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29/09/2008

AS more and more stories emerge of companies losing critical business data one firm is helping Scottish companies fight back.

 

Computer disks lost, memory sticks misplaced and laptops stolen - just some of the recent cases of critical business data loss to hit the headlines.

 

But Azzurri Communications, which has its Scottish division based in East Kilbride, is ensuring its clients are able to safeguard their company information.

 

Azzurri’s Sales Director, Andy Purdon, said:

 

“Our company growth is due in part to the systems we are able to provide our clients to ensure their data is safeguarded. It seems that every day just now there is another new story about critical business data loss for companies. A lot of this is down to human error or neglect but at Azzurri the system we provide for our customers takes the human error aspect totally out of the equation.

 

“Losing – and more importantly trying to recover – critical business data could cost companies thousands of pounds in manpower alone.

 

“A business’ information is one of its most crucial assets and to lose that could have a huge financial impact on a company – particularly an SME. With more and more cases of critical business data being lost coming to light companies are looking for ways to ensure they do not suffer the same fate.”

 

One company which has invested heavily in the Azzurri back-up service is Glasgow-based Scotcall - one of the UK’s leading debt collection agencies.

 

Ron Ross, IT Director at ScotCall understands how crucial it is that their client’s information is secure.

 

Ron said:

 

“The nature of our business can be quite sensitive and we need to be able to offer a foolproof system for our clients to know that their customer information is protected. We really cannot be in a position where we could put those relationships at risk.”

 

ScotCall now benefits from a two-tier data back-up and recovery system.  The solution is deployed at ScotCall in a configuration which includes a secure data backup platform located on-site at ScotCall’s offices protecting their primary servers which consist of a mixture of Windows, Red Hat Linux and Novell Servers with a second mirrored platform located in a remote data centre.

 

This configuration delivers fast disk-to-disk data backups across the local LAN and the automated copying of critical data off-site to a secure site in line with data back-up best practice.  It not only greatly increases ScotCall’s ability to recover from data loss but provides an excellent foundation for a Disaster Recovery capability.

Ross adds, “As new technologies and better ways of working and handling telecoms come on to the market Azzurri are really helping guide us through it. They are helping steer the communications side of the business to meet our changing needs. It is proving to be an invaluable partnership.”

Glasgow-based ScotCall has grown in size as well as stature since it was formed by Brenda Stevenson in 1992 and its clients include some of the UK's largest companies, institutions and debt recovery agencies.

 

The company also has operations in Ireland counting Emerald Isle Collections and Belfast Collection Services as part of the group.

 

In addition to traditional debt collections ScotCall have a specialist information gathering division which utilises cutting edge technology offering card payments live at the doorstep, real-time photo and video capturing and instantaneous transfer of information.

This puts the service really at the leading edge of intelligence gathering, within the UK credit sector.

Ross continues, “From that initial audit we have seen cost savings but more importantly it has been invaluable to have just one point of contact for all of our communication needs. If we have any issues or concerns at all, we just pick up the phone and let the team at Azzurri take care of it, which saves us time and means we can get on with our business.

“The relationship has evolved so that it is no longer just about the maintenance of the systems we have put in place either. We are now doing a lot of project work with Azzurri which is really going to make a difference to our business.”

Azzurri’s Divisional Director for Scotland, Stuart McAlpine, comments, “We are delighted to be working with ScotCall and especially to have enabled the company to make cost savings but more importantly to enable them to look at solutions for developing their business in the future.  We pride ourselves at Azzurri on being able to work as a partnership with our clients and by excelling at our job means that they are left to excel at theirs.  We look forward to a continued good working relationship with ScotCall in the years to come.”

Ends

Issued on behalf of azzurri by The BIG Partnership.

For further information on this release please contact Kate McCheyne on 0141 333 9585/07766076469 kate.mccheyne@bigparntership.co.uk

 

About Azzurri Communications, www.azzurricommunications.com

Azzurri is transforming the way organisations use communication and information technology.

We are a leading managed services company delivering flexible voice, data and mobile communications.  Ours is one of the largest independent network management and support teams providing converged solutions that are no-longer tied to technology and supplier.

At the core of our managed service is our Virtual Network Operator (VNO) capability.  As a VNO, freedom and flexibility distinguish us from our competitors. We give you the flexibility to change and adapt to new requirements and technologies.

With increased agility our customers gain a competitive edge, and with dramatic savings and management information they have total control of their voice, data and mobile infrastructure.

Azzurri Communications was formed in June 2000 and is headquartered in the UK, offering global access to sales, service and support to customers in 130 countries.