Sourcing Affordable IT

4 March 2005

Virtual Services Concept

There is a new wave of business thinking, delivering innovative solutions to high profile IT problems such as Email Anti Virus and Anti Spam, Web Content Management and Data Backup. Taking IT towards a concept of delivery similar to a utility, such as gas or Electricity.

A number of leading providers of virtual IT solutions now offer organisations of all sizes the opportunity to take advantage of the same high levels of security and performance previously limited the large blue–chips. Internet threats do not discriminate against size, industry or profile. Companies of every type and in every sector are potential victims.

For start–ups and SEMs, the challenges are clear; how to ensure the highest level of protection, despite limited resources. In addition, competitive market situations demand a rapid deployment in order to ensure that the company sustains its competitive edge. Often these companies have had to accept and live with a lower level of protection from threats to fit within their investment constraints. Start–ups also face the challenge of having to invest in infrastructure, hardware, software and resources, simply to compete in an internet driven world.

The virtual IT concept extends the same level of security, functionality and service that has traditionally been the domain of blue–chip businesses, to any size and type of organisation. In short, for the small business, the concept can offer flexible and cost–effective solutions to major IT considerations.

Today, virtual IT solutions include:

Comprehensive email security solutions, including anti–virus, anti–spam, content and archiving;
Highly–effective services to address the worrying rise in internet–based viruses;
Cost–effective data back–up and time–critical disaster recovery;
Audio and web–based collaborative services;
Two–factor authentication;
Application delivery;
Copyright enforcement.

Alongside, there is an expanding drive for business–focused virtual solutions, including:

Human resource management;
Sales function;
Payroll and financial;
Specific resource skill hire;
Distance learning;
Order fulfilment;
Collaborative working tools.

Virtual Solutions Case Study

A small and successful design bureau in the North of England, has built its business to a reasonable level. Currently employing 15 full–time staff, the organisation has relied on internal resources and skills to deliver the infrastructure for the company.

2005 has the potential of being a huge watershed year for the organisation, as recent investment and acquisition of high profile new clients, has allowed them to capitalise on their own success and focus on growth.

Currently, the company operates at the limits of its infrastructure and investment in upgrading is urgently needed. However, with an uncertain year, the traditional approach of hardware, software and personnel may prove constricting and costly. The company cannot afford to make a mistake with its future.

The virtual solutions concept can help this business address its instant growth, protect from further changes in the coming year and help reduce ongoing costs.

The company will benefit from a combination of services, including:

Managed email anti–virus and anti–spam, reducing virus costs and increasing protection, whilst reducing the impact of unwanted emails on the business.
Managed web traffic content and filtering, ensuring further virus protection and the ability to make sure that the workforce is focused on business–only web usage.
Online data back–up and disaster recovery, ensuring that all data (including clients' designs, for example) is securely backed up at a remote location and is available for recovery. This allows the company to continue business under most circumstances with minimal time and money impact.
To manage these services and strategically plan the future, an 'IT Manager' service is deployed, keeping the organisation focused on core business and not on keeping up with the latest patches and upgrades.
Finally, the organisation deploys an audio web–based conferencing and collaboration solution. This allows the agency to reduce on site customer meetings and briefings, by presenting designs and solutions on line instantly.

The virtual solution concept, allows any company, large or small, to leverage the internet and compete in a constantly changing marketplace.

Further Information

Extegral bring the best of breed Virtual Solutions together under one umbrella and constantly seek out the latest services and developments, to ensure our customers remain at the leading edge of effective business technology. Visit: www.extegral.com

Also see:

www.emailsystems.co.uk
www.scansafe.net
www.imperadata.co.uk
www.signify.net
www.intercalleurope.com