Case Studies
At Technology Tree, we don’t just talk the talk, but we walk the walk. Check out some of our case studies from previous (and ongoing) clients that we worked closely with to achieve their goals.
MARS RECRUITMENT Case Study - 14th July 2020
MARS Recruitment was founded in 2008 with their head office in Perth with two employees. They quickly expanded and added offices in Sydney and Melbourne and grew to a business of 60 employees. They specialise in Accounting, Business Support, Banking, IT, Engineering, Sales and Marketing and Healthcare Recruitment. Over the past 12 years their IT infrastructure and support services had become inefficient, unorganised and varied in each state. They had reached a point that too much frustration was being caused by having lengthy periods of downtime and continual speed issues, coupled with an expensive and underutilised IT support service.
We were approached to conduct a review and audit of MARS Recruitment’s current IT services and provider due to the ever-increasing hardware, software and support costs for the business across their three offices. The business requirement was to identify areas of inefficiency and cost reduction along, with standardisation across all locations. Our approach undertaken was to review the business as a whole and understand where the Recruitment industry was heading with regards to a Cloud-first approach.
Once the review was completed, we were engaged to implement the strategy of a Cloud-first approach with a view of completing all changes from a historical on-premise environment to that of a Modern workplace. This has been broken down in the following high-level areas of improvement: Audit, Modern Workplace, Core Business Application – Azure, Core Business Application – Software as a Service.
Audit: Review of the current environment
The purpose of the audit was to review MARS’ current IT set up which included existing physical software and hardware, support contracts, reviewing the telephone and internet providers and core business applications. We used a holistic approach to encapsulate all site office’s and to standardise the IT throughout. Areas that were highlighted had to take into consideration the concerns of the Directors which focused on ensuring the privacy and security of data during the entire process and going forward which was a vital part of their short and long term plan.
Modern Workplace: Migrated internal network to Microsoft365
Upon completion of our review and working closely with the Financial Controller, we established a short to medium term migration and rollout plan. Adopting the Microsoft 365 platform as the standard allowed us to quickly implement a secure, mobile and cloud-first approach to their IT environment. Utilitising Microsoft 365 Enterprise we migrated all on premise hardware, on premise email, file data and core business applications to the main pillars on the Microsoft 365 Platform: Azure Active Directory, Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive for business and Azure IAAS.
Mars have since been able to benefit from working remotely and collaborate using tools such as Microsoft Teams when required by the business. They have also been growing their mobile device fleet and benefiting from their Mobile Device Management Solution around security and encryption.
Core Business Application: Migrated Core App to Azure – On Premise to Azure
Mars was using a legacy in-house recruitment specific application which was hosted in an environment that became very slow and had regular performance issues which affected the productivity of staff and caused a lot of frustration on a daily basis. We worked closely with the provider to ensure that we came up with a solution that increased the speed of the application and eliminated the regular interruptions to daily tasks that staff needed to carry out to do their job. A further aim was to create an environment where working out of the office was not only easy but ensure the company’s data was protected.
Technology Tree provided consolidation and migration of this legacy environment to a virtual environment hosted with the Microsoft Azure Platform. This allowed the business to remove physical hardware from their locations throughout Australia and remove the expense of leased, aged and unsupported hardware.
Staff were then able to have full access to the stored files and the legacy application from various business restricted locations and provided positive feedback as to how this allowed them to work more efficiently, whilst also allowing flexibility in their working environment.
Core business application: migration to a Software as a Service application called Bullhorn
The culmination of the IT strategy which we created at the start of our engagement continued as the business realised the benefits of Cloud adoption. As part of Technology Tree’s consulting services, we were engaged from the start of this project and worked alongside the business, Kyloe Partners and Bullhorn support to help deliver this project safely and securely. We adopted Microsoft best practices for Single sign on utilising the Microsoft Identity management of Azure Active Directory. This allowed the business to manage with one set of credentials across all platforms. It reduced the administrative overhead with managing multiple identity management systems, and thus reducing the pressure on the Mars team.
Mars have since been able to add additional SAAS features with their Core business application and are now a Cloud-first approach environment. They have also been growing their mobile device fleet and benefiting from their Mobile Device Management Solution around security and encryption.
Summary
Now that the major improvement work has been completed with Mars we are now able to provide immediate support when required to avoid any downtime whilst also focusing on providing further efficiencies using Microsoft analytical tools that identify trends and can help us to implement changes and updates that are required. By adopting the Microsoft Threat Protection strategy we have also provided the business with a piece of mind security solution that protects them not only from external threats but also with their internal staff awareness program.
Mars can now focus on their core business rather than spending time on IT issues and their staff are more mobile – IT now just works!
ABSOLUTE PROMOTIONS CASE STUDY - 1-JUN-2020
Absolute Promotions has been supplying premium quality Promotional Products for the corporate world for over 20 years. They have built a business based on quality and reliability. They provide the best quality merchandise that will proudly display your logo or brand and will last. Absolute Promotions have been a client of Technology Tree for over 5 years since they engaged us to move them to a Cloud-first approach using the Microsoft 365 platform in May 2015.
