Sheepdog Inc. and Pictou Mutual

SheepDog Inc. is a technology solution provider that ensures business productivity. Through its ability to advise a wide array of clients on information technology (IT) and connectivity issues, SheepDog Inc. is known for helping organizations to better integrate and manage their electronic information systems.

SheepDog Inc. recently partnered with Pictou Mutual, a locally owned and operated insurance company in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Pictou Mutual hired Sheepdog Inc. to provide email, file sharing and communication solutions via Google Apps.

Challenges

With a small staff, Pictou Mutual was wary of a large investment in its technology needs, yet secure, reliable email and improved communication among its staff and independent agents were must haves. The need to share files and remote access were also top priorities. Their existing POP3 mail server infrastructure was unreliable and indequate; however, Pictou Mutual did not have the resources to upgrade it.

Solutions

Sheepdog supported Pictou Mutual through the transition to Google Apps. Sheepdog customized Google Apps to meet Pictou's requirements, and provided training services to enable their users to get the most out of Google Apps. Sheepdog also created a custom application (a comprehensive insurance policy management system) built on the Google App Engine.

Results

Since Sheepdog Inc. provided Pictou Mutual with Google Apps , its focus has been on growth, adding five new staff and a second location. With a connected staff and reliable electronic communications system, both collaboration and service provision have improved.

“Because of Google Apps, we are better organized, more efficient, and technology is no longer an issue. In fact, implementing Google Apps has proven to be a huge catalyst for growth,” says Phillip Robichaud, Branch Manager.

Mr. Robichaud added, “Sheepdog is the most effective consulting firm I have ever worked with. We highly recommend the team to anyone looking to integrate Google Apps into their business. They will handle everything start to finish.”

Sheepdog Inc. and Paq'Tnkek First Nation

SheepDog Inc. is a technology solution provider that ensures business productivity. Through its ability to advise a wide array of clients on information technology (IT) and connectivity issues, SheepDog Inc. is known for helping groups to better integrate and manage their electronic information systems.

SheepDog Inc. recently partnered with Paq’tnkek, a First Nation community in Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, that employs just under 100 people. Paq’tnkek hired SheepDog Inc. to build an information technology strategy that would allow them to better service its 500 community residents.

Challenges

Before the introduction of Google Apps, the Paq’tnkek Band office was operating with no centralized information technology system. Employees were using a myriad of email service providers and had little IT support for their low-capacity computer networks. The office became inundated with spam mail and frequent email outages, which left the Band administration unable to manage its day-to-day activities easily, effectively, and securely.

Solution

SheepDog Inc., using Google Apps, consolidated information technology services for Paq’tnkek. For the first time, all employees were on the same email and file sharing system. SheepDog Inc. provided all technical support during the transition to Google Apps, and using on-site training, readied Paq’tnkek staff to take over the management of its improved Google Apps network.

Results

SheepDog Inc. and Google Apps have enabled Paq’tnkek to be more efficient and effective in delivering services to its members. With a reliable and secure email system and the ability to share and collaborate on files, the community is better equipped to operate its daycare, health centre, and other crucial social services.

“We now consider email an effective business tool. Before Google Apps and Sheepdog, we avoided e-mail because of concerns about security, reliability and spam,” says John Prosper, Band Manager. “Sheepdog provided us with exactly what we needed – Google Apps.”