John Paul College, a school in South East Queensland, recently conducted a comprehensive review to better understand the needs of its staff and students. The findings highlighted a need for enhanced digital capabilities, world-facing cameras for STEM, and increased computing power to support new learning streams.
In partnership with Data#3, John Paul College utilised Data#3’s Device as a Service to equip the school with the multi-feature HP ProBook, specifically designed to support its growing curriculum requirements. The integration of this new technology into classrooms has since enabled students at John Paul College to work more efficiently and fully embrace the digital classroom.
“By adopting the latest HP devices, we are ensuring that our students and staff have access to the best tools available, supporting our goal of being a leader in digital learning and innovation,” said Nicholas Burton, Network and Systems Manager at John Paul College.
In this video, discover how John Paul College has incorporated multi-feature HP devices and Microsoft Intune to empower and enhance student learning.
With over three decades of expertise in the Education industry, Data#3 is well equipped to provide educational clients with the tools they need for success, offering a range of cutting-edge technology services and solutions that enhance and empower classroom learning. Through this approach, Data#3 enables schools to create a modern, flexible, and secure digital classroom that fosters greater engagement, productivity, and innovation in the learning process.
At Kingsway Christian College, empowering students with the skills to excel in a digital world is a top priority. Enter Adobe Creative Suite, a set of industry-leading tools that help students create captivating images, graphics, presentations, videos, and digital experiences. Through Adobe Creative Suite, students can unleash their creativity, build essential technical skills, and prepare for success in an increasingly digital landscape.
“What’s really great is that you have multiple ways of getting to the same place. The way I do it is different from the students. When the students are excited about what they are doing, you’re going to get the best out of them,” said Lauren Clark, Teacher, Kingsway Christian College.
In this video, discover how Kingsway Christian College is empowering students to harness the power of Adobe Creative Suite to unlock their potential in modern media.
As a Platinum Adobe Partner, Data#3 has extensive experience helping customers select and implement Adobe’s leading digital solutions. Let’s talk about how to:
Morgans needed to enhance its IT services to better support its people 24/7, by progressing to a hybrid working environment, and improving its procurement and management services.
The in-house team evaluated multiple providers and performed reviews in line with their policies to deliver a series of projects for digital transformation. Morgans selected Data#3 due to its previous relationship, demonstrable experience and shared culture.
We wanted the way we were interacting to feel like our partner was just an extension of our internal resources, and for it to feel organic as we moved to a partnership model for managed services, so Data#3 was a natural fit.
Matt Neubauer – CIO, Morgans Financial Limited
Morgans is a full-service stockbroking and wealth management network, with over 500 authorised representatives and 950+ staff servicing more than 240,000 clients across Australia.
With technology playing an ever-growing role in the organisation, Morgans needed a true partner that would help them to harness their full potential. They wanted to work with someone they could trust to handle the day-to-day, while they focused on business growth activities.
From modernising and improving efficiency to providing new services, the IT team at Morgans is on a continuous quest to fulfil its role as a business enabler. For CIO, Matt Neubauer, it is important that while overcoming the everyday challenges of managing IT, that they could also see the big picture and recognise progress.
“When we first worked with Data#3 some five years ago, we were running Lotus Notes, we were developing systems in-house, we had a data centre four times the size we see today. It was very much an internal cloud environment, and cloud wasn’t a thing then.”
Rather than source technology partners for every individual project, something that would lack continuity and potentially drain time and attention, Neubauer was keen to develop a more enduring relationship. Although the right technical capability was a given, it was clear that an IT provider needed to be a strong cultural match, and to mesh well with Morgans.
“We were reliant on the skills, expertise and advice of our IT partner, and we needed them to play a role in guiding our direction from a technology perspective. Technology is a never-ending story: by the time you have finished one thing, you are already looking at something else, so it is a fast-moving space. You need to have access to trusted advice.”
As the role of IT grew and evolved in the business, and users’ needs went beyond the traditional 9-5 workday, the role of the in-house IT team adjusted to match. Rather than simply add out of hours support, Neubauer evaluated how to best use the strengths of his own team, while ensuring that the day-to-day operations were covered.
