Slow or no Internet, an unreliable server, frustrated staff. That was what Sally Jackson, GM of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society, was grappling with before she gave Devine Technology a call to upgrade an underperforming computer system from the dark ages.
Introducing: The Hawke’s Bay A&P Society
The Hawke’s Bay A&P Society is a world-class facilitator of primary sector events and using this unique position in Hawke’s Bay, and as a major participant in the economic development of the region’s economy, the Society has positioned itself as a world-class facilitator of primary sector events including:
Land Rover Horse of the Year
New Zealand Royal A&P Show
Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards
BNZ National Horticultural Field Days
Napier Port Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Awards
Outdated Technology Not Fit-For-Purpose
It’s approximately 1km from the nearest fibre connection along Kenilworth Road to the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society offices under the main grandstand at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds in Hastings. So forking out for 1000m of fibre optic cable wasn’t really an option. Sticking with a copper connection also wasn’t an option.
To make matters worse, the Society’s old NAS server, a physical box where data was stored and accessed, was a nightmare to connect to and work from, especially remotely where it had become virtually impossible for staff. Not good for a 21st century organisation operating at the break-neck speed of events management.
“To work remotely, staff were loading up USB sticks full of files before leaving the office. Then when they got back they’d have to manually copy and sync all the files back onto the server. Needless to say this was a far from ideal arrangement!”
Out With The Old, In With The New
As Sally had previously worked with Devine Technology when she was GM of the Art Deco Trust in Napier, she knew they were reliable, capable and good guys to deal with. They were her first and only call.
Phil and Tyler visited the Society at the showgrounds and listened to Sally as she explained the current situation. They then carried out a full audit of the existing IT system. The ensuing proposal laid out plans for a comprehensive technology overhaul with wide-ranging changes tailored to the Society’s needs and budget.
“When I worked with Devine at the Trust they were fantastic to deal with. The technology solutions they provided worked a treat and when we did have the occasional issue their service was prompt, efficient and it always worked the way it should.”
Devine’s Plan For The Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds
First up, Devine’s solution for the Society’s poor Internet connection was both innovative and revolutionary. By teaming up with AoNet Broadband they had a super-powered WiFi dish installed on the roof to receive ultra-fast broadband from a nearby transmitter. Internet connection issues sorted.
Next, they migrated the entire system from physical in-house servers to the Devine Cloud. This, combined with the new ultra-fast WiFi connection, meant Sally and her team could now work in-house or remotely without speed issues, connection problems, or any of the other inadequacies they’d previously suffered.
“The new WiFi dish and connection, and moving to the Cloud. were just what we were after. These two components have dramatically changed how we work, for the better.”
Seamless & Painless Transition A Breeze
For Sally and her team, switching from a slow connection and unreliable servers with their previous providers, to Devine’s revolutionary new solutions, went without a hitch.
Migration time was minimal and completed without interruption to business. No internal resource was required, and within just a few days from start to finish, the transition was painlessly up and running.
“One day we just logged on and although everything in the system looked the same, the way it worked was outstanding with the new WiFi connection and Cloud servers!”
Sally Jackson – GM of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society
Revolutionary Working Technology
Not only does the Society now have ultra-fast broadband and a reliable server, but they’re also fully protected from the likes of fire, flooding, natural disasters, and other kinds of damage, with the Devine Cloud servers backing up all their data to two separate and remote locations. So if the unthinkable should happen, the Society would be up and running again in a matter of hours.
But the best part is that staff can now work anywhere anytime with ease. As soon as they open their laptops remotely they can work with the in-house team and any other remote workers via the main system in the Devine Cloud. Life has radically changed for the crew at Hawke’s Bay A&P Society, so they can continue to produce world-class events for the Hawke’s Bay primary sector.
The Hawke’s Bay A&P Show on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HBShow
Showgrounds HB on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShowgroundsHB