Introduction
How cloud migration and managed IT services have supported growth at The Property Centre
The Client
The Property Centre is an award-winning estate agent based in the South West of England. The agency offers a full range of sales and letting services and employs over 100 staff across its nine branches and head office. The Property Centre has been a Emerge Digital technology partner for over 10 years. Throughout this time, we’ve worked as an outsourced IT department, managing everything from IT support to cloud telephony and cloud infrastructure to internet connectivity. Three years ago, we presented a documented technology strategy to The Property Centre’s board of directors outlining a new IT and communications framework that would transform the way the business used technology.
The Challenge
One of the key challenges The Property Centre faced was migrating to cloud-based services. As they’d grown in size, they needed a more robust telephony system as well as cost-effective fibre solutions in each of their branches. In addition to this, they needed to work towards a managed office network that would connect their technology and help boost efficiency across the business.
The Solution
Our solution was made up of several strands and took place over the course of 24 months. We worked specifically on cloud migration, connectivity, communications and general IT support.
- Cloud Migration Services
Cloud migration lay at the heart of our strategy. Over the course of 24 months, we moved all business applications, IP telephony services and server infrastructure into the cloud. We also set up a managed office network, so all services were fully joined up.
- Connectivity
We implemented reliable fibre leased line solutions into all of the business’s branches and ensured this was done at the most cost-effective price. All branches now enjoy a dedicated line connecting them to the internet at superfast speeds.
- Communications
Making phone calls is an essential part of The Property Centre’s work, so we introduced a robust, flexible and scalable cloud telephony system that the company could fully rely on.
- Support
Last, but by no means least, we created a simple cost-per-employee IT and telecoms package, including 24/7 support across all branches. If ever an issue arises, whether that’s in work time or at the weekend, we’re on hand to help. Our engineers also make monthly on-site visits to maintain the technology – and answer any questions from the teams.
"Moving to cloud-based services has improved our efficiency and effectiveness. And because Emerge Digital handles all of our IT services, we have more time to spend growing our business."
Leon Broady, Director - The Property Centre
The Outcome
We’re delighted that The Property Centre has seen a wide range of benefits from our work. The new technology and services have boosted employee productivity, increased efficiency and created a more joined-up feel across all branches. As we fully manage these services, the teams can also concentrate fully on what matters most: supporting their customers and driving growth. What’s more, our simple cost-per-employee model has enabled the teams to budget more effectively for business expansion. The positive effects of this were felt most recently when the centre extended their offering by opening up two new branches.
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