“When we were looking at our capability at that point, we decided as a business what was our strategic direction and where to invest our time, funds and resources. We decided that our internal focus should be where we can differentiate, and looked at the things we could do very well that were unique to Morgans.
“When it came to managing our data, network and servers, we looked at using a partner we could trust that not only had the capability, but also the flexibility to scale when needed.”
The IT skills shortage added weight to the decision to seek a managed services solution to fit the Morgans business environment. While 76 percent of Australian businesses are looking to hire skilled IT staff in 2024, half are finding themselves having to outsource overseas, with cyber security leading the hard-to-fill areas of expertise.
“We looked at the times we needed to cover, and we would have had to double our team to facilitate it, because we can’t cover both out of hours and business hours. We were not willing to compromise on keeping it onshore.
“We wanted all of the capabilities and resources to fit, we needed data sovereignty to remain in Australia, and we wanted company culture that matched ours. We wanted the way we were interacting to feel like our partner was just an extension of our internal resources, and for it to feel organic as we moved to a partnership model for managed services, so Data#3 was a natural fit,” explained Neubauer.
Morgans has significantly benefited from Data#3’s expertise across several business transformation projects, incorporating a suite of technology from Cisco, Microsoft, and Veritas to better support the hybrid workplace.
Leveraging the depth of knowledge and experience within this partnership, the strength and value of their relationship have become evidently invaluable. From migrating to Microsoft 365 and implementing Windows 10 to deployment of a Cisco Meraki SD-WAN and adoption of Microsoft Surface devices, the in-house IT team and Data#3 teams have worked shoulder to shoulder towards common goals.
“This gave us confidence when we were proposing a managed services partnership. We have similar values, and we are both Queensland based, so there is a lot of alignment there. The board felt very comfortable using Data#3 as a partner because they had already shown we would be in safe hands,” recalled Neubauer.
The transition to a managed services model was a process that Neubauer felt required experience and a well-designed process. As it was, the collaborative approach and tested Data#3 methodology meant that for most of the business, the managed services handover was a non-event.
“With each new development in our technology journey, it was as if the business didn’t know anything had changed. Someone working in one of the branches would be none the wiser. That was exactly what we hoped for – it is like when you turn on the tap and there is no hot water, you might curse the plumber, but you don’t thank them for every day it works perfectly. It is the same with IT, it is when something is wrong that you hear about it, so when it is quiet, we are happy.”
For the in-house IT team, though, Neubauer noted there were some more noticeable outcomes, including reduced stress and more time to focus on high value business enhancement activities.
“The biggest measurable difference was a reduction in incidents, especially those caused by patching limitations. These often crop up out of hours, and with the size of our team, we didn’t have people looking at patching on weekends and early mornings. Data#3 flags those things as they occur and by the time we walk in, most are already remediated.”
“It is great to avoid that Monday morning firefighting, because that sets the tone and used to consume time. Which also meant our people sometimes had to wait to access systems they needed to do their jobs.”
Amidst an increasingly complex cyber security landscape and facing ever more sophisticated threats, this important security measure was among the improvements that Neubauer was clear should not be underestimated. Central to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight measures, prompt patching greatly reduces vulnerabilities and cuts the window of opportunity for cyber criminals.
“It is becoming critical really in terms of the breaches we are seeing in different vertices, and once again we are very comfortable with Data#3’s security posture and the investment they are making to protect their customers’ data.”
Procurement, too, is an area where the Morgans team has welcomed Data#3’s expertise. Having access to a wealth of specialists has helped to make sure that investments are well planned and that the financial business can get the best return for its technology spend.
“We do our own research and keep a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the market, but it is so fast moving that we can’t be across it all. Another value that Data#3 has given is that they are a large business with specialists in different vertices, so we can engage and get them to do a market scan, or to do research on our behalf. We have done this a number of times when we have not known the solution but can articulate what we need to achieve,” said Neubauer.
