Brett Wilson, Former CEO, talks to us about how looking at all the alternative options led Professionals Head Office to MHA.
A customer since May 2010, Professionals Head Office were
planning an office move and didn't want to move or purchase new
hardware for their IT and Telecommunications systems.
Why were you looking
for an alternative to your previous system?
There were three things that prompted us to look at alternatives
to our in-house model. The first being the impending capital
cost of replacing our main server. An onsite model is a fixed
cost no matter whether there are 2 or 10 people, and at the time we
were reducing our headcount.
This meant IT cost per head was increasing. Secondly, with
the advances in technology, we didn't like the idea that once we
bought a new server, we were going to be stuck with that decision
for 3 years.
With the advancements in Telecommunications, we were aware of
the possible cost savings to be made by moving to these new systems
(VoIP). Lastly, the fact that we were moving office meant it
was the perfect opportunity to look at our issues and see how we
could start fresh and plan for the future.
At the end of the day, we needed a robust system in a proactive
environment. We were too reliant on reactive IT consultants
who took too long to help us - it had to be a lot simpler than
that.
Why did you choose MHA?
We looked at all sorts of options from someone to come in and
take on contracts to manage our infrastructure, to being hosted -
dedicated and shared hosting, to see which solution would be most
appropriate for us. MHA were the first we spoke to and the last we
spoke to.
We had a lot to learn
about the different systems and what benefits they could
deliver. MHA educated us and helped us understand what all
the systems meant so we could make an informed decision.
During the process, other vendors were telling us what they
could do rather than understand what we wanted or the problems we
were trying to solve and people weren't coming back to us.
In contrast, MHA listened to what we needed. They came up
with solutions to our issues, and were always there responding to
our needs and questions. MHA talked in common language so we
understood the technology being presented.
Like anything in business, you want to work with people who are
similar in mind set and size. MHA are established, they have
a quality ethos and have polished, experienced specialist
people.
We know that MHA have been around for many years, they are very
customer focused and have a strong financial standing so we are
comfortable that they will be around, working with us for a long
time yet.
MHA understand the Real Estate market and their roadmap
incorporates technology that will improve and benefit our
industry.
In the end, MHA had the solution, the support, the service and
the future roadmap to maximise the technological advances - no one
else was a 'full provider' like MHA.
How is the solution MHA provided working now?
- We can seamlessly connect to our system from anywhere there is
an internet connection
- We have a telecommunications system which has all the bells and
whistles for a fraction of the traditional costs.
- We now have the peace of mind that our backups are done
regularly.
- If we need assistance, we know we won't have to wait hours for
a response.
- We are on the leading edge of technology which can only give us
an advantage in our market.
Any other comments about working with MHA?
In the discovery process, MHA came back to us, followed up and
listened and were prepared to go beyond the call of duty. We
felt spoilt in this regard.
MHA are very personable which is a key strength. Their
hands on approach reinforced that we had chosen the right
provider/partner.
MHA explain things very simplistically and from a costing point
of view, they outlined the month by month cost making it easy to
understand what you were paying for. All our staff are more
than happy and even the less technically savvy are finding it easy
to use.
Talking with the Directors about CRM and about applications for
iPhones and iPad/Winpads, I can see that MHA are not only a hosted
software environment and voice provider, but they have the vision
as to where the technology can take our industry.
I'm excited about MHA and look forward to what we will be able
to offer and how we can demonstrate our point of difference in the
future.