Sky’s the limit for cloud computing

 

Heading towards 'Cloud Nine' businesses could save money, time and energy by outsourcing their IT

SMART businesses in Northern Ireland are changing the way they manage and organise their digital information, part of a rising trend known as ‘cloud computing’, according to Belfast based IT company, cmi.

Cloud computing, a term coined to describe internet based computing where shared resources and software are provided remotely to users on demand, is a fundamental shift from the traditional way in which we use IT.

Ken Roulston, Managing Director of cmi explained; “Cloud computing is the new big thing in the IT world and its use is becoming increasingly prevalent in businesses of all sizes. It all boils down to this – it’s a way of saving them money.”

“Simply put, cloud computing means outsourcing elements of your IT, instead using web applications that you pay to access rather than software or hardware that you buy and install yourself.”

“So for example, a business might use it to access online accounting, rather than investing in the software itself. Or it might use online applications to save and back up documents which can then be easily accessed via the web, rather than hogging memory space on PCs.”

“Negating the need to install dedicated software on your own computer and thus freeing up memory will reduce energy costs. ‘Renting’ software when you need it rather than buying it will save your business money, and you can save time because you don’t have to develop or maintain IT systems yourself,” Mr Roulston said.

“World leaders in technology such as Microsoft and Google are rapidly gravitating towards this model,” he said. Other smaller providers are also popping up, all aiming to offer clients better, faster, more secure and importantly, cost effective options for cloud computing.”

“Cloud computing is not an instant solution,” Mr Roulston added. “A phased and supported approach over time is required for businesses to move into the cloud and towards ‘Cloud Nine’, a complete virtually hosted IT environment.”

Mr Roulston added; “This is definitely a trend which shows no sign of slowing however there are still a number of issues to be resolved so each business needs to consider it carefully.”

 

The Evolution of IT

IRELAND’s first Siamese ‘Cyber Twins’ have been ‘separated’ by Belfast-based IT solutions specialists cmi.
Following on from the acquisition of SLA Networks last year cmi faced a major challenge in separating out the common IT infrastructure in use. The technical term for this difficult operation is called cross-domain migration.  Alone this is a complex process but what made this even more unique was at the same time cmi also successfully managed to update both the Microsoft Windows and Exchange Server platforms to the latest versions.

This was the first migration of its type in Ireland and only the seventh to be completed in Europe. 
Ken Roulston, joint managing director of cmi explained the scale of the operation.
“Essentially,” he said; “Two companies shared a network with e mail, files and calendaring etc all controlled from one bank of servers.” 

“One of the companies’ had to be demerged, leaving the new company with e mail and their files on a new domain completely separate from the previous one with no remaining connection whatsoever”
“And afterwards the old domain needed to remain intact with the other half of the company running on it with e mail and file access with no adverse affects.”

At this point cmi who hold the Microsoft Certified Gold Partner status, turned to Microsoft, and the pair worked together to split two companies sharing the same system into separate independent businesses with their own unaffected IT systems.

“With help from Microsoft we built our new company’s IT environment using the latest operating systems and scripts to ensure current users experienced no difference in service when the new system began working,” said Roulston.  “We then prepared their user accounts for moving across to the new system and Microsoft provided the software to ensure this happened seamlessly. 

“Then the start-button, so to speak, was pushed and everyone’s email was in their new mail-box on the new exchange server with calendars and reminders contact etc all included.” 
“It would have taken 12 to 24 hours to do this manually and caused issues with mail corruption but the whole process took only 5 hours and no one was inconvenienced.”

The result? Two companies are operating separately, communicating normally and with no side effects.
Martin Cullen, SMS&P Director of Microsoft in Ireland, commented; “This is a really exciting time for cmi, Microsoft are delighted to be part of this.  We believe that the relationship between both organisations will deliver a fantastic solution for our customers based on driving business value, cost efficiency and increased productivity.”

The partnership with Microsoft continues to strengthen in 2010 with cmi once again being awarded Microsoft Gold Certified Partnership status putting cmi in the top tier of IT companies in Northern Ireland.
The Gold Certification is the highest accreditation within the Microsoft partnership programme. It recognises cmi as technology experts with the highest level of competence and expertise affording cmi the closest working relationship with Microsoft.

Joint Managing Director of cmi, Ken Roulston says; “The partnership allows us access to specialist resources non-certified companies do not have, it further demonstrates our commitment to the Microsoft solutions we are supporting, as well as establishing that we have demonstrated a level of proficiency with the products and solutions helping ensure we provide a superior level of service to our customers.”

