Datapac, Ireland’s leading technology solutions and services provider, today announces that it has implemented a fully managed ICT solution and security upgrades for Special Olympic Ireland (SOI). This represents an evolution of the long term-relationship between SOI and Datapac who, since 2006, has provided managed print services to Special Olympics Ireland, as well as a host of additional volunteering services including personnel, logistics and warehousing facilities.
SOI identified the need for a fully outsourced and integrated managed ICT solution to enable ongoing benefits for almost 8,000 athletes in 293 clubs nationwide. Datapac was successfully awarded the contract through a competitive tender process. Key integration of Datapac’s service management team and SOI stakeholders ensured a seamless onboarding process for staff transitioning to the new system.
The managed services solution designed by Datapac has been implemented across SOI’s five locations, with a dedicated IT helpdesk solution available to the head office in Blanchardstown, Dublin, and bases in Cork, Sligo, Belfast and Abbottstown, Dublin.
The flexible and scalable service provided by Datapac helps to facilitate SOI events around the country such as sporting fixtures and charitable functions. Access to Datapac’s customer support centre through a variety of convenient media allows SOI staff to receive the ongoing support that they need, including access to a 24-hour support service.
Datapac provides a complete and proactive approach to managed security, underpinned by industry leading Sophos™ firewalls, cutting-edge HPE Aruba secure wireless technology, and a range of managed services including vulnerability testing of devices across the organisation. This ultimately protects and provides peace of mind to all who engage with SOI, including almost 8,000 athletes in 293 clubs across the country.
This solution is helping SOI to securely roll out services such as virtual training courses and online ‘Together at Home’ video sessions as part of its Young Athlete Programme, which is a play and sports activity programme for children aged four to 12 years with an intellectual disability.
The advanced managed solution supports in excess of 200 devices, enabling employees to safely work from home. Provision of advanced communications technology in the form of the Microsoft Office 365 suite and remote working hardware ensures that the great work done by SOI never skips a beat, no matter where their staff are located. Datapac’s proactive monitoring of the organisation’s IT infrastructure allows swift responses to potential issues or threats, ensuring minimal staff downtime and business disruption. Regular Disaster Recovery (DR) tests are carried out, which play a vital role in providing business continuity. The fully managed IT support helpdesk, with dedicated phoneline, ensures that a team of experienced engineers are always on hand to assist with day-to-day IT queries, further enhancing the employee experience while working remotely.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Kazan, Russia in January 2023, while German capital Berlin will host the next Special Olympics World Games in 2023.
Matt English, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland: “Datapac’s proactive approach to our technology needs provides peace of mind to Special Olympics Ireland, benefitting not only our employees, but all those who interact with the organisation. Problems are often resolved before we are aware there was an issue to begin with.
“It was hugely important to us that the service had a human touch, and the reassurance of knowing there is an expert available 24/7 to assist with any IT challenge is invaluable as our needs evolve and change depending on whether it’s a Games year, or whether other events are taking place.
“Datapac’s solution is far-reaching and facilitates the organisation’s endeavours far beyond our expectations, underpinning everything from events to online resources, which are increasingly important in today’s climate.”
Christine Fortune, Sales Manager ICT Services and Solutions, Datapac: “Special Olympics Ireland is an incredible organisation that provides such a vital service for people throughout Ireland. By outsourcing IT management to Datapac, it frees up their teams to carry out even more vital services. We designed and delivered a tailored helpdesk and security solution across SOI’s five bases, which in turn, has helped the organisation to enhance its service delivery and support secure home working for employees.
“We will conduct strategic reviews of the IT environment, in consultation with Special Olympics Ireland, to ensure the solution is continuing to underscore organisational success. Our proactivity provides confidence to them in the increasingly challenging IT and security landscape.
“Datapac has a long history of supporting Special Olympics Ireland beyond professional services and we’re happy to offer our facilities, volunteers and become involved in any way we can. We were delighted to be chosen to work with Special Olympics Ireland on this project and continue to build on our valued relationship.”