Transforming Assisted Living Connectivity: HOCS’ Success with EnGenius Solutions -
Nationwide
HOCS Consulting is a full-service managed service provider serving organizations throughout the United States since 1991. They offer innovative solutions in managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Their mission is to revolutionize technology delivery, specializing in effective, secure technology for the modern business world. They provide managed IT solutions backed by specialized skill sets, hands-on experience, and a dedicated workforce.
Jonathan Zahler, the Senior Network Engineer, and Isaac Altman, Chief Strategy Officer at HOCS, are crucial in driving the company’s technological advancements. With over a decade of experience in the industry, they have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of modern networking solutions. We sat down with Jonathan and Isaac to share insights into how EnGenius has helped transform HOCS’ connectivity solutions, particularly during a multi-facility project. This project involved extensive upgrades to legacy systems, proving insufficient for the healthcare demands of their patients.
The Need
Assisted living facilities increasingly rely on digital tools for patient care and communication. HOCS faced mounting challenges with their existing network infrastructure as many of the facilities they served operated on outdated Cisco Systems. This led to inadequate bandwidth and connectivity issues. The urgent demand for reliable, high-speed internet became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting these vulnerabilities and intensifying the need for robust digital solutions. The pandemic compelled many healthcare providers to shift to remote consultations and digital communication, not just during lockdowns but for the years to come.
Isaac Altman
Chief Strategy Officer, HOCS Consulting
HOCS stressed the importance of having a cloud-powered network that could efficiently scale without adding complexity. This project was made more difficult by the pandemic and the supply chain shortages faced throughout the industry. In addition to needing immediate access to hardware, they also sought easy installation and comprehensive support to maintain uninterrupted service for both assisted living providers and patients. The situation was urgent, as many facilities were unable to provide essential telehealth or in-person services due to lockdowns, and the shift to telehealth was unprecedented for most. This urgency led HOCS to seek partnerships that could provide the reliability and performance necessary in a demanding healthcare environment.
“Healthcare has evolved, and so must our technology. We needed a modern solution that could support a surge in online consultations and facilitate effective communication between healthcare teams and patients. The existing network was simply not up to the task,” said Zahler, Senior Network Engineer.
The company encountered logistical challenges when upgrading network systems with aging hardware, where infrastructure could be limited. For this particular project, the client operated in decades-old buildings, making integrating modern technology into layouts difficult. HOCS prioritized finding a solution that could seamlessly blend into these environments while improving connectivity.
“Integrating new technology into these aging infrastructures was a significant concern for us. We needed a solution to improve our clients’ capabilities without requiring extensive renovations or downtime,” Zahler added.
HOCS sought a cloud-based network that provided instant hardware availability, easy deployment, and strong support. They realized the conventional method of waiting for equipment deliveries and enduring lengthy installation processes was inadequate. The healthcare sector experienced a crisis, requiring swift action to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
The Solution
HOCS evaluated several vendors, including Cisco and Extreme Networks, as well as some more SMB-focused brands. However, EnGenius emerged as the clear choice due to its robust performance, intuitive management capabilities, and product availability. The decision to partner with EnGenius was not taken lightly; HOCS conducted extensive testing and trials to ensure that the solutions would meet their rigorous standards for performance and reliability.
“We needed an economical and scalable solution to deploy. During the vetting process, EnGenius checked all the boxes, and we were able to deploy their solution. As a result, we had a happy client,” said Altman, Chief Strategy Officer.
The initial deployment started at several post-acute care provider facilities in Philadelphia. HOCS installed over 300 EnGenius access points (APs) throughout the 20 facilities. HOCS focused on installing ECW230 access points and ECS1528FP switches, chosen for their advanced capabilities and ease of integration. Each facility had 120 to 160 beds and required, on average, eighteen ECW230 access points and one ECS1528FP switch to provide a reliable network for staff and patients. The team also had to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing patient care during the transition. The deployment included comprehensive training for staff to familiarize them with the new systems and ensure a smooth transition.
