The network designed and installed by iTek Computer Solutions a decade ago was a sizeable investment for the firm, with a completely new servers and network managing the heavy lifting from the demands placed upon it by staff and clients alike.
The server infrastructure is a Remote Desktop Server based environment, featuring thin clients, a relatively lightweight PC that is optimised for establishing a highly secure remote connection with the remote desktop server undertaking most of the work – running accountancy and CRM software and storing client data.
“That particular system was pretty advanced for the time and supported Scott & Wilkinson for the best part of a decade without any significant issues – iTek provided ongoing support and a planned programme of maintenance that kept everything running smoothly.”
“Hindsight is always a wonderful thing, but there’s nothing we would have done differently with that particular system and, for the first major commission for iTek, it was a great project.”
Business continuity was a paramount for Scott & Wilkinson when they approached iTek again in early 2018 to look at the next generation of Business IT Support Lancaster systems for the firm.
New hardware across the firm running the latest software that could support fast response times and 100% uptime – quite a remit, but one which they were confident in placing in iTek’s hands.
“The one significant change we made for the new network was the move of the e-mail platform to the Cloud.” adds Ben. “We had always been able to support Scott & Wilkinson remotely, but taking away the physical local e-mail server to a Cloud-based solution added a whole new level of resilience.”
Once again, planning was key to ensuring the migration of data and configuration of new hardware was a smooth and stress-free process, with clients unaffected and unaware of any noticeable changes in services.
In addition, iTek have also introduced a guest Wi-Fi network to the Dalton Square offices, with high levels of security for client peace of mind.
Scott & Wilkinson provide a highly personal service to all their clients, including direct access to partners – the firm proudly maintains a partner-client ratio which is considerably higher than typical in the profession.
“For a firm with such close and personal relationships with their customers, it would be unthinkable for our involvement to do anything that would jeopardise that through IT systems not performing as desired.” concludes Ben.
“We are under no illusion; we know our own relationship with Scott & Wilkinson is also one based on the trust and understanding that iTek will deliver on their word and provide the professional service that goes above and beyond to support our clients and their businesses.”
The new IT network introduce by iTek Computer Solutions is anticipated to be a trusted part of the team for the next 10 years, with that programme of regular monitoring and maintenance by iTek ensuring that it is always as dependable and assured as the professional services of Scott & Wilkinson themselves.