Spurwink teams with Workgroup Technology Partners for IT Services
Many small- and medium-sized businesses can manage day-to-day information technology needs with internal staff. But when large projects arise, or complex technologies are necessary, companies must decide whether to build their own in-house expertise or find a technology partner. For Spurwink, collaborating with Workgroup Technology Partners was the right choice.
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"At the time, I was a one-man shop, and I needed a skill set to help me design the network, build it out, and install the routers," says Cuddy, who is Director of IT for Spurwink. "I contracted Workgroup for that project, and they also became my network support team on an as-needed basis."
He continued to call Workgroup for help with advanced technologies, particularly involving the network and with server technology. "I turned to Workgroup for a higher level of technology support," says Cuddy.
As the organization grew, and Spurwink built an internal team, Cuddy needed to decide whether to staff all positions internally, or to continue partnering with Workgroup. "I decided to organize my staff so that it would deal with mid- and low-level issues, and to outsource higher-level issue to Workgroup."
While most organizations would like to have advanced-level IT staff trained in every leading technology, Cuddy realized that was not the best strategy for Spurwink. "I'm not trying to be bleeding edge so there are times when we are just doing straight forward support. That is not much of a challenge. Spurwink couldn't afford those advanced staffers, and I really don't need that expertise on a full-time basis."
Instead, he has a solid internal team to deal with day-to-day issues, and keeps Workgroup on retainer to manage the network and to consult on advanced technology issues. "The bottom line is, I have a body of high-level expertise available to me through Workgroup, but it's not on my payroll."
Spurwink relies on Workgroup for a variety of projects in addition to the network, including building out Exchange servers. "When we make changes to our network infrastructure, Workgroup adds or closes locations, configure and install the routers. The take care of all of the support, including checking the log files, and have installed our firewall and a VPN concentrator," says Cuddy.
In addition, the IT team meets on a regular basis with technicians and specialists from Workgroup who provide updates and information about up- and coming technologies that might help Spurwink meet its business objectives. "The meetings operate on two levels – they outline high-level business objectives while also providing nitty gritty details on the technical aspects," says Cuddy. "They're very helpful."
Cuddy values Spurwink's long-term relationship with Workgroup, and while he knows that other providers are available, the local aspect is important. "I like dealing with a Maine-based company that's local and convenient," he says. "Over the years, Workgroup has been very responsive, very helpful, and very competitive in helping me do what I need to do. Workgroup is a good fit for us."