INTERSTATE ELECTRICAL SERVICES CONFIGURES RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE TECHNOLOGY
Network Systems Group Provides IT and Network Engineering

Providence, RI - Interstate Electrical Services Corporation is providing network systems and information technology services for the Ronald McDonald House in Providence, as part of a significant expansion and renovation program for the House.

The newly renovated House provides more living quarters, better amenities for guests, and an upgraded information technology (IT) infrastructure.

The Ronald McDonald House of Providence provides a home-away-from-home for families of children receiving treatment at local hospitals.

The House is independently owned and operated by a volunteer Board of Directors. It opened in November 1989 and has provided temporary housing for more than 5,000 families in need of a place of warmth, comfort and friendship during times of great stress.

The expansion was spurred by the fast growth of Providence area children’s hospitals including Hasbro Children’s, Women and Infants, Bradley Hospital, and Rhode Island Hospital. One of the most pressing needs was to upgrade the House’s computer, A/V, and information technology.

According to Mary McGinn, Director of Resource Development and Public Relations for the Providence Ronald McDonald House, “In the 15 years since we first opened, we never had a professionally supported IT structure. Having this new network system and a planned IT infrastructure will make a huge difference for us and for the families we serve,” she stated.

Interstate’s team worked with the House staff and with the contractor, Mill City Construction, on the details of not only what was needed, but also when it would make the most sense to install and test the new equipment.

The new engineered and installed network elements include:

• Local area network tying all computers together
• New high speed internet connection throughout the House
• Office information technology hardware and software upgrades
• New audio and video components including high resolution projector and a 60”x80” viewing screen
• E-mail connections from multiple ports allowing fast access for staff, guest families.

“Before we purchased or installed anything,” explained John Sloane, Interstate Electrical Network Systems’ Vice President, “we carefully studied what technology applications were needed, how the office worked, and how critical functions such as fundraising would be handled. We also looked at what the individual families and guests were asking for in the way of computer and A/V needs,” he said.

One of the benefits of Interstate’s approach is that all components, equipment, software, and network hardware are tested first in Interstate’s Network Systems lab by systems engineers. “This allows us to spot any configuration or compatibility problems before they impact the users,” explained Sloane.

A popular addition to the House is a new conference room, fitted out with audio and visual equipment such as wall mounted digital sound speakers, VCR and audio components, and a state-of-the-art projection system.

In the case of the Ronald McDonald House, Interstate serves as an “outsourced” IT staff, going way beyond traditional specification and installation services. The Network Systems Group partners with the client to make sure that all the network and electronic equipment not only works, but also that it works together seamlessly and without downtime.

“We make sure that the problems that are certain to pop up with technology compatibility are dealt with,” stated David Flight, Interstate’s Network Systems Engineer. “If technical support is needed from equipment manufacturers or software companies, we make the contact, follow through on the fix needed, and make sure everything does what it advertises for the client,” Flight concluded.

With Interstate watching over IT and network issues, the staff of Ronald McDonald House can focus on their most important job: serving the families who look to them for housing at a crucial and anxious time in their lives.

Tom Norton, a board member of the Ronald McDonald House who served as lead volunteer for the Expansion and Renovation Committee, acknowledged the efforts and service of the Interstate team. “Interstate’s people were very professional, coming up with exactly what we needed and even making suggestions that saved us money, he said.

“The whole effort on IT improvements was well worth it,” Norton observed. “We have one family from Greece with us for a long stay, and to see the face of their little boy light up because from his bedroom he can connect via e-mail with his friends and relatives back home is just great,” he stated.

In January 2003, Worth Magazine named Ronald McDonald House Charities one of America’s Top 100 Best Charities. Through services provided in 147 Chapters in the US and 44 countries, the Charities have provided shelter and support to over 10 million families since starting the first House in Philadelphia in 1974.