As a distributor of IT applications, AppSpeed are fully aware of how technology enables business and, as such, practise what they preach by using the best solutions to fit their own business needs.

The Challenge

In setting up the business, Mark Lardner, Managing Director, had to start from scratch; from invoicing systems, CRM, financial advice and also find time to recruit resellers and vendors. The last thing he wanted to also have to contend with was IT infrastructure that he knew was key to establishing the business. Being side-tracked with procuring, installing and maintaining systems along with the associated costs, was prohibitive to getting AppSpeed Distribution up and running.

Apart from the usual line of business applications, it was also critical to AppSpeed that they had a safe and secure storage facility. Having their large amounts of data and information professionally managed was a major consideration. Plus, AppSpeed needed a solution that could enable access to their information from any location. The final consideration was cost; they wanted a solution that would scale as their business grew and be flexible as their requirements changed. To purchase and maintain such a system, as a capital expenditure, was cost prohibitive.

The Solution

Having been in the distribution business for many years, Mr Lardner knew the benefits that server-based computing can deliver. As such, he knew that the hosted OnlineDesktop solution from Intercept would be the right solution for his company, particularly with their cost per user/per month charging model.

System Overview

For a small business like AppSpeed, the flexibility of provisioning applications and access to data, along with the safe, secure management of that data, can be an overwhelming responsibility. Having that entire responsibility outsourced means, AppSpeed can focus on what they do best; providing their customers with best of breed server-based computing solutions. OnlineDesktop from Intercept provides a comprehensive IT infrastructure to AppSpeed that includes:

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook Exchange Server
• Internet Explorer
• BlackBerry email
• Disaster recovery
• Business continuity
• Data storage and management
• Help desk

As and when applications are upgraded, the users of OnlineDesktop seamlessly have access to the latest version. If new application access is required, they can be provisioned in a matter of minutes, providing significant productivity enhancements.

Future Direction

As AppSpeed are growing organically, it is crucial that new employees can start and be productive immediately. With the flexibility of OnlineDesktop, services can be provisioned immediately to new users and AppSpeed can budget accordingly, knowing in advance the exact cost of adding new users.

AppSpeed case study (52K)

Website: www.appspeed.co.uk