part of the requirement and ACS were able to work with Microsoft to ensure that the devices would be readily obtainable. Throughout the life of the contract, ACS will continue to work in partnership with said Government Executive Agency and Microsoft to ensure a smooth upgrade transition from the Surface Pro 7 to the Service Pro 7+. Paul Freeborough said: “T e truth is that there


are constraints on the market at the moment. Some suppliers will promise the earth, but we know that you can’t shy away from telling customers diffi cult things. “Most companies have seen people transition


from desktop to laptop over the past year and a half. Laptops have been in high demand because companies want to know that people are set up to work from home if they need to. “Add to that the factory component constraints,


and staffi ng issues throughout the pandemic, it’s just not always possible to promise that devices will be available in the numbers the customer requires them. But we have a good relationship with vendors and distributors, which means our customers can trust us, and as long as we stick to honest two-way conversations, and try to manage their expectations, they can be assured we’re doing our best to get them what they want, when they need it.” One of the key benefi ts of Microsoft’s Surface


Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7+ is that the devices can be confi gured with the standard build software built into the server on top of it. T is was carried out in a secure environment, with the clients build server connected by a dedicated leased line into a secure facility. ACS’s discussions with this Government Executive Agency continue


to evolve, and as the client looks to provide more fl exible device options, ACS and Microsoft are ready to support them in this, helping them to make the process more fl exible while remaining secure. ACS has been accepted onto several Crown Commercial Services


frameworks and it’s as an approved supplier on these frameworks that this particular contract will run for a minimum of three years. It includes the entire procurement, set up, warranty, lifecycle services, and the option to provide a dedicated purchasing portal for Microsoft accessories and supplies. All IT assistance is delivered collaboratively via Microsoft Teams,


so any technical support is an message away, via a technical and support team that are in direct contact with the service desk team that manage these devices. T e client added: “We had an existing relationship with Paul and


ACS before they were awarded places on the Crown Commercial Service framework, and it’s one based on trust. We’ve already expanded beyond the requirements from original bid, and those needs will continue to be reviewed throughout the contract. “We have found that by having the Device-as-a-Service


arrangement, tailored with end-to-end ACS services and support, that we defi nitely receive a more cost-eff ective service than had we purchased the devices upfront.”


Contact ACS Offi ce Solutions on 01604 704000 or email info@acs365.co.uk or visit www.acs365.co.uk


ALL THINGS BUSINESS


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