Comptabilité

IT outsourcing in Switzerland: stabilising and securing an SME’s IT infrastructure

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project day + ad hoc interventions

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systems & networks administrators

Infogérance pour une PME en Suisse

Following a critical breakdown, a Swiss accountancy firm suddenly found itself without its important business tools. An unstable network, compromised access to data, all activity thrown into chaos: the incident revealed the limitations of an ageing IT system. To regain control straight away, the firm called in Qim info. Our experts intervened, secured the IT environment, and then deployed customised outsourcing, to restore stability, performance and long-term visibility. It was an intervention that illustrates the benefits of well-managed outsourcing.

Unstable IT infrastructure: an information system on its last legs

The firm was faced with recurring network problems, for which there had been no lasting solution. Slowness set in, and incidents became a daily occurrence, culminating in a critical breakdown that paralysed access to business tools. Business was interrupted, revealing an information system that had become unstable and unpredictable. Obsolete firewalls, ageing IT equipment, a lack of supervision: the warning signs had been there, but they were downplayed. Now, it was up to us to act quickly, methodically and with precision.

From IT emergency to stability: implementing scalable facilities management

Qim info carries out urgent interventions to restore access to tools and secure existing infrastructure. But the challenge goes beyond simple IT troubleshooting: there is a need to build a stable, scalable environment. The network needs to be strengthened, the equipment modernised and the systems placed under active supervision. This move towards more structured, forward-looking IT asset management means that we can plan IT outsourcing that is capable of consolidating a reliable IS, and aims to free the firm from technical constraints.

It’s a model that is winning more and more businesses over: according to Deloitte, 59% of organisations that have outsourced their IT have reduced their training costs, while benefiting from the fact that their skills are always up to date.

To find out more, read our article: Understanding everything about IT outsourcing.

Technos

Qim info action plan: controlled outsourcing

The 4-step method: restoring, securing and structuring IT

Qim info carries out interventions that involve four steps to manage the emergency and put a lasting solution in place. This step-by-step approach restores essential services, secures the IT environment and gives the SME business continuity.

  1. Immediate action: as soon as the incident is reported, a targeted operation is launched, to restore access to business tools quickly. Business can be resumed without having to wait for the IT environment to be completely overhauled.
  2. Full audit: once the emergency is under control, an audit of the infrastructure is carried out. This enables vulnerabilities to be detected, active services to be analysed and an action plan to be drawn up, with the actions listed in order of priority.
  3. Enhanced security: obsolete equipment, including firewalls whose licences were due to expire, is replaced by solutions that comply with the current standards. This upgrade secures the network and eliminates critical vulnerabilities.
  4. Ongoing outsourcing: to guarantee long-term stability, an IT outsourcing mission has been set up. Two Qim info system and network administrators provide proactive monitoring and regular interventions, depending on the firm’s needs.

To support this strategy, Qim info relies on solid infrastructure and recognised technologies.

IT infrastructure: a reliable, high-performance technology stack

To avoid any disruption to operations and guarantee a secure, high-performance IT environment, Qim info deploys targeted technological solutions.

  • Windows Server: centralised management of resources, users and security policies.
  • VMware: server virtualisation for greater resilience and optimised use of hardware resources.
  • Fortinet: latest-generation firewalls for advanced network protection, flow filtering and threat detection.
  • Sophos: securing workstations and data with an integrated protection and continuous monitoring system.

This technological foundation guarantees smooth, scalable operation, in perfect alignment with the firm’s business requirements.

Outsourcing: a stabilised information system refocused on business challenges

Since outsourcing was introduced, the firm has had a secure and stable IT environment that is regularly optimised by specialists. The interruptions have stopped, the slowness has disappeared, and the infrastructure is now evolving in line with business needs.

Entrusting the management of your information system to a trusted partner means opting for peace of mind and efficiency. This model allows the firm to concentrate on its core business, supported by infrastructure that’s reliable and scalable, of which you have perfect mastery. In a sector like accountancy, where availability, confidentiality and responsiveness are essential, having a solid IT system is a decisive advantage.

According to IDC, 70% of SMEs plan to outsource part of their IT by 2025, demonstrating a clear trend towards information systems that are flexible, reliable and secure.

Are you an SME looking for an outsourcing solution? Discover our complete guide in the article: Outsourcing: why should you outsource when you’re an SME, and how should you do it?

Managed services: definition, scope and support from Qim info

IT outsourcing involves entrusting all or part of the management of the information system to an external service provider. Network supervision, server administration, cybersecurity, user support, asset maintenance… the services covered vary depending on the needs of each company. There are several models to choose from: global outsourcing, application outsourcing, operational outsourcing or targeted outsourcing.

Qim info helps companies to manage their information systems with solutions that are tailor-made, flexible and scalable.

Outsourcing the management of your information system to Qim info offers a number of advantages:

  • Budgetary control: outsourcing solutions enable you to optimise IT costs without compromising service quality.
  • Service flexibility: outsourcing adapts to the size, structure and changing needs of your business.
  • Enhanced security: thanks to advanced cybersecurity tools, sensitive data is protected within a compliant and reliable framework. This can be a major issue, especially since the ISC2 estimates that there is a worldwide shortfall of cybersecurity specialists, with 4 million more needed. Outsourcing enables us to respond rapidly, without having to recruit.
  • Availability and proximity: with offices in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, Basel, Annecy and Lyon, Qim info provides local, responsive support.

Would you like to outsource the management of your IT systems? Contact us to build an outsourcing solution tailored to your business, whatever its size and IT environment, with the support of our IT Operations & Support Services team.