Scaling IT Infrastructure for a Growing Energy Company

Background

A company in the energy industry was poised for growth. Their existing small MSP (Managed Service Provider) could not keep up with their expanding needs, prompting them to seek a new IT partner. The company operated two locations with sister businesses that struggled to communicate effectively. Their sole server was old and needed repair. They were open to investing in technology that would benefit their business.

Challenges

• Communication Issues: The two business locations could not communicate effectively.
• Outdated Server: The single server was old and required repair.
• Inadequate IT Support: The existing MSP could not keep up with the company’s growing needs.

Our Approach and Solution

To address these issues, we began with a thorough Network Assessment to document their devices, connections, and users. The following solutions were implemented:

1. Network Expansion and Infrastructure Setup:
   • New Location Setup: A new location was equipped with a firewall, switches, a server, a phone system, and various office devices to ensure smooth operations.
   • End-User Device Management: Devices were set up with spam filtering, anti-virus (now upgraded to EDR), and managed remotely to ensure security and efficiency.
2. Managed IT Services:
   • Comprehensive Coverage: As the company grew, we provided managed IT services for hardware, devices, and end-user support, adapting to their expanding needs.
   • Managed Firewall: A managed firewall was installed to protect their network.
   • Managed Backups: Both on-site and cloud backups were implemented to ensure business continuity and resiliency.
3. Scaling with Growth:
   • Device Lifecycle Management: We managed over 100 devices as the company expanded. To address the challenges of large-scale device rollouts, we executed a capital expense project, deploying over 90 devices in a three-month period.
4. Strategic Planning:
   • Technology Alignment: Together with the company, we developed a 5-year and 18-month technology plan to align IT investments with business goals.
   • Future-proofing: As their network approaches its 7th year, we are exploring options for server replacement or private cloud hosting. We are also considering a rolling replacement strategy for end-user devices to avoid large-scale, simultaneous upgrades to minimize disruption to staff and budgets.

Outcome

The partnership between the energy company and AME resulted in significant improvements in their IT infrastructure, enabling seamless communication between locations and supporting their growth. The strategic planning and managed services provided by AME ensured that the company could scale efficiently and remain resilient against technological challenges. The company now enjoys a robust IT environment that supports over 100 device users, with a clear path for future technology enhancements.