Immigration specialists Global Visas faced a problem shared by many New Zealand companies: Lack of specialist in-house IT management had resulted in an IT infrastructure which had grown up 'organically'.
At the same time, the efficient management of complex information is a mission critical requirement. The Auckland-based company assists individuals attain residency permits and visas. This is a life changing experience for the applicants and Global Visas applies considerable specialist expertise and intellectual property to ensure that each applicant has the best possible opportunity to gain residency. This is a stressful time for applicants and it is imperative that the information held by Global Visas is secure and that the consultants are able to access this information anytime and from anywhere.
As Seala Misa from Global Visas explains, existing IT service relationships were not up to the mark.
"We did have an IT services provider, with a contract which included running anti-virus software and providing 'break/fix' IT support. While the contracted service was delivered, we were always dealing with a different person and felt there was no continuity of service, and no depth of service. I frankly struggled to see how they were adding value to my business. What we really needed was someone we could trust, who would understand our business, and help us get the most value from our existing IT investment, as well as being proactive in terms of advising us on how best to go forward," Seala Misa said.
Enter CodeBlue. A CodeBlue Trusted Advisor was appointed, and the basis of a mutually satisfactory long-term relationship quickly established.
From an initial consultation and site audit, it was apparent that much of the IT infrastructure was not being used to its potential.
The first step CodeBlue took was to examine what IT infrastructure Global Visas already had in place. CodeBlue was then able to recommend ways to better utilise the existing infrastructure.
The management team at Global Visas was delighted to find that their existing IT infrastructure could be maximised, rather than replaced. CodeBlue was able to reconfigure their network and provide improved system performance, as well as enhanced security and reliability.
A CodeBlue monthly maintenance agreement sees Global Visa's Trusted Advisor onsite, maintaining anti-virus protection, updating software service patches and ensuring that back-ups have been done correctly. Time is spent discussing any current or potential issues and working through any support calls that have been logged with the CodeBlue service desk.
Global Visas Manager Seala Misa is delighted. "Now that CodeBlue is on board as our IT service provider we have the luxury of taking our IT completely for granted. We can focus on our business, and any time I do spend thinking about IT is in the context of new projects and new capabilities oriented towards business growth."
Behind the scenes, CodeBlue has prepared a Total Cost of Ownership model and recommended strategies to further reduce costs. CodeBlue is also fully involved in new business planning, putting forward technology scenarios to support competitive advantage for Global Visas going forward.
Both parties agree there will be challenging times ahead but Global Visas can meet those challenges with a secure IT foundation.
"Now that CodeBlue is on board as our IT service provider, we have the luxury of taking our IT completely for granted. We can focus on our business, and any time I do spend thinking about IT is in the context of new projects and new capabilities oriented towards business growth."
Seala Misa,
Manager - Global Visas.
