Cloud collaboration initiative launched by Richmond Events with a new partner
In the dynamic world of technology, finding the right intermediary to manage IT services is crucial for any business, and this is no exception for Richmond Events. Liam Quinn, the IT Director at Richmond Events, has outlined key factors in choosing a broker that aligns with the company's needs.
Quinn values customer references and recommendations when selecting a broker, as he believes in the power of word-of-mouth referrals. He also emphasises the importance of a broker that grows alongside Richmond Events, ensuring they remain a priority and receive the necessary service.
When it comes to IT infrastructure, Richmond Events has opted for a cloud-based approach over conventional systems. This decision not only simplifies the intermediary's task but also allows for a more streamlined and efficient IT environment. A significant portion of Richmond Events' IT infrastructure is already hosted through cloud service providers like iCloud and eventbrite.
Quinn believes that a broker should offer a wide range of products to cater to the IT department's current and future needs. He also stresses the importance of technical expertise, efficiency, and quick response times, but he places equal emphasis on the fit between the broker and Richmond Events' business.
Quinn advises against relying on large system integrators or consultants for a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), as their repeated visits and the need to re-learn the environment can be costly. Instead, he suggests seeking an intermediary that can offer advice and enhance what Richmond Events is already doing.
Moreover, Quinn praises the performance of cloud-based infrastructure, stating that it is at least as good as, and often superior to, on-premises IT systems. Managing a virtualised and cloud-based architecture, however, requires a different set of skills and resources compared to a small, in-house IT team.
To address this, Richmond Events has chosen to work with an intermediary that is familiar with their IT platforms, including iCloud login and iPhone management. This approach allows the intermediary to have a holistic view of Richmond Events' business, enabling them to suggest solutions to problems more effectively.
In addition, Quinn highlights the importance of a broker striking a balance between economies of scale and maintaining a close relationship with customers. He also mentions that Richmond Events has been buying and managing a growing number of IT services through its main cloud IT provider, Star.