Upon our recent annual review that we conduct with all our clients, we recognised some key features that could be implemented and modified to Absolute Promotions’ business to ensure the highest level of security possible. Along with moving them to a fixed monthly fee to aid business operational expense, we enabled Microsoft’s Advanced Threat Protection. The features of SafeLinks, Safe Attachments and anti-phishing together with the visuals of Real-time Reporting helped reduce the attack footprint in email for Absolute Promotions.
In summary this has enabled the business to have piece of mind security against data breach, compromised identity, unsafe attachments, malware, viruses and many more phishing attacks. The Microsoft’s Advanced Threat Protection tool set offers defence against these threats and is a quick and easy way to get protected when using any aspect of the Microsoft 365 Platform.
Many clients aren’t aware of the extent of the security tools available with Microsoft 365 Platform, and often think they need to spend more money to solve security challenges. At Technology Tree, we take care of this for you by staying up to date with the latest features and tailor your security environment to best suit you. This example at Absolute Promotions shows us the importance of continual review and redesign of a company’s IT roadmap to identify improvements and to keep up to date with the latest products and services available.
Canyon Resources Limited is a mining organisation focused on developing African mining exploration and mining development projects – they are currently involved in the Minim Martap Project, a large-scale bauxite deposit located in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. Canyon is a multi-site business that is not restricted to Perth, and emphasised the importance of having a central, secure and efficient IT environment, with a standardised communication platform to aid business growth. Canyon also approached us about developing a modern and user-friendly website, as their present site was outdated and neglected important information about their current projects.
For Canyon, we decided that Microsoft 365 was the best deployment for their organisation. Not only does the program encompass Outlook for all email needs, as well as apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but also apps like OneDrive for storage, and Microsoft Teams, a collaboration tool to combine workplace chat, meetings, notes and attachments. Integration of Microsoft 365 made way for a cohesive IT environment and eliminated any operating issues that came from multiple applications. We installed JAMF Now as a mobile device management solution for Mac, iPad and iPhone devices in the workplace, to make tasks such as securing data, distributing helpful apps and deploying wi-fi, simple and affordable which meant Canyon could focus on their business instead.
We also set up and established the migration from DropBox to SharePoint Document Library’s and utilised Sharepoint Team sites for ease of management and collaboration. SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform that integrates with the Microsoft software we used for Canyon. DropBox is merely a file-storing tool, with SharePoint a multifaceted and united application for users to store information in one place as well as multiple versions of a file, and encourage collaboration, particularly for organisations - like Canyon – that are not geographically connected as everything users need is in a single location.
When we began the development of Canyons website, they provided us with a pool of images and specified which pictures they wanted used, as well as their branding and style guide to ensure we had enough content to begin building their ideal page. The client provided examples of websites that they liked and wanted elements of these sites reproduced on their own, which was helpful for us to envision just how they wanted their site to look. With guidance, we began pulling details from the current live Canyon website, as well as relevant information provided by the client about projects and staff, to create a comprehensive website that was not distracted or overwhelmed with irrelevant content.
We worked closely with Canyon and constantly updated, changed and edited the site with the helpful feedback we received from those involved. The client was willing to compromise with us when we believed components did or did not need changing, but we also worked hard to produce a site that was congruent to the vision the client had.
Throughout our work with Canyon Resources, the organisation went from explorational mining to being awarded the large-scale mining operation of Minim Martap in August 2018. With efficient IT operations in place, a consolidated, effective network, and a modern, functioning website to further catapult them into the public eye, we are confident in the smooth running of Canyon Resources for the future.
GEERSSULLIVAN
GeersSullivan, a boutique personal and business accounting firm operating out of West Perth, Western Australia, approached us at Technology Tree for assistance in achieving a more agile and mobile approach to their business through modern technology, and an aim to reduce their overall capital expenditure. We identified that their current Citrix solution was proving a hinderance, coupled with their need to replace their current back office hardware at a substantial cost. With an imminent move to a new site, and an emphasis on providing a high level of service to their clients, the solution to be implemented meant minimal interruption to workflow and most importantly, was to move forward in a cost-efficient and effective manner. From day one of our transition, the business operated as usual for GeersSullivan.
We implemented a Cloud-first approach to all infrastructure, hardware and software solutions, and with GeersSullivan operating as a Xero Practice for accounting software, they were pretty understanding of the power of cloud technology! Employing the Microsoft 365 suite of services (including Intune, Azure AD and Office 365) as well as Microsoft Surface Pro hardware, we delivered a seamless cloud-first deployment approach to the end users. We recognised the importance of secure and mobile wireless internet on the site and utilised Aerohive Wireless for this, as we also introduced a secure wireless for guests and staff alike. Vocus Fibre was used for voice and data services, to aid with the large amount of data flowing between staff and cloud applications, which assisted the storing of large MYOB and Quicken data files as well as all staff data residing on their Surfaces. Backup services for Office 365 Exchange and SharePoint are provided by SkyKick.
