How MiracleCorp Used Tech Source to Find an IT Partner
Author:
April 2007
Debbie Wietzel, Systems Administrator for MiracleCorp shared her experience using Tech Source to locate an IT partner. MiracleCorp and its subsidiaries were all operating with different accounting/manufacturing systems. Their goal was to standardize their software systems and centralize their data. In order to do this, they needed to upgrade hardware and networking systems at three different locations.
GDITA: Did you have specific criteria for in selecting an IT partner?
Debbie: The criteria that was used in selecting an IT partner was expertise, competence, cost, responsiveness, likeability, and professionalism.
GDITA: How did you go about finding an IT partner to meet your need?
Debbie: Having previously worked for employers that had internal resources with the required expertise, I did not have prior experience working with any particular Networking IT Partner. Therefore, I used the following resources: Internet searches, telephone yellow pages, Better Business Bureau, and credit checks. I followed-up with calls to references for feedback relating to performance and issues.
GDITA: How did you find out about Tech Source?
Debbie: I did a Google search and got a link to the GDITA home page. Once on the GDITA web site, I navigated to the Tech Source Search page and clicked on the Tech Source Search. Then I selected Network & Telephony – Data Products and Services in Step One and selected WANs in Step Two and subsequently clicked on the Search Brochures button. I learned about several local IT partners in the search. Quanexus was the partner that we selected.
GDITA: Do you have any comments from your search experience that you would share with other companies looking for IT partners?
Debbie: Always do your homework on potential partners. Ask lots of questions. Try out a potential partner with a small project first to see how it goes. Don’t ignore red flags.
GDITA: Do you have any comments on Tech Source?
Debbie: I had heard of the Greater Dayton IT Alliance before. However, prior to this experience I was not aware that it provided a tool for locating IT partners/solutions. I thought it was an organization mainly for individual networking. I think perhaps that there could be increased marketing of this service/offering. The tool was simple to use and it suited my needs at the time.
MiracleCorp Products is a leading provider of premium products uniquely tailored for pets and their owners. The Dayton headquarters office has 19 employees and several temporary warehouse workers where they make some of the Animal Legends products on-site and package many of their products. MiracleCorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries’, Hamilton Animal Products, LLC., and Summit Flexible Products, Ltd., offer an array of products including health and beauty aids, grooming tools, collars, leashes, halters, leads, safety and agility flooring, functional treats and other innovative products. Its brands include, among others, Hamilton, Miracle Coat, Grooma, Stewart, Veterinary Dietary Support, Mighty Lite flooring, and Animal Legends. MiracleCorp products are used by millions of consumers and their animal friends, and are sold throughout the world through major pet store chains, catalogs, and primary distributors. More information is available on their website at www.miraclecorp.com.
To discuss how we can help your organization find IT solutions or for information on how to participate in the Tech Source program, please contact Claire Kerr at 937-229-9092 or a This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
