Why business grade hardware matters
Consumer laptops are designed to be cheap on the shelf. Business models are designed to be reliable over several years of daily use. They tend to have better build quality, longer warranty options, management and security features, and parts that remain available for longer.
Business models also come with a business or professional edition of Windows, which you need to join devices to Microsoft 365 management, use full disk encryption and apply security policies. Upgrading a home edition later costs time and money.
That does not mean the most expensive option. We specify equipment that suits each role: a reliable mid range laptop for most office staff, more power for people working with large spreadsheets, design files or video, and rugged options where devices get a hard life.
Set up before it reaches the desk
A new laptop straight out of the box needs hours of work before it is ready for business use. We handle all of it:
- Installing the latest Windows and driver updates.
- Removing unwanted preinstalled software.
- Installing endpoint protection and our monitoring tools.
- Enrolling the device in Microsoft 365 and Intune where your licences include it.
- Installing Office apps and your business applications.
- Enabling disk encryption and security settings.
- Setting up printers, shared files and email.
- Transferring files and settings from an old device where needed.
The result is a device your team can sign into and start using straight away. For businesses on Microsoft 365 Business Premium, much of this can happen automatically when the user first signs in, which is ideal for remote staff.
Servers, networking and printers
Fewer small businesses need a server than used to, as files and email move to the cloud. Where one is still the right answer, for example for certain line of business software, we specify it with suitable storage, redundancy and warranty, build it and install it with backup from day one.
We also supply and configure network switches, firewalls and WiFi access points as part of our network services, and printers and multifunction devices that are set up to work for everyone, including people printing from laptops and phones.
Asset tracking and warranties
It is surprisingly common for a business not to know exactly what equipment it owns, how old it is or when the warranty runs out. That makes budgeting hard and can cause problems for Cyber Essentials, which expects you to know what devices are in scope.
We record every device we supply, along with who uses it, its serial number, purchase date and warranty. That record feeds into your IT roadmap, so you can see what is due for replacement and plan spending in advance rather than being caught out. When a device under warranty fails, we deal with the manufacturer for you.
Secure data wiping and disposal
Old computers, phones, servers and printers can hold a surprising amount of sensitive data: client files, saved passwords, email and scanned documents. Simply deleting files or resetting a device is not always enough.
When equipment reaches the end of its life, we securely wipe the storage or remove it for destruction, then arrange responsible recycling. We keep a record of the devices disposed of, which helps you show you have handled personal data properly under UK GDPR.
Repair, upgrade or replace?
Not every slow computer needs replacing. Sometimes more memory, a faster drive or a clean rebuild gives a device a few more useful years. But devices that no longer receive security updates from their manufacturer, or that cannot run a supported version of Windows, need replacing for security reasons. We will give you an honest view on each device.
Planning replacements in advance
Replacing every computer at once is expensive and disruptive. A better approach for most businesses is to replace a portion of devices each year, so spending is spread out and nothing is left running far beyond its useful life. Your asset register and IT roadmap make this easy to plan, and we will remind you well before devices need replacing.
Local supply and setup
Our team in Sunderland sets up and delivers equipment to businesses across Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside, and we can ship ready configured devices to staff working elsewhere. If you need new equipment, or want a review of what you already have, get in touch or call 0191 543 3432.