LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
A Brighter Future: How LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Sees Clearly with TPx
When a Bay Area non-profit needed a partner to help it expand its services and consolidate its providers with a vendor it could trust, it found the perfect partner in TPx.
The Challenge and Opportunity
LightHouse for The Blind and Visually Impaired wanted to consolidate its services with a vendor it could trust, but it needed to be mindful of its budget.
Quick Facts
People who are blind are welcomed into the LightHouse community, where they can take steps to maximize their independence, and advocate for themselves and others.
The Solution
LightHouse deployed a hybrid solution that included an on-premises backup and cloud-based solutions.
The Benefits
LightHouse was able to build on its existing relationship with TPx, which delivered the new services LightHouse needed at a price that matched its budget.
The Results
LightHouse has developed a long-term partnership with a company poised to help it evolve its technology stack as its needs change.
About LightHouse for The Blind and Visually Impaired
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides education, training, advocacy, and community for blind individuals in California and around the world. Founded in 1902, LightHouse is one of the largest and most established comprehensive blindness organizations in North America, with a wide variety of programs to suit diverse needs and a rich network of blindness advocates and professionals.
“TPx’s customer service has been second to none. I have a better relationship with TPx and my project manager than with any other vendor, and that’s a big part of why we’ve continued to build in other areas. The second is pricing. As a nonprofit, we’re extremely price-sensitive because we’re always scrutinizing our spending between operations and the services we can provide.”
Riley Morris, Director of Systems and Infrastructure, LightHouse for The Blind and Visually Impaired
The Challenge: Balancing Innovation with Accessibility
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired faced a critical decision regarding their aging backup system. The existing solution was nearing the end of its lifespan, raising concerns about data security. Replacing it with a traditional on-premises solution meant additional hardware management and ongoing costs. This approach, while potentially improving security, would place a burden on their already stretched IT resources.
A complete shift to the cloud presented a different set of challenges. While cloud-based backups offered scalability and disaster recovery benefits, LightHouse’s staff, with roughly 60% visually impaired or with low vision, relied heavily on assistive technologies. Ensuring compatibility with cloud-based solutions was paramount. LightHouse needed a solution that wouldn’t hinder their staff’s ability to perform their critical tasks.
“Accessibility is woven into the very fabric of our organization,” explained Riley Morris, Director of Systems and Infrastructure at LightHouse. “We needed a technology solution that empowered our staff, not hindered them.”
The Opportunity: A Collaborative Partnership Illuminates the Path Forward
LightHouse saw an opportunity to leverage their existing relationship with TPx, a managed service provider (MSP), to address their backup needs. Having already established a rapport with TPx for internet service, LightHouse recognized the potential for a broader partnership. The key was finding a solution that balanced the critical need for data security with the unique accessibility requirements of their staff.
The Solution: Empowering Independence Through Technology
Understanding LightHouse’s unique needs, TPx went beyond simply offering a product. They fostered a collaborative partnership, working closely with LightHouse’s IT team to understand their specific requirements and concerns. Working closely with LightHouse’s IT team, TPx designed a hybrid solution that addressed both security and accessibility concerns.
TPx provided a complimentary on-premises backup appliance, eliminating the need for expensive upgrades and simplifying data management for LightHouse’s IT team. This minimized the burden on LightHouse’s already stretched resources and ensured a familiar environment for their visually impaired staff who relied on assistive technologies compatible with the on-premises system. “The physical backup box was a constant worry,” says Morris. “TPx offering it for free was a game-changer.”
TPx also implemented a secure cloud-based backup solution. Robust cloud backups ensured data redundancy and disaster recovery, offering an additional layer of security for LightHouse’s critical information. This addressed LightHouse’s concerns about future scalability and disaster preparedness, while ensuring their data remained secure in geographically separate locations.
This hybrid approach addressed LightHouse’s accessibility concerns. The on-premises appliance offered a familiar and accessible environment for their visually impaired staff, while the cloud-based backups provided the scalability and security benefits of cloud technology.
“TPx listened to our concerns and crafted a solution that addressed them all,” said Riley. “It wasn’t just about selling us a product; it was about understanding our mission and finding a way to support it.”
The Benefits: Empowering LightHouse to Shine Brighter
The new solution delivered significant benefits for LightHouse, empowering them to achieve their mission more effectively.
- Enhanced Data Security: Robust cloud backups safeguarded critical data, including donor information, client records, and program documents, protecting LightHouse from cyberattacks and disasters.
- Improved Accessibility: The hybrid approach ensured accessibility for visually impaired staff. The familiar on-premises appliance minimized disruption, while TPx ensured compatibility with assistive technologies. This allowed LightHouse’s IT team to continue providing exceptional support to clients without facing new challenges.
- Reduced Costs: Eliminating the need for hardware upgrades and streamlining management with TPx’s expertise lowered IT expenses. These cost savings freed up valuable resources that LightHouse could reinvest into core programs and services for their clients.
- Increased Efficiency: A managed backup solution with TPx freed LightHouse’s IT team from tedious tasks like manual backups and system monitoring. This allowed them to focus on strategic initiatives and provide more proactive support to staff and clients. LightHouse could now dedicate more time and resources to developing new programs that leverage technology to empower individuals with visual impairments.
- Trustworthy Partnership: A strong relationship with TPx fostered long-term technology support. LightHouse gained peace of mind knowing they had a reliable partner for their evolving IT needs. TPx’s commitment to understanding LightHouse’s mission ensured their technology solutions would continue to empower LightHouse’s staff and clients well into the future.
The Results: A Brighter Future for All
With a secure and efficient IT infrastructure powered by TPx, LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired can confidently focus on their mission – illuminating a brighter future for individuals with visual impairments. TPx’s commitment to accessibility and collaboration ensures LightHouse’s technology empowers their staff and clients, creating a ripple effect of positive impact within the visually impaired community.
“TPx has been a fantastic partner,” says Morris. “Their responsiveness, accessibility focus, and cost-effective solutions have been invaluable. We highly recommend them to any non-profit seeking a reliable and trusted technology partner who understands the unique challenges faced by organizations like ours.”
Additional Resources
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