TechConnect partnership saves Marist Brothers 30% on IT costs

TechConnect's collaboration with Marist Brothers Star of the Sea Province has led to a 30 per cent reduction in technology costs and enhanced the organisation's journey towards a Microsoft Cloud strategy.

TechConnect, based in Gold Coast, Queensland, has implemented a Co-Managed IT Support Model for Marist Brothers, which resulted in increased efficiencies and reduced cyber security risks for over 100 staff across three Australian sites. This strategy not only modernised their technology support environment but also aligned with Marist Brothers' cloud migration goals.

Ernie Zibert, vCIO of Marist Brothers, remarked, "Prior to engaging with TechConnect, we were challenged to make the most of our existing investment in Microsoft's A5 licensing, and align it with our Microsoft Cloud strategy. We realised that our previous, traditional IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) support model was no longer fit for purpose. In order to fully benefit from Microsoft's Modern Workplace, we needed a partner that was truly Microsoft aligned. So we decided, after talking with our team at Microsoft, to work with a recommended Australian based IT support organisation which could help us embrace the modern workplace and reduce the number of IT issues, and significantly improve our Microsoft Secure Score, thereby minimising our cyber security risk. We selected TechConnect and the outcome has exceeded our expectations."

Ms. O'Keefe, Manager, IT Procurement, noted, "the previous, traditionally siloed technology support approach had led to technology environment access limitations, resulting in delays in resolving urgent matters. This led to operational inefficiencies, delayed issue resolution, and a growing disconnect between the two organisations."

The shift to the Co-Managed IT Support Model has allowed Marist Brothers to enhance operational efficiency, streamline their IT environment, and align closely with their strategic objectives.

The solution crafted by TechConnect was designed to bolster operational resilience, security, and scalability.

A preliminary audit conducted by TechConnect in July 2023 revealed potential improvements through a shared responsibility support approach. Full implementation began in May 2024, leading to noticeable improvements in technology operations and governance.

Ernie Zibert highlighted the significant improvements, stating, "As a result of our work with TechConnect, Marist Brothers has been able to improve our resilience, security, and scalability, ensuring that our IT environment can adapt to future needs and challenges.

In fact, Marist Brothers' MS Secure Score increased by 70 per cent; the number of service desk tickets has decreased by 60 per cent and our costs have decreased by more than 30 per cent."

Gavin Rabie, Head of Managed Services at TechConnect, expressed optimism about the partnership, saying, "We are excited to help Marist Brothers regain control over their IT environment."

"Our team collaborated closely with the IT team at Marist Brothers to guide them through the complexities of the technology landscape, providing clarity, direction, and immediate improvements. We look forward to taking the next step to continue supporting Marist Brothers' technology modernisation journey, as they seek to take full advantage of the benefits of the Microsoft Azure environment."