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RDO Equipment Co.

Secure with their choice

PFW Password - Spring 2006 RDO Equipment Co. has 59 locations across the US, and in 2005 selected PFW software and its inherent security to help administer their multi-branched network. RDO IT Manager Dave Green took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us so that we could provide you with this inside look at the complementary relationship between PFW and RDO.

PFW Password: Was security integral to RDO’s choice of the PFW dealership management system?
Dave Green: User group security was an important benefit that RDO realized when we implemented the PFW system. Our previous system was riddled with functional passwords that were extremely difficult to administer and almost impossible to control. User Group security provided the ability to centrally control access to system functions while relieving the end user from learning and continually entering passwords to access the functions needed to perform their job duties.

PFW: After the PFW system was selected, can you speak to the security considerations that were part of the installation—and later the implementation—phase of the process?
DG: During installation, the implementation team spent a significant amount of time building the security model. The team chose to set up security group templates by job function and then copied the templates to create groups for each branch. Tasks during each implementation phase included setting up the security groups for each branch and assigning each user to the appropriate group.

PFW: Can you give us an idea of the history and scope of RDO’s information network?
DG: RDO Equipment Co. currently operates nearly 60 locations across 10 states. Forty-three of these locations are connected by frame relay lines and 18 are connected through VPN. We have approximately 1,400 computers and 65 Windows servers throughout the organization. RDO internally hosts almost all of our public and internal web sites.

PFW: With respect to that scale, how does PFW software match RDO’s needs?
DG: Based on our experience through the different conversion phases, it appears PFW IntelliDealer can continue to grow with us, as long as the power of the IBM eServer i5 it runs on keeps pace.

PFW: How does PFW software fit into the various levels of network security?
DG: The primary security on RDO’s network is provided by Microsoft’s Active Directory. The IBM server running PFW exists within the network and users authenticate to it separately from the network. The PFW application is not accessible through the Internet; every user must be on the RDO network or access the network through a VPN connection.

PFW: Can you give an example of a PFW software security feature that either improved a workflow, or created a new and useful one?
DG: The security model being administered is a vastly more effective system than before, and not having to constantly enter functional passwords is a time savings for all users.

PFW: What would you say to other dealers that are considering changing their system vendor, at least in part due to security breaches or high security costs?
DG: The security system within IntelliDealer provides a structure for centralized management of security for all users on the system. This is a huge benefit to any dealer struggling to manage functional passwords.

PFW: How do you see RDO’s information system needs and requirements developing in the future, with PFW helping to power the way?
DG: RDO expects to continue partnering with PFW to add functionality that helps large dealer organizations like RDO leverage its size.