Background:
PPS Water Group, a growing company in the engineering and mining sector, initially partnered with Austin Technology while still a 35-person team. With an ambitious vision for growth, PPS needed an IT environment capable of supporting rapid expansion and the technical demands of their industry. Over the years, Austin Technology has provided the proactive IT support that has enabled PPS to scale smoothly, growing into a 200+ user organisation with operations spanning multiple locations.
The Challenge:
PPS’s legacy on-premises systems soon proved insufficient for their expanding workforce and geographical reach. Their IT infrastructure was strained under the weight of increasing user numbers, and outdated solutions limited the potential for effective collaboration, especially with project teams working from remote sites. The need for robust cybersecurity also became critical, as did the challenge of coordinating reliable hardware and networking solutions across diverse locations. PPS needed a solution that not only addressed these pressing issues but would also support their future growth trajectory with flexibility and security.
The Solution:
Austin Technology led the transformation of PPS Water Group’s IT infrastructure, decommissioning their legacy on-premise systems and moving them to a cloud-first approach. This transition involved deploying Microsoft Azure Active Directory (AD) and Microsoft Entra, enabling secure, seamless access for all employees, whether on-site or remote. Integrating Microsoft 365, including OneDrive, SharePoint, and Outlook, we equipped PPS with a full suite of tools for collaboration, file management, and secure email communication.
Additionally, Microsoft Teams became central to PPS’s workflow, particularly for their geographically dispersed project teams. Teams allowed for real-time collaboration across offices and project sites, streamlining operations and ensuring PPS’s workforce could connect effectively, regardless of location. Austin Technology also took the lead on substantial network improvements, upgrading connectivity in key locations to accommodate increased usage and the demands of the cloud-based infrastructure.
In parallel, we worked with trusted vendors like HP to secure timely delivery of essential hardware, ensuring that PPS’s teams had access to reliable devices and support. With enhanced cybersecurity measures across their IT environment, including advanced protection for remote and mobile access, PPS achieved a fortified security posture to match their growth.
The Impact:
This extensive IT transformation has been instrumental in supporting PPS Water Group’s rapid expansion. By migrating to a cloud-based infrastructure, PPS now has the scalability to onboard new employees quickly and efficiently, even as they grow beyond 200 users. Our proactive support and infrastructure improvements have led to increased efficiency and reduced downtime, allowing PPS to maintain operational continuity and productivity across all sites.
The shift to Microsoft 365 and Teams has not only streamlined internal collaboration but has also boosted PPS’s agility in responding to project needs, allowing employees to access files, share updates, and communicate securely from any location. Enhanced cybersecurity protocols provide peace of mind, with advanced threat protection that scales with their business.
PPS Water Group now operates with a modern, resilient IT environment, prepared for future growth and capable of adapting to industry demands. Austin Technology’s ongoing partnership with PPS ensures they have the technical foundation to thrive, with proactive support that aligns with their vision for continued success in engineering and mining.