This year sees an evolution in IT solutions, with Virtualization exploding onto the market place revolutionising IT in businesses throughout Northern Ireland. cmi will be working closely with Microsoft, utilising their leading Hyper V technology to help businesses consolidate servers allowing companies to increase their IT capacity whilst lowering running and hardware costs.

In a traditional IT setup one machine would only perform one function. With Virtualisation numerous virtual machines can be set up on a single physical one, each performing a separate task. By optimising IT with Virtualization, businesses will therefore be able to reduce IT running costs by up to 50% whilst increasing their efficiency and productivity.

Ken Roulston said; “In cost-conscious times it is imperative that businesses utilise their existing systems without putting pressure on their cashflows. Virtualisation is going to change how companies think about IT within their business.”

cmi will be holding a number of seminars throughout 2010 on Virtualization and other solutions. For more information please visit the website www.newcmi.com or contact cmi today on 028 90735600 or email info@newcmi.com

 

March 12th

Seminar Success

We were delighted at the success of our first seminar, Cost Effective Cloud Backup Reality or Fiction.
The experts from SecurStore flew in from Iceland to speak at the event which took place at the Point Boardroom, W5 the odyssey in Belfast. The seminar demonstrated the latest technology surrounding online remote backup and its benefits to business.

SecurStore provided attendees with an in-depth insight into Cloud Based Backup splitting the reality from the fiction that surrounds the technology.

Feedback from the event was very positive with everyone finding it informative and relevant to their business. Each attendee had the opportunity to speak with the experts and have their questions answered on an individual basis. Everyone who attended the seminar received a free data management report for their business.
If you were unable to make the seminar event but are interested in more information please contact us today!

 

December 2009

cmi Bytes

Welcome to the first edition of cmi Bytes, cmi's new quarterly newsletter to help keep you up to date on everything that's been going on at cmi .

It has been an exciting few months for cmi, we have gone “Back to the future” for our successful rebrand launch, been climbing up walls for Action MS competing for Children in Need and most importantly been embarking on a number of changes to help ensure we are improving the level of service you receive.

Click here to open

 

November 20th 2009

Children  In Need

cmi staff dawned their bandanas and battled it out to show their support for Pudsey Bear and BBC Children in Need.

The fund raiser with a difference saw staff compete in a knock out
Wii tournament to leave one member of staff crowned cmi “Wii Bowling Champion.


After a hard fought battle  and some Interesting bowling techniques, the final saw Engineer Stephen Meehan, Service desk Supervisor Roisin Murphy and Sales Director Kyle Johnston compete for the title of Wii Bowling Champion.  With a score of 223, Kyle was the clear winner on the day.

 

 

 

 

 

October 5th 2009

BBC Radio Ulster, Eddie O’Gorman Interviews Ken Roulston for Good Morning Ulster

Click here to listen

 

October 2009

cmi goes back to the future as next generation IT company takes shape

The journey continues for Northern Ireland IT entrepreneurs Ken Roulston and Stephen Gillespie as they took their guests back to the future at the official unveiling of the new corporate identity for their growing IT business.

The local duo used a DeLorean sports car, made famous in the film ‘Back to the Future’, to announce at a special launch, that the recently merged SLA Networks  and Ethos Solutions will now trade as cmi.
The new brand identity, which takes place with immediate effect, represents a significant milestone in the company’s history and further cements the company’s evolution into a ‘new-generation’ business of IT Solution providers.

“When we bought SLA Networks and acquired Ethos Solutions we had the vision of building a company that provides an extended lifespan to a customer’s existing IT investment,” said Mr Roulston. “The new brand cmi, represents the thinking and values of a business model that will provide flexible, reliable and responsive services.”

cmi will adopt the strap line, ‘Service as it should be’, to reflect the customer centric objectives of the company.
Mr Gillespie said: “The new name, cmi signifies what we aim to deliver - customised, managed infrastructure solutions. We will focus on the customer, working with them to provide a tailored service to improve the efficiency of the IT investments they’ve already got whilst advising them on what is needed to meet growth targets.”

cmi, who currently employee 22 will remain located at their Queens Road headquarters in The Titanic Quarter and continue to provide IT solutions to private sector businesses throughout Northern Ireland.

 

 

cmi Fun Day at Toddsleap.com rewards Action MS fundraisers!

Belfast IT company takes up the challenge at Toddsleap.com fun day. The staff at Ireland’s Largest Activity Centre donated their salaries for the day, working for free to reward Charity Fundraisers with a Toddsleap.com experience of a lifetime! Sixty-six participants including fundraisers and Action MS volunteers took part in activities which included Off Road Driving, Archery, Blind Landrover Driving, Climbing Wall and JCB Digger driving.

