Advantage revels in 'A' grade Data Centre rating
Described as an 'A' grade facility, Advantage Computers Palmerston North based data center is raising eyebrows across the country.
The IT products and solutions provider received the glowing testimony from tertiary education provider UCOL, who moved their core systems off-premise to the Advantage facility.
"The facility is 'A' grade and the staff are competent and very accommodating," a UCOL spokesperson says.
"They are solution-focused and instead of logging a ticket, we can pick up the phone and talk to a person."
"The process of getting to where we are has been very smooth, thanks to the can-do attitude of the Advantage staff."
Operating across business and government agencies since 1984, the company works closely with its strategic partners - which include Intel, Juniper, VMWare, Microsoft, HP and Dell.
Led by Business Development Manager, Michael Shaw, who has 18 years experience within the industry, thecompany has also forged strong relationships with a number of national and multinational firms, as well as state owned enterprises, charities and small businesses.
Being ITL and PRINCE2 certified, Shaw understands the importance of a thoroughly architected business plan, as well as the necessity to formalise support structures and implementation.
"The Christchurch and Wellington earthquakes have emphasised the importance of a reliable business plan," says Shaw, who has experience working in business development, project management and business analysisdisciplines.
"My passion is working with organisations to map out optimal solutions that meet business objectives and regulatory IT requirements."
A 100% New Zealand owned company, Shaw claims Advantage has built its reputation on delivering the besthardware, coupled with honest, informed advice and fair pricing for clients.
"Advantage Computers has grown with the industry," Shaw says.
"We are a trusted supplier that is committed and well placed to assist our clients in determining the right solutions for their environment."
The Power of Four
Shaw says the company offers four key lines of service including data centers, an online store, IT solutions and training.
The company's data center, sitting on the outskirts of the Palmerston North CBD, comprises its main offering - used to host clients' IT systems or servers.
"The facility features redundant power, cooling and internet connections, while offering an excellent location to house critical business data," Shaw adds.
"Other key data center benefits include Online Backup, Colocation and Hosted Exchanged services."
Online Store
Advantage also offers a new online store, allowing customers to browse the store and have purchases shipped to them, or arrange for pick-up in-store.
According to Shaw, additional features include customised corporate catalogs for easy purchases and common items.
IT Solutions
Advantage IT solutions also combines the best of breed hardware and software with the company’s technical
expertise to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions to complex business problems.
Training
Advantage training is focused on the up-skilling of employees and increasing productivity, offering courses in a range of software packages, with a specialisation in training users in Microsoft Office.
In a nutshell, Shaw says Advantage offers the following key benefits:
• Qualified ITIL and Prince2 staff ready to help clients develop and deploy their IT service continuity management solution
• Tier 3 Data Center, 100% NBS Level 2 • Infrastructure, storage and replications services
• Colocation and rack hosting
• High density capability
• Palmerston North base offers low earthquake and tsunami risk; as well as a far enough geographical separation from clients’ main data storage location (e.g. Auckland, Wellington)
Promise of Tomorrow
Stressing the company's philosophy of creating long lasting relationships across the country, Shaw claims Advantage builds such partnerships based on fair pricing and trust.
"Too often in the computer industry sales are responded to with unsustainable pricing, buying the business to get in the door," Shaw says.
"Advantage has never done this. We always price at a realistically sustainable level."
"Where many companies come and go, Advantage has been there to provide competent and quality support to our clients for over a decade. We pledge to be here supporting our clients for another 40 years!"
Advantage continually seeks to enhance its offerings which include IT System progression, performance improvement, security and disaster recovery on behalf of its clients, both existing and potential.
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