Changing Provider

Time and time again we meet with prospective clients that have put up with poor service because they are concerned that their business will be disrupted if they switch IT support suppliers.

When you choose to work with Platform 365 this could not be further from the truth.

We have a robust service transition process, that we have carried out many times before, which can accommodate any requirement – from supporting internal systems to a fully hosted solution.

All our transitions are performed out of hours ensuring zero down-time.

The service transition process would cover tasks such as:

Undertake a full system audit and documentation process
Document current problems and create a plan to resolve them
Make contact with the old IT services provider and collate the required information
Setup new environment (if hosted) and run User Acceptance Training (UAT)
Produce a project plan, with deliverables, and share with the client for sign-off
Implement the plan and provide on-site support until the client is 100% satisfied

Common Concerns

Our old IT supplier won’t be happy and will cause us problems

We would be lying if we said that all IT suppliers are extremely helpful when in this position! However, we have never experienced a situation where the client has been affected. You should also bear in mind that there is not a lot we actually need from the current provider as we undertake our own full system audit. So, as long as we have the appropriate access, we can do it all ourselves.

It is very rare that you would have longer than a three month notice period on your existing contract. Although we are able to take on support at a moment’s notice, and have done many times, we like wherever possible a four week period.

If you have up to three months left on your contract, Platform 365 will take on the support and not charge you until your current contract has expired, therefore you will not be paying twice for the same service.

We can’t move from our IT support provider because we are in contract

There might be hidden costs

Rest assured there are no hidden costs. Platform 365 commit to a fixed monthly cost for the length of the contract. Our proposals clearly show what is in scope and what is out of scope, so you have complete transparency and can, therefore, budget accordingly.

For us the contract is just something we have to do. We offer any length of contract and any length of notice period. It is entirely down to the client and what they are comfortable with.

I don’t want to sign up for a long-term contract

Our staff won’t know who to call

You can contact our help desk via e-mail or telephone or directly from your device via an icon that we install onto everyone’s desktop. You will also have direct contact details for your account manager.

Talk with an expert. Jo Roberts, our IT for Schools Development Manager, has 20 years experience in the education sector. Call or email Jo to find out how we can help you on 020 3929 9360

What Our Clients Say

It is essential for us to have a reliable external IT team who can keep us operating smoothly. Platform 365 have proven themselves more than capable in the two years we have been working with them. From a responsive helpdesk, through to orchestrating our migration to Office 365 and supporting an office move, they have handled everything quickly and professionally. I am happy to recommend them.

Julia Garvey – Deputy Director General

Sourcing the right IT supplier was a key decision to the ongoing task of improving service, functionality and cost saving across all six schools and the administration teams throughout the Trust. Platform 365’s proposal was the stand-out solution. Our decision has been completely vindicated.

Verity Bolton – Trust Services Manager - The Spring Partnership Trust

Platform 365 for Education set up a unique plan to support us in our move to Microsoft Teams. We were at a loss without any support, and they have helped us gain confidence in having it set up safely and with the correct controls and limits for the children. It is now working wonderfully for us and the work Platform 365 for Education has completed has been great!

Ruth Noble, Class Teacher and Computing and Online Safety Co-ordinator, Tonacliffe Primary School, Rochdale

Platform 365 have provided bespoke training sessions for our schools to help the launch of Microsoft Office 365 across our Trust. The training was engaging, professional and delivered on the objectives set. Platform 365 offered additional support to our staff following the training and are clearly committed to providing an excellent service.

Kim Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Compass Academy Trust (Multi-Academy Trust), SE London

I have worked with Platform 365 for the past 5 years, as a member of SLT with responsibility for teaching and learning, and now as a Head Teacher. I have always found them to be reliable and to support us in many ways - managing to resolve issues in a timely manner and providing value for money. Schools get to know their allocated team of technicians well – both those visiting and those working on the helpdesk - ensuring that trusting relationships are built.

Rachel Haig, Head Teacher of Castlecombe Primary School and
Dorset Road Infant School, London

Client Resources