“Then, when we have worked out the right outcome, they work with a range of vendors, and can negotiate to get us the best return on investment and manage our assets efficiently.”
For me, Data#3 is the epitome of the concept of a trusted partner. They are always someone we can call when we are looking at the next stage of growth, or when facing an emerging challenge. They will put Morgans first, give us sound advice, and recommend the appropriate path for us.
Matt Neubauer – CIO, Morgans Financial Limited
To get the optimal outcome from an ongoing relationship, especially in a managed services scenario, Neubauer said that a true partnership is necessary. That, to him, means feeling that they want Morgans to achieve a successful outcome just as much as he does, and will place that above their short-term goals.
“For me, Data#3 is the epitome of the concept of a trusted partner. They are always someone we can call when we are looking at the next stage of growth, or when facing an emerging challenge. They will put Morgans first, give us sound advice, and recommend the appropriate path for us.”
On occasion, that approach has meant that Data#3 has sometimes chosen not to take on a project, instead connecting Morgans with their extensive network of technology partners.
“There have been some instances where we haven’t used them based on the advice they have given. For example, when we have been working on a technical solution that isn’t one of their strengths or in their wheelhouse, our account manager will call out that it isn’t one of their specialities and will recommend a partner with the right specialised skills for the project. There are a lot of vendors who are keen to get whatever business they can, even if outside their skillset, which leads to subpar results.
“If Data#3 is engaging on a project, they won’t accept anything below an excellent outcome, what they commit to achieving, they will make good on that commitment.”
The true test of a partnership, concluded Neubauer, is knowing that you have an extended team of resources that are every bit as much there for you in difficult moments as they are to share in your successes.
“Data#3’s strength boils down to the definition of a solid partner, someone that you can call when things don’t go well and they’ll pick up the phone, they’ll be in your corner to make things right with a mutually agreeable outcome. They will go to bat for you.”
“Our Data#3 Account Manager has been on some internal calls for Morgans looking out for Morgans’ interests even if they are not necessarily of benefit to Data#3. They are collaborative, transparent, and they tell things as they are,” concluded Neubauer.
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We live in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s everywhere we look, and we are starting to utilise it in everything we do – it’s transforming how we use technology. From crafting the perfectly worded email, to redecorating your home, AI opens the door to new possibilities.
Along with AI, we’re more self-aware of our own personal impacts on environmental sustainability. We’re conscious of what we’re using, and mindful of making more environmentally friendly decisions to build a better future.
We’re proud to share a commitment to sustainability with world-leading technology partner, Lenovo. Data#3 and Lenovo are consistently striving to improve their impact on the circular economy, with commitments to continual progress in reducing emissions while also assisting customers with their own sustainability goals. It is a key priority that through technology, Data#3, Lenovo and our customers are able make sustainable choices to reduce, reuse and recycle.
The Lenovo commitment to “design, use, return and re-use” is supported by innovative supply chains, services and responsible product designs and materials. Our partnership makes it easy for organisations to take advantage of the opportunities for innovation in technology, without compromising on their sustainability goals.
While the era of AI is new to many, it isn’t to Lenovo, which has been investing in the research and development of AI for their devices since 2017.
Sustainable now. Sustainable always.
Recognising the distinct needs of users in different settings, Lenovo acknowledges the divergence between home and professional usage. Lenovo has introduced a fresh lineup of commercial laptops, prioritising advancements aimed at enhancing the end-user experience to better support technological innovations such as AI.
Enter the all-new ThinkPad range, utilising innovative technology with AI features to enhance productivity, creativity and efficiency. Lenovo laptops are ready for the future of business computing. With three compute engines: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and NPU (Neural Processing Unit), that can handle AI PC tasks efficiently and smartly. The NPU has been purpose built to specifically handle AI tasks to transform devices into next-generation technology.
Lenovo’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is further showcased in the new range of ThinkPad laptops with features such as enhanced repairability, more recycled materials, efficient power management, and powerful processing capabilities with built-in security and manageability.
Lenovo takes it a step further, not only are the devices sustainable, but all plastics have now been phased out of product packaging.
