Konnetix Deliver Solid IT Foundation for Haywoods

Haywoods is a commercial decorating, specialist coatings and refurbishment contractor based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It has continued to thrive and grow due to an innovative and forward-thinking approach, now celebrating 70 years in business and in its third generation of family ownership. Having successfully worked with Haywoods previously, the opportunity arose to assist the company with a major office relocation project. The challenge Upgrade the existing outdated server Move existing users from Windows XP Limit business and customer disruption during the move Deliver robust backup solution and remote working capability Provide all services and hardware within a tight timescale The solution The company required a seamless physical move, whilst upgrading existing hardware and software. Konnetix delivered a new server running Microsoft Server 2012 essentials, which would enable security features such as group policy, secure file access and data retention. The existing file structure was transferred to the new server; setting up access for users subject to file and folder permissions and access. Haywoods was supplied with dual-monitors to increase productivity throughout the workforce. Konnetix installed and configured new HP PC’s running Windows 10, moving users from the unsupported and outdated Windows XP. A priority throughout the project was to balance necessary upgrades with the existing infrastructure at Haywoods. To deliver unified communications across all devices, Konnetix transferred all worker data and domain names to set up users with O365. The key benefits of this for Haywoods include automatic Microsoft updates, effective syncing with mobile devices, larger mailbox storage, no upfront costs with flexible increases or decreases in the number of users. For Haywoods it was important that the IT upgrades and physical move provided a greater level of flexible working and security. Konnetix set up a secure remote access for users who frequently worked from other locations. In addition, Haywoods received new Network Attached Storage (NAS) for localised back-up that would run alongside the Microsoft Azure offsite backup system. To ensure the smooth transition of IT and telephony services, the Konnetix team worked with the clients’ existing telecoms provider to ensure timescales were met and any downtime or disruption was limited. To ensure business continuity, Konnetix reinstalled all user programs and made upgrades where necessary. As the clients’ quoting system could not be migrated due to age, a new virtual machine was integrated which would allow access to the system. The results Konnetix continues to provide ongoing proactive server and user support to Haywoods and value the strong relationship that has developed. Tim Haywood, Managing Director at Haywoods, said: “We were extremely happy with the service received from Konnetix which led to us suffering no downtime or data issues. With their input and advice, we have an all-new IT infrastructure which is stable, secure and tailored to our requirements. Scalability and remote connectivity were built in to support our future growth plans for the company. Our IT systems assist us in meeting our requirements for ISO 9001 accreditation whilst making project information readily available for the benefit of our clients and supply chain. Following the success of the migration, it was a natural decision to engage in a support contract with Konnetix.”

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