Mantra Magazines
Overview
Mantra Magazines, a prominent publishing company, has been a loyal client of Ashdown Solutions for over a decade.
Based in East Grinstead, Ashdown Solutions is a managed IT support company known for its exceptional service and innovative solutions, and Mantra Magazines is just one client that has stuck with us for all their business IT needs.
Over the years, Ashdown Solutions has facilitated significant technological advancements for Mantra Magazines, including the deployment of a VoIP phone system, multiple office relocations, and a seamless cloud migration.
The Challenge
When Mantra Magazines planned their first office move over ten years ago, they faced a critical challenge: retaining their phone numbers and uninterrupted service despite moving to a different exchange area.
Maintaining seamless communication was crucial for their business operations, and any disruption could have had significant consequences.
The Solution: VoIP Phone System Deployment
Ashdown Solutions stepped in with a strategic solution: deploying a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. This technology allowed Mantra Magazines to retain their phone numbers and ensure continuous service regardless of their physical location.
The VoIP system not only addressed the immediate challenge, but also provided long-term benefits such as cost savings, enhanced flexibility, and improved scalability.
To be clear, this was not just a temporary solution while the move took place, but a way of future-proofing their business and setting them up for success in the years to come.
Continuous Support and Office Moves
Over the next decade, Ashdown Solutions continued to support Mantra Magazines through three additional office moves. Each relocation required meticulous planning and execution to minimise downtime and ensure a smooth transition.
Ashdown Solutions’ expertise in managing office moves was evident in our ability to handle complex logistics, reconfigure IT infrastructure, and re-establish network connectivity swiftly and efficiently.
Upgrading IT Infrastructure: Small Business Server
As Mantra Magazines grew, their IT needs evolved. Ashdown Solutions recommended and implemented an on-premises Small Business Server to enhance their operational efficiency.
This solution provided a robust and reliable IT infrastructure, centralising data management, improving security, and facilitating seamless collaboration among the team.
Embracing the Cloud: Office365 Migration
Recognising the potential gains Mantra Magazines could achieve via cloud-based services Ashdown Solutions guided them through a comprehensive cloud migration. Transitioning to Office365 with Exchange, SharePoint, and OneDrive was a game-changer for the company.
The migration process was meticulously planned and executed to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations.
- Exchange Online: This enabled Mantra Magazines to manage their email communication more efficiently, with enhanced security features and the flexibility to access emails from anywhere.
- SharePoint: Implementing SharePoint streamlined their document management processes, facilitating better collaboration and ensuring that critical information was always accessible.
- OneDrive: OneDrive provided a secure platform for storing and sharing files, enabling team members to work from any location with ease.
The Impact
The partnership with Ashdown Solutions has had a transformative impact on Mantra Magazines:
- Seamless communication: The VoIP phone system ensured that Mantra Magazines maintained uninterrupted communication during office moves and beyond.
- Enhanced efficiency: The implementation of the Small Business Server and subsequent cloud migration significantly improved the efficiency of their IT operations.
- Scalability and flexibility: The cloud-based solutions provided the scalability and flexibility needed to support Mantra Magazines’ growth and evolving business needs.
- Improved collaboration: Tools like SharePoint and OneDrive enhanced team collaboration, making it easier to share information and work together, regardless of location.
Testimonial
Here’s what Matt Arnold, co-founder of Mantra Magazines, had to say:
“I have been working with Tony and the team at Ashdown Solutions since 2008 and cannot fault the level of service and expertise we have always received.
After many years and many ventures, we continue to use their services for existing and new projects alike. If you are looking for a local I.T. Support Service that you can rely on, then Ashdown Solutions is a great choice!” – Matt Arnold, Mantra Magazines
Conclusion
Ashdown Solutions’ commitment to providing innovative, reliable, and scalable IT solutions has been instrumental in the success of Mantra Magazines. Their decade-long partnership is a testament to the trust and value that Ashdown Solutions brings to their clients.
By addressing immediate challenges and anticipating future needs, Ashdown Solutions continues to empower businesses like Mantra Magazines to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.