IT System Design.

These days even small organisations rely on complex IT systems — devices, web-based and desktop applications, bespoke software, websites, email and more. I can design and deliver IT systems that keep things simple while delivering real value.

Choosing the Right Devices

Desktop computers. For decades the desktop has been the bedrock of the IT system, and while laptops and smartphones have taken over many tasks, it remains an important tool for lots of organisations. Performance requirements — and therefore costs — vary enormously, and there's no point spending thousands on the latest machine if a half-decent refurbished desktop will do the job. I can advise on the most appropriate computers for your work, saving you the headache of choosing.

Laptops. Laptops vary just as dramatically in size, performance and price, from high-end MacBook Pros to lower-cost Windows or Linux machines. A laptop might be a secondary device complementing a desktop, or a staff member's primary computer — in which case it needs to be up to the job of helping them work efficiently.

Tablets. Tablets have become increasingly popular since the advent of the iPad. They're rarely a primary device, but they can be a handy secondary one — and deciding between a tablet and a laptop usually comes down to how a staff member will use it. Do they need a camera? A tablet may make sense. Are they a programmer? A full-sized keyboard wins. Tablets are often marketed as the shiny, desirable option, but don't be misled: I'll help you work out what you actually need, not what the salespeople would like to sell you.

Smartphones. The smartphone is perhaps the most widely used tech tool of all, capable of almost everything a desktop or laptop can do in a much smaller package. If you provide phones for employees, the choice between iPhone and Android may be dictated by your other systems — but more often than not it comes down to budget or user preference rather than functionality.

Software

Software is no longer something that's simply installed on a device. Many organisations now work in browser-based tools — Google Drive, Dropbox, accountancy systems like QuickBooks, Sage or Xero, email marketing platforms and more. And with suites like Microsoft 365 available on both Windows and Mac, software compatibility drives far fewer decisions than it used to.

There's still plenty to consider, though. In the era of SaaS (Software as a Service), per-user licence fees that look attractive initially can become a financial burden as your team grows. Equally, some specialist applications are expensive to buy outright when a browser-based alternative might offer similar functionality for less.

I can help you work out what software your organisation really needs, and advise on alternatives that could reduce costs or improve productivity.

Networking

Your IT system also needs the right network behind it. That might mean wired and wireless networking within a single office, remote access so staff can reach their computers from elsewhere, or shared storage — whether that's a NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive or simply a tool like Google Drive. It really comes down to what files you're storing and who needs access to them.

Backups & Disaster Recovery

When designing an IT system, it's vital to consider how your data is protected. Web-based services like Google Drive and Dropbox are automatically backed up, which makes them a great choice — but what about files stored locally on your computers? Or on a NAS drive? What about your emails? This is where I can help, developing resilient systems that get you up and running again quickly should the worst happen.

Websites & Web Applications

Websites and web applications are now integral to most organisations' IT systems — whether that's your own website or the platforms you use as part of your workflow. I've developed bespoke systems for several clients whose organisations handle large quantities of data, and a bespoke solution might be the right approach for you too.

To make the most of your data, it must be accessible and queryable — and file formats like DOCX, XLSX and PDF often aren't the best fit. The most resilient and adaptable organisations are those that have committed to being data-driven, with systems built to make their data genuinely usable. I can advise on how to achieve this, and even work with you to develop bespoke solutions that give you the edge over your competition.