SFM Technology Limited are one of a large number of customers who have long standing partnerships with Blueloop and we felt it appropriate to share their story.
The initial challenges and reasons for change
Blueloop were contacted in June 2007 after a recent Server Failure. The system had been rebuilt and placed on temporary hardware, creating additional infrastructure requirements. Upgrades were also needed to their finance system which prompted a re-evaluation of the complete Information Technology needs.
SFM needed shared, secure file storage and print management to support their Catia workstations with a centralized and modern infrastructure using Novell SUSE Linux and a replacement Windows Server to support the new Sage ERP system. SFM were operating from two buildings connected with a 100Mb link, providing an IT disaster recovery site and an off-site back up.
The business drivers were not only functionality but also realising cost benefits ,while delivering a modern and supported enterprise solution.
The solution
Blueloop provided a Microsoft Windows Server solution with Network Attached Storage (NAS), a dedicated Server for Sage, Exchange email and print services. The design and administrative data would reside on the NAS with replicated off-site back up to a second NAS device.
Company growth and continued partnership
SFM have continued their growth and expansion plans into engineering pre-design consultancy, design and development, product enhancement, machining and full manufacturing.
Demands on staff provided little time for handling IT support issues. In 2015 the business felt it was an appropriate time to seek a professional, outsourced IT support company to ensure that they received the levels of service needed to keep their IT systems well maintained, up to date and secure.
The successful delivery of the project implementation led to a 3 Year Managed Service Contract which has been successfully renewed on its anniversary and Blueloop are now celebrating our 6th year of the partnership providing IT support and Cyber Security services to SFM Technology.
What was the best fit of IT service for SFM Technology?
Our Managed IT Services contract offers a break-fix agreement that included unlimited calls emails to the Blueloop Helpdesk. This agreement also features preferential purchasing and consulting rates.
SFM have a dedicated Blueloop Account Manager as well as a primary and secondary technician. All of the Blueloop staff have visibility of their systems and work on the helpdesk on a regular basis using the knowledge and experience of their systems which grow and spread within the team.
We offer back up management and monitoring, alerting, system patching and also have the benefit of additional hours within the contract to be used for other requirements.