“The engineers and field technicians love the product because it makes deployment easier with less manual configuration and fewer issues with rebooting access points. Keeping them happy and reducing their time on site also makes us happy,” Zahler said.
Key Features Utilized
Reliability: The access points demonstrated exceptional uptime, with minimal issues reported during testing and deployment. HOC’s clients have expressed significant satisfaction with the improved connectivity and performance, which exceed their expectations. The consistent uptime and speed provided by EnGenius solutions have ensured that healthcare and assisted living providers can focus on delivering care without worrying about connectivity failures.
Scalability: Scalability was a key factor for HOCS, and EnGenius made it easy for them to expand their network as needed without introducing unnecessary complexity. This scalability allowed HOCS to support additional locations effectively and increase patient volumes without overhauling their existing infrastructure.
Easy Deployment: Moving from on-premises management to the cloud also allowed HOCS to take advantage of EnGenius’ simple and quick deployment, which enables you to set up hardware and networks before installation. HOCS improved their setup time by 50%, allowing the project to move forward faster than expected and finish within budget.
Cost-Effectiveness: EnGenius products offer competitive pricing, allowing HOCS to provide high-quality connectivity within budget constraints. This cost-effectiveness has empowered them to maintain strong financial performance while enhancing service delivery. The balance of quality and cost has enabled HOCS to continue to provide excellent services to customers and end users while staying within budget.
Jonathan Zahler
Senior Network Engineer, HOCS Consulting
The Results
The deployment of EnGenius solutions across healthcare facilities was a great success. HOCS reported minimal issues after installation, and the few challenges encountered were quickly addressed with the support of the EnGenius team. The proactive approach to problem-solving reinforced HOCS’ confidence in their decision to partner with EnGenius. The rapid implementation of high-quality connectivity solutions allowed facilities to seamlessly transition to telehealth models, ensuring that patient care was not disrupted.
The integration of EnGenius technology resulted in significantly improved internet speeds and reliability, which are crucial for assisted living providers relying on virtual platforms for patient interactions. This has led to more projects for HOCS replacing older hardware with EnGenius hardware and seeing better coverage and service throughout.
“The facilities had full coverage, making residents happier and enabling them to cater to a younger population interested in rehabilitation services. Care providers could move around with electronic devices to document treatments and care,” said Altman.
The centralized management system simplified network operations and enabled the engineering team at HOCS to respond quickly to any issues. This efficiency improved coordination and quicker response times to network issues, contributing to smoother overall management. The reduced administrative burden also allowed HOCS to allocate resources more effectively, improving overall operational efficiency.
Isaac Altman
Chief Strategy Officer, HOCS Consulting
HOCS has benefited from the high performance and reliability of EnGenius solutions at a competitive price point. HOCS explained that this strategic advantage allowed them to remain a leading provider in the healthcare sector while delivering top-notch connectivity without compromising on quality. They acknowledged how the partnership has positioned them ahead in a competitive marketplace with the ability to provide reliable and efficient services enabling HOCS to attract new clients and expand their reach within the networking Managed Provider sector.
HOCS profoundly values its partnership with EnGenius, which goes beyond mere product provision. The strong feedback loop established between the two organizations has been crucial in refining solutions to meet HOCS’ specific needs. EnGenius’s commitment to customer support and responsiveness has become a key differentiator in this partnership, enabling HOCS to focus on delivering exceptional service.
By successfully integrating EnGenius solutions, HOCS has significantly improved connectivity, reliability, and ease of management in healthcare settings. Addressing the challenges posed by legacy systems and the urgent demand for robust internet services, HOCS continues to deliver outstanding support to healthcare and assisted living providers and patients. The ongoing partnership with EnGenius, supported by dedicated assistance and reliable products, positions HOCS to confidently tackle future demands and expand its network infrastructure efficiently. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, HOCS is poised to lead the way in innovative technology solutions that prioritize customer service and operational excellence, with a great partner at their side.
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