Supporting Business Operations and Growth

Background

Memery Crystal LLP, a mid sized law firm had reached a point where their IT was constraining the performance and growth potential of the business.  Whilst it had been outsourced to a respected supplier, there was a need to take a strategic view on how IT could enable the business and also provide greater reliability and continuity of service on a day  to day basis. 

Consulting Stream were initially appointed to carry out a ‘Health Check’ of the firms IT and support. This entailed a two day on site review covering support, infrastructure, security and future plans. From this Consulting Stream were asked to address some key findings in the Health Check report.Business Challenge

Business Challenge

Memery Crystal faces issues with:

• Sub-optimal disaster recovery provision
  
• Incremental and organic growth in servers, with no clear strategy
  
• Business impacting IT incidents
  
• No long term IT Strategy to support the business

Services Provided

• IT Health Check
• IT Strategy
• Project Delivery
• Technology design

Skills Deployed

• IT assessment and reporting
• Risk Management
• Project  Management
• Supplier Management
• Contract Management
• Technical Architect

Our Approach

Consulting Stream devised a three phase project to address the immediate risks faced by the firm. 

Firstly by understanding their BCP requirements we sourced a suitable provider who could provide contracted facilities. 

Secondly we designed a virtualised server infrastructure using VMWare and NetApp technology to provide a highly resilient and scaleable infrastructure for the business applications. 

Thirdly we reviewed their current WAN provision and negotiated the use to high speed fibre connection to the DR site (using real time replication) at no additional cost to the firm.

All of the above was managed by Consulting Stream’s consultants, working in conjunction with the outsourced service provider and other point solution providers as necessary. Our Principal Consultant reported to the Practice Manager and acted as the interim CIO for the firm, further enhancing Memery Crystal LLP’s IT direction and capability.

Business Outcome

Post implementation of all three phases, the firm had a world class leading technology infrastructure within the legal sector. This not only put it on a level footing with larger rivals, but meant that the business was more efficient and continuity of service could be provided to the level demanded in the Solicitors Code of Conduct.  The firm could focus on servicing their clients, supported by reliable IT, which can grow with the business.

Quote

“Working with an IT consultancy we could trust was a key consideration for Memery Crystal LLP. In Consulting Stream we found a company who thought the way we did, understanding our goals and requirements and believed passionately in providing a solution without frills. The consultants are knowledgeable and are able to relate to people who are not necessarily IT literate. Memery Crystal are pleased to have retained Consulting Stream for its current IT project requirements”.
Jonathan Fenster
Operations Director, Memery Crystal LLP

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