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Case Study: Using Google Workspace to Support a Global B2B Marketing Business

By - Lewis
26.08.24 01:57 PM
Modern, an award-winning global media agency, sought to revolutionise its technical infrastructure to support its rapid growth and hybrid workforce. With a presence in multiple countries and a reputation as one of the fastest-growing agencies nationally, Modern faced challenges with outdated systems and limited scalability. By partnering with Ostratto to transition from a Microsoft-based environment to Google Workspace, Modern achieved a seamless transformation that empowered their team with flexible, secure, and reliable tools, enabling them to continue delivering exceptional results for their clients worldwide.

The Task

As Modern experienced rapid growth in the B2B marketing space, the need for a robust technical solution became critical.


Expanding their team both nationally and internationally placed immense pressure on their existing support infrastructure, which could no longer meet demand. With the team outgrowing available office space, implementing a hybrid working model was essential. 


The outdated systems were unable to support this shift, highlighting the need for a flexible and scalable solution like Google Workspace to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Flexible

With all team members becoming hybrid, a flexible infrastructure was desperately needed. Systems needed to be accessible for all workers, regardless of their location. By implementing Google Workspace, Modern ensured seamless access to tools and resources, enabling hybrid teams to work productively. Desks in the offices needed to be readily accessible with minimal disruption.

Efficient

The requirements capturing process not only focused on what was wrong - it focused on what could be vastly improved. With increased productivity being a key objective, a thorough understanding of working practices and processes means that new systems could be designed to work for the users.


Secure

As the geographical spread of workers increased, so did the surface of potential cyber threats. Business systems needed to be secure, auditable and constantly monitored, with potential vulnerabilities identified before they became a threat.


Reliable

With the existing infrastructure and support function "bulging at the seams", user confidence was low which in turn impacted productivity. Implemented systems needed to be reliable and any required support needed to be high-quality in order to restore confidence and promote positive working behaviours. By adopting Google Workspace, Modern gained a dependable solution that not only enhanced reliability but also improved user satisfaction and overall efficiency.


Products Featured

Leveraging our wide range of products and services, we implemented the correct tools to achieve the objective.

Google Workspace

Google Workspace acting as the 'glue', was vital to ensuring communication across the business was efficient.

Sophos: Intercept X

Advanced Endpoint Protection was implemented to ensure all endpoints are protected and centrally managed.

SaaS Protection

A backup and disaster recovery system was an essential function in order to meet customers strict compliance requirements.

Ostratto Support

Dedicated helpdesk support ensures users confidence in knowing they are technically supported at all times.

Professional Services

Designing, implementing and maintaining the solution to meet requirements was all completed in-house by Ostratto.

Implementation

The entire approach was then designed around these requirements, plus a few extras that would enhance the solution.

Flexible

By adopting a cloud-based and web-first productivity solution, Google Workspace, users were introduced to fast loading times, instant access and enhanced usability. Although comprehensive training was provided on the new tools, use was intuitive and within a short space of time, users were comfortable sharing files, setting up video calls and creating online calendar events.


Gone was the requirement to connect to an unreliable VPN. Team members - in the office and working remotely - were able to do their best work without hindrance.


With all devices enrolled in Google Workspace device management, not only were devices securely audited and managed centrally, but users could also sign into their Windows devices using their Google account, greatly enhancing accessibility and streamlining workflows.

Reliable

Thorough requirements capturing meant that Modern's needs were fully understood. This enabled us to implement a hybrid setup that worked just as well for those working remotely as it did in the office environment.


All desktop workstations in the business were swapped for portable laptop devices, with one-cable high-speed connectivity docks issued to all users as well as installed on every desk in the main office. This meant that team members visiting the office would be able to plug one cable in and seamlessly be provided with all peripherals on the desk including power, displays and input devices. This made the transition between remote environments and the office environment simple and reliable, which in turn encouraged users to work more collaboratively in the office.


Team members were provided with access to Ostratto's support service, which opened up communication with an approachable and knowledgeable team with scalable capacity to support, consult and implement.

Secure

All devices (Windows and MacOS) were enrolled into Sophos Intercept X's advanced protection. This provided enhanced monitoring which feeds back to Sophos Central for oversight and alert management. 


Aging office network equipment was replaced with Sophos' network equipment - introducing intelligent synchronisation between network equipment and endpoint protection software which automatically protects users from threats across multiple layers.


By leveraging Google Workspace as the identity directory, all users were able to use their Google Workspace login to log into their devices and applications which improves the user experience whilst at the same time providing simpler and auditable user management.


SaaS Protection was implemented to complete backups of all company data three times a day to an alternative location - meeting the compliance requirement of more regulated customers whilst providing peace-of-mind and automated recovery capabilities.

Efficient

Whilst the initial brief of our journey with Modern was to help them migrate 42 users to Google Workspace as their core productivity platform, it quickly became obvious that there were inefficiencies and productivity-holes in the day-to-day operations which could be improved.


New processes were implemented, followed by interactive workshop sessions which enabled team members to have direct input on the design of systems such as how files should be shared, how departments should be connected and how other services should be integrated for improved usability.


By designing the systems around the users and their workflows rather than forcing new systems onto users, users were naturally empowered to fully adopt the new offering and benefit from effortless productivity.

"We have had a few technical consultants over the years and there are two types. 

1) Those that try to support you but often do the minimum to fix issues without really thinking about your business. 

2) Those that are really customer focused and will keep fixing technical issues until they are tested and fixed and make recommendations that with solve problems in your business.

Ostratto are a gold standard 5 star company, they are brilliant and so customer focused, they always work with us to solve problems making sure we are getting what we need."

Stuart Ray

Chief Commercial Officer at Modern

Result

After a successful migration of 42 users (and over 10 years of data) from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace, our attention was entirely retargeted toward ensuring Modern had the correct tools and adequate support to facilitate their continued growth.


The implementation of a simpler, more lightweight infrastructure meant that Modern saw a significant drop in support requirements. In the last three months prior to this writing, Modern are averaging a 64% drop in user-raised issues compared to the demand before Ostratto came on-board. Based on completed surveys, 94% of users reported that they are confident in their equipment and technology and 100% of users reported that they feel that they can get the support should they need it. This has resulted in a workforce able to focus on outputting their best work, instead of struggling through technical issues.


Our technology strategy approach has meant that Modern has been equipped to win several significant tenders with major customers - with all technical security compliance requirements passed with flying colours.


We have now worked with Modern for many years - with many continued improvements planned.

64%​ Support Ticket Reduction

Efficiency Improved​

Contract Extended Indefinitely​

At Ostratto, we're fundamentally customer-success focused. This means instead of designing solutions based on our expectations, we focus on customer requirements and needs to ensure their success. In turn, we find success in shared success as our customers' trusted technical consultancy partner whom they can rely upon.


We solve complex business problems with cutting-edge technology, whilst keeping everything simple for our customers. Be sure to check out other examples of how we have helped businesses make their work, less work.