Architecting IT excellence: Texaport's transformation for Cooper Cromar

IT Services
cooper cromar logo

Key overview

Industry

Architecture and Planning

Services

Switching IT provider

Digital transformation

Cloud services

Managed networks

Results

Server migration and upgrade

Microsoft 365 licensing

Managed Cyber security

Full digital transformation

 

The client

Cooper Cromar is one of the largest architectural practices in Scotland. They are the masterminds behind Glasgow’s Atlantic Square, Number One Kirkstall Forge in Leeds, and Edinburgh’s Engine Yard, among many other landmarks of our skylines.

 

With 40 years of experience, they perfectly balance the commercial with the creative to deliver elegant, functional, sustainable structures. And they have the awards cabinet to show it - with wins in the commercial, residential, retail, and education categories.

 

Cooper cromar new office

 

The challenge

Cooper Cromar is committed to delivering high quality work for their clients with professionalism and integrity. They were ready to switch to a responsive and proactive IT partner who shared their values.

 

Their server operating system was nearing end of life, and their network infrastructure was approaching capacity. There was an opportunity to update the server and consolidate data, split across multiple storage locations.

 

In addition, they were in need of a reliable, flexible telephony solution to replace the existing system, a legacy on-premise phone. We also identified scope to streamline their network communications room, and to help them maximise the value they were getting from their existing Microsoft 365 licence.

The solution

We collaborated closely with the team at Cooper Cromar, to get a thorough understanding of what their business needed - both now and in the future. Using these insights, we recommended a suite of solutions to address current issues and set them up for continued success.

 

Server upgrade and data migration

Texaport planned and put in place a brand new server and network infrastructure for Cooper Cromar. We managed the whole project, removing all old network hardware, installing new network switches, as well as Wi-Fi Access Points and a next-generation firewall. Then we undertook the critical data migration, consolidating all their company data in one central location.

 

To underpin the migration, we put in place a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) backup of the entire server, which makes a new copy every hour, protecting data from a range of physical and digital threats. Alongside this, we used a SaaS backup tool to formalise a Disaster Recovery Plan to prevent all data from deletion.

 

Bespoke digital transformation

Having identified that the existing on-premise phone system was unreliable and inefficient, we migrated the telephony services over to Microsoft teams Phone. This allows Cooper Cromar’s employees to make and take Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) calls from any device with Teams on it.

 

To support this, we took over the management of the ongoing user licences, to allocate user accounts and assign necessary permissions. As a Microsoft Silver Partner, Texaport is well placed to help Cooper Cromar realise the full potential of the Microsoft 365 suite and get more value out of their existing investment.

 

Our engineers also overhauled the unwieldy network communications room, auditing the patched ports and putting in new patch cabling to keep the cabinet organised. In addition, we installed new monitors and a TV in their executive meeting room.

 

Fully managed IT and Cyber security

We continue to assist Cooper Cromar by managing all their IT, providing technical help and delivering a diverse suite of cyber security services. Our responsive service desk means that operational issues are fixed in record time, restoring Cooper Cromar to the level of service they deserve from an IT provider.

"After experiencing lost data and multiple issues due to our previous IT supplier, Texaport restored our trust in IT. They not only resolved all the previous problems but also went beyond our expectations."

Simon Walsh Director, Cooper Cromar

The results

Replacing a previous supplier, Texaport has become the proactive and dependable partner that Cooper Cromar needs to complement their sensitive work, high profile clients and ambitious projects.

 

The operational efficiency of the business has been improved by the new flexible Teams Phone, which enables seamless collaboration. The communications room redesign has led to fewer network issues and better oversight for troubleshooting. Hybrid teams are able to work more effectively now that they can access and manage data from anywhere.

 

And our proudest achievement - the enterprise grade server migration - has modernised Cooper Cromar’s IT environment and future-proofed their business for years to come.

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