The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 45: Oct/Nov 2019 | Page 27

TECHNOLOGY REVVED UP Minimise your miles by maximising technology Mintivo, the leading IT provider which helps ambitious organisations grow by delivering corporate IT services to SMEs, is constantly looking at additional ways to minimise the environmental impact of its own IT infrastructure as well as that of its many clients. Chris Gough, Technical Director Moving to their new offices in Chippenham gave Mintivo the opportunity to install systems that enable staff, customers and suppliers to reduce their carbon footprints. A key factor in achieving this was to install a state-of-the-art VoIP system. Utilising a system that doesn’t rely on soon to be obsolete ISDN lines means that the system provides clear, quality telephone calls with plenty of other benefits, not least the considerable cost saving and flexibility it offers. An internet-based telephone system that can be updated remotely helps reduce the mileage driven by Mintivo’s engineers. With national clients, Mintivo estimates that by working remotely for one Wigan-based client alone, they have saved over 500kg of CO2 in the past two months. As ‘soft phones’, they offer enormous flexibility. Chris Gough, Technical Director, said,“Utilising soft phones has meant that our staff have been able to receive calls into the main Mintivo number whilst working seamlessly and securely from home. Customers have still been able to receive the swift, expert support that Mintivo are renowned for”. For management, it has allowed recording and monitoring of the number and type of calls received, the time spent on them and lots of other useful management information. This has led to greater analysis of what Mintivo clients need and how the company responds to them. Linking the VoIP system with other Cloud technologies that Mintivo have implemented has meant that meetings can now take place via video conferencing, saving time and miles travelled, further reducing emissions. Mark Adams, Operations Director, said, “Some of our clients have moved to video conferencing as their preferred meeting method, especially those with sites throughout Europe”. Mintivo believe there are several quick wins to help your impact on the environment: 1.Maximise available technologies 2. Choose responsible Cloud options 3.Monitor your power usage 4.Utilise power saving modes (available on most products) 5.Dispose of waste securely and responsibly 6.Ensure recycling avenues are considered Chris Gough, added, “We are keen to help the environment. Our specialist monitoring software, for example, enables us to automatically switch off our clients’ servers when they are not required, or reduce the power used at different times. Not only does this save power, it can also save considerable amounts of expenditure. Microsoft currently uses 91% renewable energy in its datacentres and is committed to increasing this figure.” Having utilised the technology that they recommend, Mintivo is well-placed to offer advice on all areas of IT infrastructure requirements, support, security and connectivity for expanding organisations. In addition, they can also discuss the environmental impact for your business and provide ideas to improve your organisation’s carbon footprint. Mintivo estimates that by working remotely for one Wigan-based client alone, they have saved over 500kg of CO2 in the past two months. @mintivo Connected. Secure. IT Support Mintivo is a leading IT provider helping ambitious organisations by delivering corporate IT services to the SME Proud to be working with companies throughout the UK and Europe Managed IT Support Cyber Security Microsoft Cloud 03333 580 348 I www.mintivo.co.uk I [email protected] THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 27