Global medical testing kit company IDS, originally appointed Executel as its telecoms provider back in 2006. Since that time, Executel has worked closely with IDS to build on the IP telephony platform and deliver a tailored full wrap communications solution that encompasses a global MPLS network, Wi-Fi voice, sophisticated Office Communications Server (OCS) technology, wholesale line rentals, a Low Cost Routing (LCR) package and multiple telephony platforms in four different countries.
Executel’s solution has seamlessly connected IDS’ sites in Boldon, Belgium, Denmark and the US, all of which now benefit from secure instant messaging, presence and availability, audio conferencing, video conferencing, free of charge inter-site calls and full data collaboration modules. IDS is also ‘federated’ with Executel via the OCS application which enables them to see when key contacts are online and call upon account management and helpdesk resource at any time using secure instant messaging or click to dial.
Established in 1977, IDS has 141 staff spread across the US and mainland Europe, as well as 92 at its Boldon headquarters. Meanwhile, the company has seen revenues for the first half of this year jump 56% to £16.9m.
Of the significant investment in new technology, Judy Knight, Head of Operations for IDS said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Executel spanning three years and throughout that time, they have shown a genuine interest in what is important to us and the ever-changing communication needs of our workforce. At no point have they tried to change the way we operate to suit their technology, it has always been about what is best for IDS and how we can benefit as a business.
“We started out with a simple telephony platform from Executel but have since built on that at a pace that suited the business to create a global communications solution that unites our worldwide operations as if they were under the one roof. When I look back, it’s amazing to think how far we have come in terms of the technology we use and largely it’s thanks to Executel and their expertise. They sold us a system three years ago and with it promised big things for the future, all of which they have delivered on.
“We now benefit from free international calls between our sites, seamless global connectivity, international conferencing, presence and availability plus a whole host of other features. Moreover, it can all be managed centrally from our Boldon headquarters. We have access to all sites and individual end-users via an online administration tool which enables moves, changes and add-ons to be made instantaneously.
“Throughout the lifespan of the project, the service delivered by Executel has been first class. Across the board, we have found the team to be friendly and approachable, giving the impression that nothing is too much trouble when help is required. As we move forward, we plan to build on and further exploit the solution we now have and fully expect Executel to contribute to that process.”
Richard Pavlou, Account Manager for Gateshead-based Executel, added: “Having worked very closely with the senior management team at IDS for the past three years, I am delighted that they are now enjoying the full benefits of what has always been the long term strategy for their communications infrastructure.
“The team had a clear vision of what they were looking to achieve but needed a company with the technical expertise, experience and proven quality of service to deliver it.