations, Bender noted.
The network’s new-found VLAN capabilities have reduced the firm’s dependence on subdividing into physical networks. They also facilitate better performance than a routed network, and offer easier management and higher security — all at a lower cost.
Storage Strategy
Among the firm’s key requirements was the ability to better manage the perpetual onslaught of incoming case-related data. This content can be relayed via CDs, gigabit-filled DVDs or terabyte-heavy external hard drives. It can also arrive in Bankers Boxes overflowing with hard copy files, each needing to be scanned and placed appropriately into storage. In addition to being able to efficiently process the huge amount of information, Langdon & Emison must store it on servers for the duration of a case. And some cases can last up to five years.
“Obviously, that data takes more power to process,” said Bender, noting that a single vehicular lawsuit has the potential to generate hundreds of pictures of a crash site, as well as four to five hours of crash-test video. “We wanted to be able to process the data and get it onto the system faster,” he explained. The VLANs help to facilitate this goal by defining which individuals participate in a particular LAN — and offering a common communication connection.
