This leading HVAC and refrigeration wholesale distributor has been marketing and distributing parts and supplies throughout the southeast for over 40 years, with nine locations throughout North Carolina.
Challenge
WHEN UNRELIABLE SERVICE LEAVES YOU VULNERABLE
The client experienced two multi-day outages over the past two years, disrupting operations and profitability. Their former cloud provider handled only minor tasks and offered no strategic support or long-term solutions. On top of that, their former MSP failed to prevent or resolve a major ransomware attack.
Additionally, only four members of in-house staff managed systems across nine locations, lacking the expertise to address complex infrastructure or security issues.
Approach
A COMPREHENSIVE YET COST-EFFECTIVE CLOUD SOLUTION
We implemented a comprehensive solution including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Desktop as a Service (DaaS), cloud backup, Microsoft 365 licenses, Mimecast email security, and our very own SD-WAN. Monthly cloud expenses stayed the same, but now included cloud management, migration, monitoring, and access to our 100% U.S.-based RapidResponse support—services not provided by their previous vendor.
Results
Our IaaS offloaded on-premises infrastructure, providing enterprise-grade tools, utilities, and on-demand capacity. Backed by an all-10GB network, the client gained robust performance and security. Automatic updates and patches simplified virtual environment management. DaaS boosted productivity by moving apps and desktops to the cloud, enabling access from any device, anytime, anywhere. It also streamlined onboarding by allowing easy deployment of desktops and apps to new users.
Microsoft 365 tools improved collaboration through file sharing, storage, video conferencing, and more. Mimecast email security added virus and spam protection, multi-layered malware defense, and data loss prevention. Cloud backup provided full backups with SSL and server-side encryption. Our SD-WAN enhanced application and virtual desktop performance across locations. Powered by VMware VeloCloud, it delivered real-time path selection, edge routing, QoS, and WAN optimization to meet business demands.
Takeaways
A key differentiator was that we demonstrated a deep understanding of the client’s business. Other providers offered services that didn’t align with the client’s long-term strategy or needs. In every meeting, the team took time to understand the client’s challenges and how cloud solutions would impact the business. By addressing the client’s specific needs, as well as providing all IT and security services, the client was able to save time and money with our comprehensive one-stop-shop solution.
