Follow Shaun Linkedin Facebook
Email Shaun Email
Technology
Aug 15, 2014

Case Study: Large Building Company Migrates To The Cloud

Sponsored Content provided by Shaun Olsen - CEO & Founder, CloudWyze

In my last Insights article I wrote a recap of what we’ve covered so far in terms of leveraging the power of the cloud, and why there is a growing trend of companies migrating to the cloud. Click here to read it. I also mentioned that for the next several months, I’m going to delve into individual business verticals and examine very specific ways that cloud-based infrastructure and services can benefit them.

I wrote this first vertical-specific article as a short case study involving a real-world example of one of our clients. For the sake of confidentiality, I’ll refer to the company as Builder X.

Business Vertical: Mid-sized to large builders with a minimum of 25 employees

Company: Builder X, a local area builder

The Situation: Builder X had been using a traditional IT system for more than a decade. It had an IT provider (let’s call them Provider Y), but Provider Y was very reactive and hands-off. Provider Y offered little proactive advice and consultation about how to improve the company’s IT operations to increase efficiencies, capabilities and productivity. The only time Builder X ever interacted with Provider Y was when there was a problem, or if Builder X was adding some kind of business software. Even then, the software company would just tell Builder X the requirements to run the new software, and Builder X would pass the information along to Provider Y. Then Provider Y would buy new equipment as necessary without ever understanding why or where the software fell in the operations. Builder X eventually ended up with numerous servers on site. Most of the time when there was a problem, Builder X’s controller, who knew more than a controller should about IT, would perform band-aid fixes on the system while receiving verbal direction over the phone from the out-of-state IT guy until someone at Provider Y had time to remote into the network. After years of accumulated band-aids, the system began to fall apart and work efficiency slowed to the point that it was affecting productivity, customer satisfaction levels and yes, even bottom-line profitability. Builder X was fed up with the system, with the conflicting advice it was receiving, and with the various vendors that were blaming each other for the problems while nothing was getting solved. Builder X went looking for a change.

The Migration: Builder X not only wanted an IT operation that was functional, efficient and dependable, but also one that could be counted on to take full responsibility for the entire system. This isn’t an attempt to sell you on CloudWyze; this is an attempt to emphasize the importance of choosing an IT provider that is hands-on, takes the time to understand every aspect of your IT setup, and will take accountability for repairing any issues that may arise (without using temporary band-aid methods).

However, in this particular case, Builder X did select CloudWyze. The relationship started out with us simply managing Builder X’s existing network. Shortly after, upon a CloudWyze recommendation, Builder X switched over to dedicated access Internet. After a couple of strategy meetings, Builder X quickly understood the value of seamless remote access to its network and we began building them a new system on a private network.

Today, every Builder X employee uses a virtual desktop that is set up so they can quickly retrieve all of their files and settings from any machine, anywhere. Sales staff can access their individual desktops on their desktop computers and also from their laptops when they are on sales calls. Some field employees take their iPads to construction sites and can pull up their desktops on their tablets. We’re talking about complete mobility and full access to all of the same files, applications and functionality from anywhere and at any time.

Now that Builder X’s infrastructure is housed and managed off-site at a central data center, it can easily scale up and add capacity in minutes instead of waiting months to purchase a new in-house server and having the out-of-state IT guy fly in to install it and set it up. To ensure business continuity and reliable disaster recovery, Builder X’s entire system is replicated and backed up. Not just some data but all data.  

Builder X also previously had an older, on-site phone system and paid another hands-off company a substantial monthly maintenance fee to manage it. Recently, Builder X migrated its phone system, the final piece, to a hosted platform. We met with Builder X to learn the requirements and built a customized hosted phone solution. This flexible phone system allows for complete integration with hosted desktops (receptionist modules, Outlook modules, call center applications and a remote office feature for sales reps), simultaneous ringing with mobile devices, extension dialing to remote sales centers, and a complete business continuity plan in the event of an outage.

Now that all services are implemented, Builder X can completely focus on construction, sales, expansion and growth.  Technology has been completely outsourced and provided as a service rather than a capital expense and a project every three years. Instead of a relationship based on issues, IT meetings are strategy-focused and responses to IT growth challenges are filled with replies such as, “no problem, we’ll take care of it” and “just tell us when.”  This is what an IT provider should be doing for you rather than focusing solely on problems and tickets. It’s the entire IT department outsourced, not just the helpdesk.

Shaun Olsen is the CEO and President of CloudWyze. CloudWyze was created to help businesses focus and perform at their optimal level by crafting and executing custom technology plans for businesses of every type and size. To learn more about CloudWyze, visit www.cloudwyze.com. Shaun can be reached at [email protected] or 910-795-1000.

Other Posts from Shaun Olsen

Bizjournalad300×250px
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Gretchen roberts 2021

7 Secrets the IRS Doesn’t Want You to Know

Gretchen Roberts - Red Bike Advisors
Pfinder john zachary

What You Need to Know About SECURE 2.0 and Its Effect on Individual Retirement Accounts

John B Zachary - Pathfinder Wealth Consulting
Cfss headshots parker robert webversion 21422121214

The Latest Solar Scams and What You Can Do to Help Stop Them

Robert Parker - Cape Fear Solar Systems

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

MADE: Polyhose Inc.

Polyhose manufactures and fabricates hose protection, paint hose assemblies and rubber hydraulic assemblies from its Pender County facility....


INFO JUNKIE: Jack Fleming

Jack Fleming, owner of Socialry Marketing & Scourz and emcee for 1 Million Cups Wilmington, shares his media and tech picks....


Hacking Cyberdefense Shortage

A shortage of cybersecurity professionals influenced professor Ulku Clark and her team to slowly evolve UNCW’s offerings to now include eigh...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments