Case study: PCS Instruments
Migration to TechQuarters Digitize Using the Microsoft Cloud
“We liked their Digitize solution, particularly as they did support and training after the change… and would recommend them to any organisation.”
Rich Baker – Operations Manager, PCS Instruments
Company: PCS Instruments
Sector: Manufacturing
The Scenario
PCS design and manufacture laboratory instruments for testing fuels and lubricants, and were running an old Small Business Server with 13 users connecting to their network. They had a nagging suspicion that there was a better way to be working with technology, as they were quite technical as a business and understood the benefits of the Cloud. Initially PCS became interested in the Microsoft Cloud and TechQuarters’ Digitize solution and what it could achieve when they received one of our email invitations to our Digital Transformation with Office 365 seminar, which we offer monthly in conjunction with Microsoft.
They then did more research on the solutions we discussed and returned for a second workshop. After that engagement, we suggested they come to our Customer Cloud Vision Room at our offices to have a one to one try of all the devices and see Office 365 with Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) in action.
How TechQuarters helped
Firstly, we created a Cloud Roadmap and IT Strategy document for PCS Instruments, which detailed a staged plan for them to move to the Cloud and get supported, and then trained by our 365 Cloud Academy. This formed the basis of moving PCS to our Digitize solution. We audited their network and wrote up a 3 year Cloud Roadmap and IT Strategy document, which formed the basis of discussion for the implementation and migration of PCS to the Microsoft Cloud
We implemented a Hybrid Cloud using on-premise servers with Azure, Office 365 and EMS for security on their mobile devices, with Advanced Threat Protection to mitigate malicious links and downloads. We created an Azure infrastructure with a hosted Domain controller in tandem. Phase 2, looked at their Disaster Recovery solution and so we implemented Azure Site Recovery with Azure Backup for their on-premise File and Application servers. We provide full Managed IT Services and Support for PCS Instruments.
After the initial project, PCS Instruments were handed over to our dedicated IT Support service and trained with our Video Online Learning Management System, the 365 Cloud Academy, containing 1200+ videos, learning paths and tests. The next step in the service was a Digitize proactive account management meeting every month, going through customer service cases and training improvements. The final part of the plan is to review the Cloud Roadmap annually.
The Results
- The initial work was phased and completed over 3 weeks
- All users now access their data on the Cloud
- All users have stable desktops and laptops
- Users access shared company data on SharePoint
- PCS have a business continuity plan for their IT
- PCS have flexible, working and reliable IT support
- PCS are becoming more productive with the new technology
- PCS is digitally transforming with Digitize and 365 Cloud Academy
What The Vintners Company said
“We had been thinking about a network upgrade and knew that the Microsoft Cloud was probably a good idea. We attended a few seminars and workshops with TechQuarters. They were very experienced at the Cloud and we liked their Digitize solution, particularly as they did support and training after the change. We are delighted with their service and would recommend them to any organisation.”
Rich Baker – Operations Manager, PCS Instruments