Taking Locate in Kent to the next level by migrating to the cloud and implementing Microsoft 365 migrates to Microsoft 365 and the cloud

Into the cloud

Locate in Kent were looking for a technology partner to provide day-to-day IT support and take their technology environment to the next level. By migrating to the cloud and implementing Microsoft 365 they are now more agile, secure and fit for the future. The plethora of 365 applications including Teams, Planner and To-do have had a positive impact on the way they work, making collaboration easier and increasing productivity.

The challenge

When we first met with the team at Locate in Kent, it was clear that they were not satisfied with their IT infrastructure and wanted more from their technology and IT environment. Their data was being hosted remotely on a server, and they were using an older version of Windows that was slow and sluggish, as well as relying on VPN for remote internet connections. This often led to connectivity issues and problems logging on.

This was even more of a challenge in 2020 given that many of their employees were working from home. It was imperative that they could get online easily and without issue to connect with colleagues and clients, so a change in infrastructure was needed.

It’s exactly what you want from a partner organisation, I know we’re going to have a long relationship
SIMON RYAN, INVESTMENT DIRECTOR AT LOCATE IN KENT

The solution

Our recommendation of migrating their server to the cloud and upgrading to Microsoft 365 was a no brainer and Locate in Kent were happy to move ahead with the proposal. A key element of this was the introduction of SharePoint, not only for document storage, but to use as a communication and collaboration tool for employees. Our Professional Services team worked closely with Locate in Kent to understand what they wanted out of SharePoint and ensured it was structured specifically around the needs of the business so they could get the most out of it.

Security of both the cloud and user devices is vital, so we implemented a trusty WatchGuard AuthPoint solution with built-in MFA (multi-factor authentication), as well as securing all files and data with Veeam Backup for Office 365. This coupled with a move away from a hosted server has provided more reassurance on security as well as offering the scope needed to scale as the organisation grows.

Due to the pandemic time was of the essence, so as well as delivering our usual seamless onboarding, the team went above and beyond to go live three weeks earlier than planned to meet the needs of the business. The overall result is a secure, easy to manage IT system that helps them work more efficiently and collaboratively both internally and externally.

A continued partnership…

Not only does Select Technology provide IT support and technology strategy for Locate in Kent, but we are also proud to be their technology partner for their Future Forward initiative. Read more about Future Forward initiative.

About the Client

Locate in Kent is the official inward investment agency for Kent and Medway, promoting the region as a prime business location and working with companies to help them grow and succeed in the county. They support organisations already based in Kent and those from other parts of the UK or overseas. They have helped more than 1,250 business invest in Kent and seen over 80,000 jobs created and retained since 1997, thanks to their unrivalled knowledge of the region’s business landscape.

Find out more about Locate in Kent.