A Great Hybrid Approach for Fountains Direct
Choosing between M365 Cloud solutions and on-premise infrastructure isn’t always straightforward. This case study for Fountains Direct demonstrates how a hybrid approach can significantly enhance operational productivity and security while reducing IT issues.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of M365 services as businesses adapted to a changing economic landscape. Choosing between M365 Cloud solutions and on-premise infrastructure isn’t always an easy choice.
The benefits of cloud infrastructure: cost savings, scalability, reduced administration, and ease of deployment make it an attractive option. During COVID it was the inclusion of services like SharePoint that enabled businesses to efficiently manage files and support remote work.
Fountains Direct Overview
A leading company in it’s field based in the UK, specialising in creative design, technical expertise and engineering excellence in commercial water features. They are a major distributor of OASE commercial fountain equipment, meeting diverse commercial water display needs. After enduring growing IT issues and declining service from their previous provider, Fountains Direct partnered with ITERTECH to revamp their IT services.
Challenges
An incomplete migration to SharePoint and changes in machine authentication left data scattered across on-prem servers and SharePoint, with machines joined to AD, AAD and running local accounts, causing users to have up to 3 different passwords to reach company resources.
Separate setups for on-prem and cloud systems required multiple accounts and passwords for different systems causing unnecessary IT overheads and complexity.
Outdated methodology and security authentication methods left business systems potentially exposed to automated attacks from bad-actors.
Key business systems were running on outdated internal hardware in a client-server environment, stifling possible upgrade paths.
Employees use RDP to access office machines for critical tasks, highlighting a need for more flexible remote working solutions.
THE ITERTECH PROCESS
Understand the Challenge
At ITERTECH we take time to understand our clients’ problems and challenges. These are crucial for delivering effective solutions that meets their unique needs and drive successful outcomes.
Build and Implement
Building and implementing a strategy involves developing a comprehensive plan tailored to address specific challenges, followed by executing this plan to achieve a desired outcomes effectively.
Measure Results
Measuring the results involves assessing the effectiveness of implemented strategies through data analysis and key performance indicators, this ensures that objectives are met and metrics are available for continuous improvement.
Our Strategy for Fountains Direct
ONBOARDING
- Key Software Deployment: ITERTECH deployed Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software and a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solution to all endpoints and servers, providing 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) support.
- Audit and Account Review: Secured and audited all network devices and cloud platforms, reviewed remote worker systems, applications, and licensing, and updated admin account details.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Documented all information, diagrams, and solutions for staff reference, with passwords stored securely in a password vault.
DEVELOPMENT
- Identify Key Business Systems: ITERTECH Created a low-maintenance, secure, and highly available environment tailored to staff needs, allowing them to focus on their roles without IT hindrances.
- Unify Existing Systems: Improved user experience and reduced IT overheads by centralising authentication and security, as well as enabling company-wide Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Platform Upgrade: Modernised digital infrastructure by migrating to a Public Cloud Service, enhancing scalability and incorporating a robust backup solution.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Implemented stringent security for remote connections, including standardised MFA for remote access, enhancing the company’s security posture.
- Availability of Key Systems: Migrated key applications to a centralised cloud platform, making them accessible via published applications, leveraging Azure and M365’s High Availability (HA) features.
Results that speak for themselves
- Reduction in IT Support Tickets: The client experienced a 65% reduction in IT support tickets post-implementation.
- Decreased IT Administration Time: IT administration time decreased due to automated management and problem reporting via RMM.
- Improved Digital Security: Enhanced security for remote access safeguarded company data.
- Increased Productivity: Proactive workstation error management maximised staff productivity.
- WFH Flexibility: Our client is now in a position to enable more flexible working from home, should the need arise, without sacrificing productivity.
- Modernised Infrastructure: Compatibility with modern systems means future upgrade paths available to our client are widened, enabling them to take advantage of new productivity and security tools.
- Unified Authentication: Users have one password to log in to workstations and reach internal organisation resources such as files and emails.
Client Feedback
“The move to Itertech has easily been the best decision we have made for company’s IT requirements since the introduction of PCs into the office. They are extremely personable, knowledgeable and efficient in the service they provide.
I would recommend them unreservedly to any company and thank them for vastly improving what was an IT system that was struggling to cope with the growth of our company.”
Tom Roberts – Managing Director