Our integration of software and hardware for GeersSullivan meant zero downtime during their move, and there was no interruption to any of their own clients - which we believe is important for all our clients. The nature of their work is more mobile, with staff no longer restricted to working just in the office, and now have the tools that allow them to visit, deliver and show in real-time to clients their available services – onsite, offsite or even in the comfort of their local café. The client has managed to reduce their expenditure on hardware and reduce capital expenditure by no longer having a back office (server) environment to manage and maintain. Working closely with GeersSullivan, we developed an IT roadmap for their technology spend and technology outcomes and continue working with them to further reduce costs down the line, alleviate any concerns they might have and keep their network running so they don’t have to.
Elect training and consulting group
Elect Training & Consulting are a Western Australia based training group that specialise in Workplace Health and Safety and offer courses and information for clients to reduce risk and create a safer, healthier work place. Mark Small, the Director and Founder of Elect, came to us hoping to create a modern and user-friendly website that can service all platforms to advertise and sell his services. However, Mark simply did not know where to start! This is where we utilised our web design experts to create a minimal, modern and search engine optimised site to get Mark up and running.
Starting a new business is a pretty daunting and complicated endeavour, with more than enough time-consuming components to consider, and to get yourself and your business out into the public eye is not as easy as one might think. A digital presence, in our increasingly digital age, is more and more integral to the success of a business like Elect, where a simple website can make all the difference in winning clients. We wanted to give Mark a platform from which he could then grow over time as his business progressed.
As a Squarespace partner, we chose to implement a website through this medium. We used a template that was simple, concise and provided a range of options for users to explore, to fully understand what Elect was all about. Using this platform, his search engine optimisation (SEO) is already optimised, and when the time is right, can be built upon using a paid search strategy that is now very common for those looking to bring more clients to their business. The website was also integrated with Marks LinkedIn feed, creating not only a web presence but an important social media one too.
A thorough consultation, effective communication and a talented design team meant that Mark was able to launch his website the same day he opened his training business. We gave Mark the ability to edit and update his site whenever he needs and continue working with Mark to ensure he is completely satisfied with what his website is representing for his business and his brand.
Poolman Taxation Management
Poolman Taxation are a boutique accounting firm based in Perth, Western Australia, who bridge the gaps between creativity, commerce and compliance. The business recently underwent a restructure and identified that they had no overall IT support, coupled with little or no direction for their IT framework. They recognised the need to move from Google Business (G Suite) to something more complete for their operations and were in the process of moving their practice from MYOB AE to Xero Practice Manager. The client was stuck in a time-warp, operating on legacy hardware that was outdated and inefficient. Their main objective was to create a simple, efficient and well-run IT environment, and work closely with a managed service that they found in us.
We are all about making things easier for you, and so when we were approached by Bob at Poolman for this job, we were excited to show just how much easier business can be with a well-managed IT program. We decided to implement a cloud-first approach to all infrastructure, hardware and software solutions. Utilising the Microsoft 365 Business Suite of services, such as InTune, Azure AD and Office 365 and standardising the office with Dell Hardware, we delivered this cloud approach seamlessly for all users. We migrated all email and communications from G Suite over to Exchange Online and had all file data migrated to OneDrive and SharePoint, creating a localised meeting point for all information. As a result of these moves, their legacy environment was shut down and turned off. Other services, including domain name registration, domain name services, Trend Cloud App security, as well as a website built with Squarespace, were standardised and completed. The addition of a website meant clients were able to find and contact the business easily, to aid in the growth and expansion of Poolman Taxation.
With our help, the client has taken ownership of their IT infrastructure, with a better understanding of the budgets and expenditure necessary for their IT needs. Poolman have a better web presence (because who bothers with the Yellow Pages these days?) to cement their place in the online taxation world and provide updated information to existing and new clients alike. The client has been welcomed to the world of modern, 2018 IT, with a level of comfort that enables them to grow in a way that is achievable and not overwhelming. For us at Technology Tree, working with Poolman Taxation reminded us of the importance of making things straightforward for our clients, watching the uncertainty of those involved at Poolman shift to a satisfied and secure state of being.
We asked Bob Poolman if he had any comments, and he sent us a snippet with his thoughts about our work at Tech Tree: “I think it is fair to say that I am more a people person than a technology whiz! (I can hear all the PTM and Technology Tree team laughing). We needed a company to bring us up to the cutting edge in technology and maintain that for us. I am very happy that we chose Technology Tree as Derek, Alex and the team have not only been knowledgeable (well beyond my understanding) but professional and patient to the extent that there was no sign of an external or internal groan as I, or one of our team, asked questions. I know that we are in safe hands.”