“By the close of 2024 our team will have donated 72 hours of IT support time to Coastal Health and Wellbeing, with a value of over £5000 + VAT.“
As we approach the last quarter of 2024, we’re proud to reflect on our sponsorship of Coastal Health and Wellbeing through our Community Technology Programme. This initiative, established in 2022, aims to support worthy causes with discounted or free IT support.
By the close of 2024 our team will have donated 72 hours of IT support time to Coastal Health and Wellbeing, with a value of over £5000 + VAT.
This time has been used to address a wide range of IT needs and challenges. Here’s a summary of what we’ve done for them so far this year:
Rebranding Support
We’ve assisted in transitioning to a new domain name while maintaining the old one, ensuring seamless communication during the rebranding process.
IP Phone System Support
We provided ongoing support for the IP phone system we installed last year, including updating call rules and re-recording greetings and voicemail prompts to align with the new brand.
Hardware Upgrades and Management
- We’ve replaced outdated desktops with new laptops, significantly improving mobility and efficiency for staff.
- We’ve repurposed donated equipment for the accounts department, saving costs while ensuring continuity of this mission critical operation.
- We’ve assisted the maintenance team in setting up email on new mobile devices, enhancing their ability to work effectively on the go.
On Prem Server to Microsoft 365 Migration
We’ve completed a major project to migrate from an ageing and unsupported on-premise server to Microsoft 365, this included:
- Full preparation and setup of the Microsoft 365 Tenant.
- Migrating data from on premise network shares to Microsoft SharePoint.
- Deployment of a local remote support PC in order to maintain a local print server and scan-to-file functionality.
- Transitioning users to the new 365 tenant.
- Decommissioning the old server including correctly wiping hard disks and disposal of hardware in accordance with WEEE regulations.
Network Infrastructure and Security
- We’ve reconfigured network equipment to create a secure, partitioned network for a sublet office space.
- We provided ongoing support for VPN connectivity, crucial for accessing on-premise data securely.
- We’ve implemented administrative privilege controls and ensured regular system updates and reboots to maintain a strong security posture.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- We’ve performed routine maintenance on switches, routers, and the wireless network to ensure optimal performance.
- We’ve addressed various issues, from wireless connectivity problems to printing difficulties and file recovery.
Disaster Recovery and Data Management
- We’ve identified and resolved occasional issues with backups, ensuring data integrity.
- We’ve conducted a bare metal recovery test as part of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.
The Impact of Our Support
Our comprehensive IT support has had a profound impact on Coastal Health and Wellbeing’s operations:
- By the end of the year we will have provided the charity with 72 hours worth of IT support for free, this has a value of over £5000 + VAT.
- The migration to Microsoft 365 and hardware upgrades have modernised the charity’s IT infrastructure, leading to improved resilience for the future.
- By repurposing donated hardware and providing free IT support, we’ve helped the charity redirect funds towards their core mission.
- Regular maintenance, updates, and security measures have reduced the risk of data breaches and system vulnerabilities.
- The transition to laptops and cloud hosted data has enabled staff to work more flexibly and responsively.
- Our approach to IT management has prepared the charity for future growth and technological challenges.
Looking Ahead
As our sponsorship of Coastal Health and Wellbeing comes to a close, we’re proud of the lasting impact we’ve made on their operations. The Community Technology Programme continues to demonstrate the power of technology in empowering non-profits to focus on their vital work.
We look forward to selecting our next sponsored charity for 2025, carrying forward our commitment to supporting the community through accessible, high-quality IT services.
Applications for Annual Sponsorship in 2025 are OPEN – CLICK HERE