Client
Founded in 1993 and based in the seaside suburb of Cottesloe in Perth, Western Australia, Mowbray Architecture specialises in creating high-end individual homes throughout Australia and internationally. Their mission is to resolve client objectives and site complexities while delivering tactile architecture that reflects thoughtful design, sustainability, and functionality.
Background
Mowbray Architecture was experiencing multiple problems with their IT setup, including slow systems and WiFi. Several employees expressed frustration that their work wasn’t being uploaded correctly. The issues were brought up with their existing provider many times, but the provider was not diving deeper into resolving the problems.
Eventually, Mowbray sought a second opinion, and discovered Austin Technology through a Google search. The accessibility and reliability of having an IT partner in Perth was a key factor in choosing their services.
Challenges
Before engaging with Austin Technology, Mowbray Architecture was facing significant IT challenges that hindered their daily operations and overall efficiency.
IT Setup Issues
- Mowbray's IT infrastructure was managed by an independent IT business, which was not providing adequate support for their growing needs.
- The setup relied on iCloud and a single computer functioning as a server, which was not scalable or reliable.
- The network was a “daisy chain” of small switches and cables, with the main router also functioning as a WiFi access point.
- The WiFi coverage was insufficient, particularly in the manager’s office, leading to poor connectivity and unreliable performance.
- Several workstations were beyond their warranty period and approaching their end of life, contributing to frequent network issues.
Operational Impacts
- The lack of a robust backup system meant that critical data was not securely backed up, posing a risk of data loss.
- The existing setup led to slow performance, making it difficult to save files or work efficiently.
- The existing setup led to slow performance, making it difficult to save files or work efficiently. Long file names and data duplication further complicated file management.
- The storage capacity was frequently maxed out, causing service disruptions and downtimes.
Solution
Mowbray Architecture’s first interaction with Austin Technology involved a consultation with an account manager who provided honest and transparent recommendations, ensuring no overselling and aligning the suggestions with Mowbray’s actual needs.
Solutions Provided
To address data storage and collaboration challenges, Mowbray Architecture was migrated to SharePoint and OneDrive.
- Professional-grade networking equipment was implemented to replace the existing switches and cables.
- To address the poor WiFi coverage, UniFi WLAN access points were deployed, known for reliability and extensive coverage.
- When Mowbray expanded their office, Austin Technology coordinated the entire IT infrastructure setup.
- They sourced quotes from electricians, planned the placement of data points, and ensured seamless integration.
- The migration and setup were completed over a weekend, ensuring minimal disruption to Mowbray's operations.
Austin Technology introduced a monthly retainer model to provide consistent, ongoing IT support.
Implementation
1. Initial Assessment
An experienced IT specialist from Austin Technology visited Mowbray Architecture’s office to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their existing IT infrastructure. This involved:
- Checking all equipment.
- Identifying potential issues.
- Inspecting the network topology.
- Assessing the overall data volume and backup requirements.
- Understanding the specific needs and workflows of the team.
2. Plan Development
Based on the assessment, a detailed plan for the data migration and network infrastructure overhaul was developed. This plan outlined the steps for:
- SharePoint and OneDrive migration.
- Data transfer processes.
- System configurations.
- Replacement of outdated equipment.
- UniFi access points.
- Project timelines to ensure minimal disruption to Mowbray's operations.
3. Plan Implementation
Backup and Preparation: Before initiating the migration, all critical data was securely backed up to prevent any loss during the transition. Austin Technology ensured that all data was organised and prepared for a smooth transfer to the new system.
Data Migration: The migration to SharePoint and OneDrive was carried out efficiently. Austin Technology first ran a test migration of a few folders. Once the process was ascertained, the full migration was carried out in several stages, with all data transferred from the local computer and iCloud to the new cloud-based platforms.
Equipment Installation: Austin Technology replaced the old network switches with a single professional network switch, significantly improving network reliability. New WiFi access points were strategically placed to ensure robust coverage throughout the office.
System Configuration: Following the migration and equipment upgrades, the new network and WiFi systems were configured to meet Mowbray’s specific needs. This included:
- Setting up secure access controls.
- Optimising network performance.
- Ensuring compatibility with architectural applications like AutoCAD and SketchUp.
- Thorough testing to verify that all systems were functioning correctly and efficiently.
4. Office Expansion
When Mowbray decided to expand their office to another level in the building, Austin Technology took charge of planning the IT infrastructure for the new space. This involved:
- Working closely with Mowbray's management to understand the layout and requirements.
- Sourcing quotes from electricians.
- Determining the optimal placement for data points.
- Coordinating the installation of network cabling and electrical work.
- Ensuring everything was set up correctly and efficiently.
To avoid disrupting Mowbray’s operations, the setup and migration activities were scheduled around their operational hours, with some work conducted over a weekend. This allowed Mowbray’s team to move into the new office space with a fully functional IT infrastructure, ready to support their expanded operations.
5. Post-Implementation Support
After the migration and office expansion, Austin Technology provided continued support to address any issues that arose. This included:
- Troubleshooting technical problems.
- Optimising system performance.
- Ensuring that the team was comfortable with the new setup.
Austin Technology also provided training sessions for Mowbray’s team, helping them understand and utilise the new SharePoint and OneDrive platforms effectively to ensure the team could take full advantage of the new system’s capabilities.
Results
The team at Mowbray Architecture reported a much-improved overall experience. The IT systems “just work a lot better,” and the support received was described as “amazing.”
Tangible Improvements
- Post-implementation, Mowbray Architecture experienced a significant boost in system efficiency. The transition to SharePoint and OneDrive facilitated faster access to files and smoother collaboration among team members.
- Upgrading the equipment, particularly the laptops, led to faster rendering times and overall improved performance. The new setup was more capable and reliable than the previous one.
- Automated and consistent data backups ensured that Mowbray Architecture's critical data was always protected, eliminating the risk of data loss that plagued their previous system.
Operational Impact
- With the new IT infrastructure, the team at Mowbray Architecture could work much more efficiently, reducing operational downtime and eliminating their frustrations.
- The introduction of a dedicated hotline allowed for quick and effective remote support. Any technical issues could be resolved promptly, minimising disruptions to the workflow.
- The successful office expansion without any operational disruptions demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of Austin Technology’s support and planning.
Future
Mowbray Architecture remains an active client of Austin Technology, benefiting from daily IT management and support services. This ongoing relationship focuses on keeping Mowbray’s IT infrastructure operating smoothly and efficiently.
Plans are in place to further enhance Mowbray’s IT security, particularly in the area of password management. Austin Technology will work closely with Mowbray to implement advanced security measures to protect their data and systems.
This project aligns with Austin Technology’s long-term vision of equipping their clients with modern, secure, and efficient IT tools to facilitate their day-to-day operations, meeting both convenience and security requirements.
Testimonials
“We’re getting great value from Austin Technology. They’re very friendly, prompt, and can resolve issues remotely, but still provide on-site assistance if we need, which was ideal during the project. They’ve really helped us with managed IT services and file storage. Their transparency and options provided for new equipment have been excellent. They’re upfront about everything and always provide the support we need.”