One of the companies who participated was IT specialist’s cmi, based in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast. Joint Managing Director Ken Roulston says:

“Having recently expanded and rebranded our company it was a fantastic way to help the new staff get to know the cmi team! We have had a longstanding relationship with Action MS, following members of our staff completing a sky dive last year! Today at Toddsleap.com has been equally exhilarating - The Blind Landrover driving proving particularly popular with staff. ”

Ben O’Hanlon owner of Toddsleap.com added:

“Toddsleap.com is delighted to be a business partner of Action MS, a ‘home grown’ charity that has been working in Northern Ireland since 1976. This is just one of the ways that we support them and other charities to fulfil their best potential.”

Toddsleap.com is Tyrone tourism’s jewel in the crown, widely recognised as Ireland’s Number 1 off road activity Centre.  Toddsleap.com specialises in teambuilding and motivational skills. Toddsleap.com is a purpose built, off-road activity centre situated amongst 100 acres of picturesque countryside in Ballygawley. The centre offers the very best in extreme off road driving, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery and a variety of bespoke team-building activities to suit every size of group and budget and group size.

Toddsleap.com has recently introduced paint-balling. Safety is paramount, so top quality protection equipment is supplied to all individuals and groups. After attending the centre for a day of activities visitors can be accommodated in self catering log cabins.

More information can be found at www.toddsleap.com or by calling 028 8556 7170.

 

September, 2009

SLA purchase improves company Ethos

HOT on the heels of buying SLA Networks Northern Ireland IT entrepreneurs Ken Roulston and Stephen Gillespie have hit the acquisition trail again with the purchase of Belfast-based Ethos for an undisclosed six-figure sum.

SLA Networks and Ethos will work alongside one another delivering complementary services to the private sector providing employment for 22 at their Queen’s Road headquarters in The Titanic Quarter.
“Together we will have more than 200 customers in the local marketplace, working with businesses of various sizes and providing a strong range of services,” said Ken Roulston. “Ethos is a reputable IT company with great expertise, particularly in the Microsoft arena, that complements what we already have in SLA Networks.”
Ken Roulston and Stephen Gillespie have extensive experience between them in the IT industry, including working together in CMI, Aurora and Sx3 providing innovative IT services which have added real value to a customer’s business.

“We said when we bought SLA Networks that we were intent on building a ‘new-generation’ company that provides an extended lifespan to a customer’s existing IT investment,” said Mr Gillespie. “The purchase of Ethos helps us to keep this goal in sight and allows us to provide true added value services.” Mr Roulston added; “Together the two companies can draw alongside our customers in these challenging economic times and tell them what they need to hear and not what they want to hear.

“Often the integrity of the existing IT investment is sound and we help them improve the efficiency of what they’ve already got as well as advise them on what is needed to meet growth targets.”
Ethos has been bought from local chartered accountants Harbinson Mulholland. “We’re growing a capability within SLA Networks and Ethos that will be able to meet the IT needs of businesses across the SME spectrum and beyond,” said Mr Roulston. “That’s an exciting prospect as it will deliver stronger competition in the marketplace.”

 

SLA Networks sold to IT entrepreneurs
Business is building block for ‘new generation’ company

NORTHERN Ireland IT entrepreneurs Ken Roulston and Stephen Gillespie have bought SLA Networks from the Stirk Lamont Group run by Nic Stirk and Owen Lamont for an undisclosed six figure sum.
SLA Networks is a leading provider of IT services to the local private sector and its new owners intend to build on that reputation to create a ‘new generation’ company built on traditional values providing extended lifespan to their customers IT investment.

Ken Roulston and Stephen Gillespie have extensive experience between them in the IT industry, including working together in CMI, Aurora and Sx3 providing innovative IT services which have added real value to a customer’s business.

“We have bought SLA Networks as an essential building block in the creation of a new significant player in IT services in Northern Ireland,” said Ken Roulston. “It will approach the market in a radically different way at a time when companies are looking for innovative, high quality solutions at a competitive price without damaging their current investment.

“The purchase of SLA Networks is the first step in creating a genuinely service orientated business and we see the company growing both organically and by acquisition as we target the local private sector in the coming months.”

Mr Roulston said the new business, which would continue to trade under SLA Networks in the short term, would add complementary services to the existing offer and would continue to direct its efforts in a customer centric way.

“We like to get alongside a customer, developing tailored solutions that add real value to a company’s bottom line,” he added.

The company employs 14 at its offices in Belfast’s Titantic Quarter.
“We see that figure growing in time as we add new services to meet a growing demand in Northern Ireland for competitive, high quality IT solutions,” said Mr Roulston.