Managed IT Services Case Study: RWB Chartered Accountants
RWB Chartered Accountants moved its IT to Cloudworks in 2015, after feeling poorly looked after by its previous IT provider. In a two-week onboarding, we moved the firm off its in-house IT systems onto a secure, cloud-based platform with minimal interruption to daily work. Since then, we've provided its IT strategy, security and support as a managed service, and the firm has achieved Cyber Essentials certification.
At a glance
- Client
- RWB Chartered Accountants
- Service
- Managed IT services: IT strategy, security and support
- Client since
- 2015
- Previous setup
- In-house IT systems, supported by another provider
- Onboarding
- 2 weeks, with minimal interruption to daily work
- Results
- Cyber Essentials certified, a helpdesk they reach first time, clearly defined IT strategy and security, and regular reporting
Overview
The client
RWB Chartered Accountants is a firm of chartered accountants. Like every accountancy practice, it holds sensitive financial and personal data for its clients, so security and reliable access to its systems are essential to its work.
The challenge
Before 2015, RWB ran in-house IT systems supported by another IT provider. The firm didn’t feel well looked after: it wanted a provider that took ownership of its IT, kept it secure and was easy to reach when staff needed help. It also wanted to stop relying on in-house systems altogether.
Objectives
- Remove any reliance on in-house IT systems.
- Move to the most secure platform available for client and financial data.
- Make the change with minimal interruption to daily operations.
- Get a provider who looks after the firm properly, with clear ownership of IT strategy and security.
The solution
Cloudworks took over RWB’s IT as a fully managed IT service: IT strategy, security and day-to-day support from one provider. The firm moved off its in-house systems onto a secure, cloud-based platform, which Cloudworks secures, monitors and maintains.
How we onboarded RWB in two weeks
RWB’s onboarding followed our standard managed services process.
Step 1: Consultation and assessment
We reviewed RWB’s existing IT systems, applications and network, and agreed the priorities: getting off in-house systems and onto a secure platform.
Step 2: Onboarding plan
We set out the order of changes, the migration stages and the security measures, planned around the firm’s working week so staff could keep working.
Step 3: Handover from the previous provider
We worked with the outgoing provider to transfer documentation, records, credentials and network details, so RWB didn’t have to chase them.
Step 4: Migration and go-live
RWB moved onto cloud-based systems, and its support switched to the Cloudworks service desk. The whole onboarding took two weeks.
Step 5: Ongoing managed service
Since 2015, we’ve managed RWB’s IT strategy, security and support, monitoring and maintaining its systems and reporting on them regularly.
Results
- 1. Cyber Essentials certified
- RWB achieved Cyber Essentials, the UK government-backed certification showing that the firm has the core security controls in place against common cyber attacks.
- 2. A helpdesk they reach first time
- Staff know that when they contact the Cloudworks helpdesk, they get through first time to someone who can help.
- 3. IT strategy and security clearly defined
- RWB knows what is in place, who is responsible for it and what comes next, instead of relying on an in-house setup and a provider it didn’t feel looked after by.
- 4. Assurance from regular reporting
- Our reporting gives the directors assurance that their cloud-based systems are secure and professionally managed.
- 5. A long-term partnership
- RWB has been a managed services client since 2015.
What the client says
“We have used Cloudworks for our IT strategy, security and support since 2015. Our initial requirements were to remove any reliance on our in-house IT systems and to ensure we had the most secure platform available. This was delivered with minimal interruption to our daily operations. We are very happy with the on-going help we receive - especially the reporting system which gives us the assurance that our cloud-based systems are fully secure and professionally managed.”
– Neil Coupland, Director, RWB Chartered Accountants
Considering a move? We can arrange a reference call with RWB Chartered Accountants before you commit to working with us.
Frequently asked questions
Why did RWB Chartered Accountants change IT provider?
The firm didn’t feel well looked after by its previous IT provider. It also wanted to remove its reliance on in-house IT systems and move to the most secure platform available.
How long did onboarding take?
Two weeks, with minimal interruption to the firm’s daily operations.
What does Cloudworks manage for RWB?
Its IT strategy, security and support, delivered as a managed IT service, with regular reporting on the security and health of its cloud-based systems.
What results has RWB seen?
Cyber Essentials certification, a helpdesk staff reach first time, clearly defined IT strategy and security, and reporting that gives the directors assurance their systems are secure.
Thinking of switching IT provider?
If, like RWB, you don’t feel well looked after by your current provider, see what’s included in our managed IT services, or read our guide to choosing and switching to a managed IT service provider. If you’re a small firm, our guide to managed IT services for small business explains what to expect.
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