You may not be able to hang the new range of ThinkPads in your fridge like the Yoga Tablet Pro 2 – thanks Asthon Kutcher for the idea we never knew we needed – they still maintain the same high quality and efficiency you’ve come to expect from Lenovo, only with an increased focus on sustainability so you can make an environmentally friendly decision about your technology.
Meet the new faces in sustainability
Lenovo’s ThinkPad range incorporates AI features to enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency and is part of the next wave of AI-enabled business computing. These laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra processors and run Windows 11, meaning they have the capability to support regular usage of AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot for M365.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Embodying the pinnacle of portable productivity, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 features the latest Intel Core processes paired with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and PCIe NVMe SSD storage updates (up to 2TB). With a 14-inch-high resolution display and touchscreen capabilities, you’ll be able to seamlessly multitask and remain connected on the go. Complemented by the legendary ThinkPad keyboard, Dolby Atmos speakers, and all-day battery life, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the epitome of performance, reliability, and portability for modern professionals.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 has a carbon chassis that is recycled from post-industrial remnants, meaning your device is made from up to 90% recycled magnesium.
ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9
Looking for a device that excels in performance and versatility but also with a high focus on sustainability? Look no further than the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9. The top cover uses 75% aluminium, while the base cover blends 55% aluminium with 45% aluminium – that’s a lot of recycled materials just in the casing!
Lenovo has made the same considerations with accessories for the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9, where even accessories such as power adaptors and keycaps rely on post-consumer content (PCC). Even the keyboard frame relies on 90% recycled magnesium for the wireless wide area network (WWAN) models.
This eco-friendly design doesn’t compromise on performance, with the device boasting powerful Intel Core processors, up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, making it a versatile and sustainable choice for modern professionals.
ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2
Powered by cutting-edge Intel Core processors and offering up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM and PCIe NVMe SSD storage options up to 2TB, the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 ensures seamless multitasking and responsiveness for users. With a 13.3-inch display, available in high resolution with HDR support, you’ll experience stunning visuals, perfect for work or entertainment.
Sustainability is deeply integrated into its design, featuring recycled materials in the chassis and packaging, reducing environmental impact. You also have the choice of a device made with recycled aluminium or biobased flax fibre with bronze aluminium – so you can find what is best aligned with your environmental goals.
Are you ready to embrace sustainability with a Lenovo ThinkPad?
Data#3 is a long-standing, trusted Lenovo partner. At the highest partnership tier, our Platinum status allows us to unlock access to the highest levels of services and benefits to pass on to your organisation.
Data#3’s Device as a Service (DaaS) offers managed lifecycle services for end-user devices, providing predictable monthly costs, consolidated management, and improved device performance, reducing IT workload and unburdening capital expenses. Making it the perfect way to get your organisation started with a Lenovo ThinkPad.
Contact a Data#3 Lenovo specialist today to discuss how we can help you leverage the ThinkPad range not only as a powerful tool for productivity but also as a responsible choice for a greener future.
The International School of Western Australia (ISWA) wanted to invest in modern devices and explore an ‘as a service’ model that would empower teachers and students to take full advantage of digital learning advancements in the modern classroom.
ISWA sought a Device as a Service (DaaS) solution that would reduce administrative burden while providing a higher level of service to families, students and staff, whom were tightly involved in the process.
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The Data#3 DaaS portal lets us log support calls and order stock of laptops – the whole platform is great and provides a set of tools for us that is very useful.
Staale Brokvam – IT Director, ISWA.
For families seeking an international education in Perth, the International School of Western Australia (ISWA) has earned a reputation as an innovative school that prioritises student wellbeing and individual success. With a student body representing more than 60 nationalities, ISWA embraces diversity and welcomes different perspectives.
Technology is seen as an essential tool to help students explore the world, and to help teachers continuously provide an engaging and thought-provoking education. As a previous device program neared its conclusion, the school had an opportunity to further enhance digital learning.
As an international school, ISWA is unique in Australia in that it offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum following the Northern Hemisphere school year that runs from July to June. The IB ethos promotes an understanding of diverse viewpoints, and ISWA principal Dr Caroline Brokvam said that technology is central to tailoring the experience to each student’s needs.
