Technology Solutions: maximising your  IT investment

F2X improves operational efficiency through the delivery of imaginative and coherent technology solutions and advice.

By utilising knowledge of technology solutions gained from a wide cross section of markets, clients and operating experience in FTSE 100 and 250 companies F2X provides an independent objective and pragmatic approach to ensuring you get best value from the technology available currently and in the future.

With deep experience in infrastructure technologies such as  as cloud computing, thin client, virtualisation and optimised storage in combination with process improvement from adopting ITIL v3 we are able to guarantee savings in facility (power consumption and air conditioning in buildings) and data centre/hosting costs resulting in a more sustainable solution for organisations by lowering the carbon footprint.

While infrastructure represents the fundamental building block for delivery of technology solutions  across an organisation and the performance can be measured relatively easily, the value of applications being used and the way an IT functions is often more difficult to determine overall. CIOs and Boards often do not see eye to eye. At F2X we help clients develop and maintain a more meaningful dialogue on the efficiency and value of IT functions technology used through a value for money review and assessment.

IT Value For Money

In today’s fast moving world it is important to ensure that an organisation’s IT function is providing excellent value for money (vfm). The problem is how do you tell? It is difficult enough for any FD, CIO or Head of IT to establish in their own minds whether the IT function is operating efficiently and effectively, let alone being able to demonstrate the true value of IT to the business.

F2X offers a service to both senior business leaders and IT functional heads which enables a clear and transparent assessment of the vfm of the IT function. Our experience in running large and small scale functions (internal and outsourced) across different sectors (construction, utilities, financial services, local government) and our experience in delivering IT services as well as using means we are well placed to rapidly identify inefficiencies across all areas of the IT delivery footprint.

The outputs from a typical vfm review includes easy to digest traffic light summary report, quick wins and suggestions for medium term improvements. Delivering visible quick wins is possible using our innovative Performance Framework which guarantees results within a specified time frame.

Other aspects of a vfm review may include working with clients to develop innovative sourcing options, and since F2X maintains an independent stance, this means that the best experienced and independent advice is always available. Our approach is to work with clients to realise the improvement and cost savings identified within the F2X Performance Framework which aligns all stakeholders to a successful outcome.  Outcomes from a VFM review often include:

Improved Service Delivery

• More responsive and accurate IT Services (Service Desk, Engineering, Application and Infrastructure support services)
• Centralised incident management – increased calls resolved at first point of contact, trending of incidents to drive out continual failures, and ensuring changes are organized and effective. We ensure that you have control of your IT Services and have the information to operate them successfully.
• More efficient use of resources through deployment of industry-recognised methods and standards (i.e. PM Toolkit, ITIL, CMMi etc)
• Better leverage of solutions deployed within other client environments (i.e. shared service model, F2X co-sourced services)

Infrastructure Improvements

• Improved ‘value for money’ architectural solutions
• Consolidation and virtualisation of existing infrastructure, enabling your teams to build and integrate applications cost-effectively
• End-to-end data network and telecommunications reviews exploring cost-saving and design optimisation possibilities (e.g .VoIP, VCoIP, Mobile Communications, DSL / MPLS solutions)

Technology Landscape

• Clear assessment of technologies in use, value and risks
• Roadmap to retire, consolidate and streamline technology solutions in place
• Development of medium term plans to realise value from technology solutions in line with IT strategy

Improved Project Delivery Capability

• Understanding your business drivers and linking to an effective project prioritisation and governance framework
• Exploring opportunities for alternative project delivery methodologies and focusing on the most appropriate options for your business
• Advice and consultancy on project organisation, control and delivery capability to ensure maximum productivity and accuracy is achieved
• Coaching your business stakeholders on the most effective ways to work with IT, forming cohesive ‘joint’ project teams for increased project success rates

Software Development and Integration

F2X also offers high quality technical and development skill-sets ranging from technical architects and systems analysts to developers with web technologies (e.g. HTML, .NET, Java, Web services etc.) and back office integration including legacy systems.

Application lifecycle management and alignment

Our teams provide transition and lifecycle management plans to support the implementation of  IT strategies and ‘to be’ architecture roadmaps.