As IT infrastructure and applications become more complex, and more vitally part of every organisation, it is increasingly important that the technology you deploy is easy to use, is reliable and is highly secure. Stone’s mix of expertise, promotion of best practice and effective use of support technologies enables our specialists to provide full and comprehensive service management, in defining, planning, monitoring, controlling and delivering projects. Managed services free up staff to get on with their work, provide continuity, meet the challenges of change and ensure best return on investment.
Consultation
Stone takes a consultative approach to managed services. Working closely with client staff, Stone makes sure that system requirements and objectives are clearly recognised and agreed. The Stone team comes to understand fully the organisation before recommending a strategy to take its systems forward. Problems or situations that are affecting performance or the efficiency of current systems are identified and solved as part of a proposed solution. Stone strives to understand the underlying challenges that are driving the need for a new or improved technology solution and hidden costs are examined. Stone managed services help you achieve lowest total cost of ownership of your current and future investments in technology.
Stone’s managed services are based on Becta FITS (Framework for ICT Technical Support) methodology and all proposed solutions and services meet the requirements of Becta’s Functional and Technical specifications for Institutional Infrastructure. Managed support offerings utilise Stone’s advanced service call handling system and team of experienced in-house and field based support staff backed by a long list of hard-earned accreditations. Stone Group’s close working relationships with our vendors, following agreed technology “roadmaps”, and leading industry bodies enable us to deliver a complete Managed Service solution to meet your current and future needs.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you make the most of your IT.
Back to top
Remote support – let us take the strain
Stone’s comprehensive remote control solution gives our senior support technicians the ability to take control of your systems, carry out analysis and locate issues. They can then help with anything from a back-up to server fault diagnosis and can even make the changes required to restore your system to a working state. Remote access requests are always initiated by the customer so they control who can access their system. Remote support services are offered on a twelve month contract.
Back to top
Remote preventative maintenance – a smooth-running system
Take advantage of our remote support service and you will also benefit from regular scheduled monitoring of your server(s) to ensure proactively that your system continues to run smoothly. You will be notified of any issues that may require attention. If you wish, we can investigate further and once a solution has been found, in most cases, we can make the necessary changes remotely.
Back to top
On-site emergency support – assistance in a crisis
Whether you are in a classroom or at the front line in a local authority or emergency service, your IT system is mission-critical. Stone emergency support can help when things go wrong at critical times. In the event of your system failing, a single call to our help desk will ensure that you receive a rapid response on-site. Stone’s skilled senior technicians will diagnose the problem and restore your system to full working order as smoothly as possible, ensuring that services are restored with the minimum disruption. Stone’s emergency on-site support is offered though non-expiring support vouchers.
Back to top
On-site support – your system in safe hands
Many clients do not have the time, expertise, budget or desire to manage their networks. Stone’s on-site support, which can be booked through the help desk, provides clients with a skilled technician who will carry out network management tasks, routine or otherwise, for them. This economical service is offered through non-expiring support full or half day vouchers.
Back to top
Scheduled on-site support – your very own ICT technician
Many small schools and other organisations may not be able to fund full-time ICT technicians or co-ordinators. Others may lack time or experience. Stone offers twelve month contracts that provide you with regular scheduled visits from a dedicated technician who will gain a working knowledge of your system and carry out any required tasks. You’ll save time because Stone’s technician will be familiar with the ins and outs of your system, and your network will be kept in tip-top condition, with the technician offering suggestions and advice on additional hardware and software and the timing of future upgrades.
Back to top
Network infrastructure support – getting the best performance
The effective delivery of your teaching or services depends on the smooth running of an often-varied collection of networking equipment that is likely to have been assembled over time, having been frequently upgraded and altered. Stone can provide you with a skilled network engineer to assist with all aspects of your wired and wireless infrastructure, from patching in a new network point to reconfiguring your entire network. They’ll help maximise performance and advise on upgrade issues. This service is offered though non-expiring support vouchers. Stone Group is also able to provide tailored network cabling, optical fibre and electrical installation services.
Back to top
Equipment audit – keeping you on track
By carrying out a full audit of your establishment, documenting the details and location of all your equipment, and recording it in a FITS-compliant Configuration Management Database (CMDB), Stone Group can help you to keep your IT infrastructure in order. The audit report will also identify hardware or software that is unlikely to meet your requirements as measured against Becta’s standards and best practice for institutional infrastructure. Then, if required, Stone Group can recommend ways in which you can implement a short- and long-term improvement programme.
Back to top
Network health checks – keeping your system in good shape
An enhancement to Stone’s remote support service, regular proactive network monitoring and heath checks identify and resolve any issues. You can relax, knowing that your system will continue to run smoothly. Should a fault that cannot be resolved remotely be identified, a site visit by an experienced network engineer can be scheduled to correct it. Stone’s network health check service is provided on a twelve month contract ,with non-expiring support vouchers [link] to cover engineer site visits.
Back to top