Bibby

I was highly impressed with Core’s consultant who gave us the right mix of skills to achieve what we wanted. I would highly recommend Core.

Matt Tombs Senior Project Manager, Bibby Financial Services

Overview

• Streamline software deployment using Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007
• Consultancy services to review usage and recommend best practices
• More efficient deployment of system images and business applications
• www.bibbyfinancialservices.com

As the UK’s largest independent invoice Finance provider, Bibby Financial Services handles annual client turnover of more than £3.4 billion. Operating in the UK, Europe, US and Asia-Pacific regions, it helps support corporate cash flow and growth. Providing the right software for 1,000 staff in 44 worldwide offices requires good systems administration skills.

In mid-2010, Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (a major component of Microsoft System Center) was installed by the company’s outsourced IT support provider. This replaced Microsoft Remote Installation Services for deploying disk images and avoided reliance on Active Directory and manual installation for software deployment. But by early 2011, IT Managers weren’t sure whether this powerful tool was being used to full advantage.

Streamlined software

According to Matt Tombs, Senior Project Manager, Bibby wanted to find a more streamlined software deployment process. This meant gaining an in-depth appreciation of the system’s potential including its ability to produce software audit reports. Improved usage would also help add value to the global IT infrastructure.

“We felt that the deployment of images to end-user machines was not necessarily as fast as it could be. We understood that we could make better use of the system if we had the right expertise,” said Tombs.

The most effective use of System Center Configuration Manager requires specialised skills and best practice knowledge. Microsoft, therefore, gave Bibby the names of several potential suppliers offering consultancy. Core proved to have the right level of experience along with a refreshingly proactive approach.

“I think Core were very flexible when it came to being available to meet our needs. They also came up with the right suggestions.”

Greater insight and control

An experienced Core consultant reviewed current software deployment services by liaising with the IT support provider. A hands-on workshop then determined the required changes. Core explained to staff the right way of deploying operating system images, updates, Microsoft Office, Adobe and VPN clients.

The remote deployment of software is now significantly improved and has eliminated the need for site visits. Software auditing has also gained from more comprehensive reports while Configuration Manager’s functions are better understood. By following Core’s advice based on numerous Microsoft System Center implementations, Bibby has now realised greater insight into and control of its infrastructure.

Project delivered succesfully

“We have made efficiency gains in the implementation of multiple desktops and laptops. We have a fairly quick process that we can go through which is very much automated,” said Tombs. “I was highly impressed with Core’s consultant who gave us the right mix of skills to achieve what we wanted. I would highly recommend Core.”

Thanks to Core’s consultancy services, Bibby Financial Services knows that Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager is now doing the best possible job.