Solutions and support

This Segment covers all hardware assembly, supply and integration activities, including telephony, and all managed ICT services – whether it is the management of infrastructure on an outsourced basis or the provision, installation and support of hardware and telephony solutions. This segment includes the custom (or bespoke) design, engineering, assembly, supply and repair of hardware-based computer solutions, both to process data and serve software applications or communications solutions. It includes the hosting of computer systems and infrastructure. This segment also covers the design, delivery, integration and support of software application solutions. The applications may be developed in-house on a packaged or bespoke basis, or they may be third party developed applications resold on a value added basis. The applications may be provided for deployment either in-house or on a hosted SaaS basis. It also covers bureau services for data entry and scanning.

Segment Specialisms

• Hardware Installation and Support 

• Voice Communications 

• Hardware Design and Assembly 

• Value Added Solutions

• Hosting

• Data Capture 

• Managed Service Provision 

 Hardware Installation and Support

This specialism focuses on the planning (including virtualisation), sale, installation, support, maintenance and repair / renewal of a range of computer hardware solutions and necessary systems software, including the identification, potential re-use and / or removal and disposal of old equipment in accordance with EU/WEEE demands and related secure destruction / disposal of data.  This includes servers, storage Systems, the customer desktop environment including PCs, routers, hubs, ethernet devices, switches, modems, cabling, printers and any other ancillary equipment, mobile devices, together with operating systems and other systems software.

Voice Communications

This specialism focuses on the design, specification, sale, installation, testing, maintenance, repair and renewal of telephony systems, including associated software and devices. It includes demonstrating a competence in evaluating the requirements of a telephone system in line with appropriate technical standards, an ability to install, configure and test solutions including Vendor Specific Telephone System solutions, Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) based solutions, Desktop solutions such as Digital Telephony, Messaging solutions such as Voicemail, Unified Communication Solutions, Site to Site based solutions, solutions appropriate for a Call Centre environment, Mobility solutions such as Call Forwarding, and specifying and selecting external service provision such as Broadband Internet – including ADSL, SDSL, Leased Line – and DASS - ISDN circuits.

Hardware Design and Assembly

This specialism focuses on the custom (or bespoke) design, engineering, assembly and supply of hardware-based computer solutions, both to process data and serve software applications or communications solutions. These could be server-based or mobile device platforms. It can also involve the integration of software components to deliver the end-product. Whilst it is envisaged that the majority of components will be externally sourced, there could be occasions where component manufacture or elements of software development are required to finish the end-product. The solutions may be marketed directly by the design and integration company or delivered to a third party who has commissioned their engineering and assembly. Support, maintenance and repair services could be provided to customers.

Value Added Solutions

This specialism focuses on the value added supply and support of application software solutions. This includes the sale or resale and deployment of own or third party software applications and / or the delivery of systems integration services. The solution may be installed within a Customer’s infrastructure, implemented on a Cloud / Software as a Service (SaaS) basis or for the mobile workforce. Typically this includes the addition of value by provision of extra features deployed on a turnkey basis, integrating a number of components into a solution and / or through the provision of professional services in areas such as business process improvement, business analysis, design, build, project management, installation and training, as well as ongoing support and maintenance. This may include elements of bespoke development and / or the provision of reusable components developed previously. This specialism includes the delivery of third party applications to meet specific business needs or the delivery of holistic Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suites / solutions for functions such as finance, sales, marketing, human resources, payroll, and manufacturing. This specialism will also include the integration of existing or new enterprise applications using middleware, messaging, application programming interfaces, web services and other techniques, creating composite applications if required.

Hosting

This specialism focuses on the provision of hardware, infrastructure and application hosting and connectivity services. It involves the outsourced management and operation of servers and software, either using in-house or externally contracted premises and equipment, to deliver the end-product on a cloud basis to customers.

Data Capture

This specialism is for businesses that offer services in capturing data from documents and other sources for entry into application software, including document management systems. This can include document scanning and indexing, data cleansing and data entry services. This might involve conversion of existing / legacy information or the ongoing capture of new information. Sources might be digital – e.g. from databases or optical disks – or non digital / analogue – e.g. from microfilm, microfiche, aperture cards, punch cards, paper documents and forms.

Managed Service Provision

This specialism focuses on providing outsourcing services for the management, support, maintenance, repair and upgrade of networks, operating and other systems software including web services, email and antivirus, desktop application software, data centres and hardware. The service provided will range from reactive fixing to proactive maintenance and/or 24/7 management and monitoring of networks and servers. This would specifically include problem diagnosis and resolution, administration, including a dedicated Help / Service Desk, end user support, data back-up and off-site storage, disaster recovery and business continuity services, data recovery & restoration, security and data encryption services, procurement and installation of hardware and infrastructure-related software. Related professional services include training, advice, design, procurement and implementation, installations and ICT advice.