IT Services 
Cloud Services 
Telecom Services About the client
Simpson and Brown, a prestigious architectural firm based in Edinburgh, is known for its leading conservation practices and high-quality new work. They undertake a diverse range of projects, from major historic buildings to contemporary new structures, across the United Kingdom and overseas. Their team, including partners, associates, architects, and administrative staff, is dedicated to balancing the conservation of heritage with modern needs
THE PROBLEM
The firm encountered significant IT infrastructure challenges, particularly with their Exchange server’s public folders, used for storing job information and correspondence. As these folders approached 1TB, server performance deteriorated, causing unresponsiveness, and impeding access to essential emails and project data. This began to severely affect their operational efficiency and collaborative capabilities.
THE RESOLUTION
To address these issues, we recommended transitioning to Microsoft 365, harnessing its enhanced security and advanced functionalities, particularly the Business Premium licence. This cloud-based solution offered the needed scalability. Additionally, we migrated their extensive public folder data to SharePoint, a platform renowned for efficient document management and collaboration.
We also implemented Ideagen Mail Manager, a solution initially developed as an Outlook add-in by Arup for project and client-based businesses. It addresses issues such as the risk of losing sensitive information, finding specific emails efficiently, and maintaining control over project correspondence. Mail Manager enhances information visibility and ensures complete audit trails, making critical information readily fileable and retrievable.
THE BENEFITS
- Enhanced Server Performance: Switching to Microsoft 365 and SharePoint resolved server issues, ensuring smooth access to data and communication.
- Improved Email Management: Ideagen Mail Manager streamlined email filing and retrieval, boosting efficiency and reducing email management risks.
- Increased Information Visibility: The new system enhanced search functionality and offered better control over project correspondence.
- User-Friendly Experience: The integration of Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Ideagen Mail Manager provided an intuitive, user-friendly interface, improving the team’s overall experience.
CONCLUSION
The adoption of Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Ideagen Mail Manager significantly upgraded Simpson and Brown’s IT infrastructure, aligning it with their commitment to innovation in architecture. This transformation not only addressed their immediate IT challenges but also equipped them with scalable, efficient solutions, enhancing collaboration and operational efficiency, which are crucial for their ongoing success in the architectural industry.