“The idea with technology and the IB is using technology as a tool for personalised learning, which is one of our school’s commitments. Individuals learn in different ways, and we support that by harnessing the power of technology in pursuit of deeper learning.”
“The aim of the IB is to create a more peaceful world, with a philosophy that other people with differences can also be right, something that is especially important now. We foster an appreciation of different perspectives, and technology can help to access so many perspectives online,” stated Dr Brokvam.
Where previously the students and staff had numerous types of laptops through another provider, this arrangement was nearing its conclusion. Typically for devices reaching end of life, the older laptops had an increasing number of issues. Teachers were dealing with different device models in the classroom, making it a more complicated learning experience, and they were keen not to lose any teaching time. Resolving the issues was time consuming and frustrating, and Dr Brokvam said that at times the small, busy IT team became a “complaints department”.
Deploying, maintaining, and supporting devices typically consumes a significant portion of skilled IT time for small and mid-sized organisations, often leaving an IT team with less than a quarter of the day for innovation. Furthermore, modern devices are more secure, better protecting users online. This challenge was only too familiar to ISWA IT Director Staale Brokvam, who was keen to remove the impact on teachers and students.
“Battery life was particularly an issue, which comes with the territory as a device gets older. Weight was also a key consideration; compared to modern machines, older devices were heavier and not as durable, with cables that were suffering from wear and tear.”
“Support for our devices had expired at the tail end of the previous lease, so if any of our devices were broken, they weren’t covered by warranty. The lack of support meant there was a lot of frustration.”
The more predictable pricing schedule of a Device as a Service (DaaS) agreement was attractive to ISWA, as this would allow them to work on a per user, per month cost with no surprises. After the challenges of procurement during times of global shortages, the school was keen to find an easier way to ensure supply and minimise disruption.
“Like everyone, we found it hard to source devices when needed, and it took more time and effort than we could spare,” reported Staale Brokvam.
The school was familiar with Data#3 and their connection with the Association of Independent Schools Western Australia Microsoft Enrolment for Education Solutions arrangement. As Western Australia’s largest education licensing partner, which includes Microsoft 365 Education suite, it made sense to seek input from a partner with a wealth of understanding of the education sector. The choice of device was narrowed down to two machines, with the feedback of students and teachers prioritised. The overwhelming favourite was the HP ProBook, with upgraded memory provided by the Data#3 Integration Centre.
“The students liked the general feel, like keyboards and weight, as well as the battery life. It is a bit intangible why they liked this machine so strongly, but it was uniform feedback. The form and feel of it fits our needs very well,” recounted Staale Brokvam.
“They had the required specs, the students liked the fold over tablet mode, and we could get the required number at the right time for a good cost.”
The complete device lifecycle was included in the DaaS solution from Data#3, from procurement, image deployment and delivery through to support via the ServiceNow portal, and secure, sustainable decommissioning at device end of life. The solution is provided through a monthly billing cycle, eliminating capital expenditure on this key technology. Almost 300 devices were deployed in the initial batch, and the portal makes it easy to add more as needed in a few clicks. Support, too, became easy, helping to free time for the innovation in digital education that is a hallmark of ISWA.
“The portal where we can lodge cases has all previous communications, so we can see updates on each case, which is quite useful. We also have someone from Data#3 who comes onsite as needed,” explained Staale Brokvam.
“We now have a supplier we can rely on, and getting new devices has never been a problem. As the models change, we know we can get the equivalent specifications in the latest device.”
With newer, more reliable devices, support needs have been low, and Staale Brokvam noted with approval that the respectful behaviour promoted at ISWA has extended to the laptops.
“Our students are responsible, and Data#3 has commented that we have a lower number of damage cases than at most schools. Working with Data#3 has been problem free.”
While the most welcomed advantage of the DaaS program from an IT perspective has been the streamlined process and reduced management required, the principal said she has observed something special among the student population. “Students can do graphing, calculate complex maths equations, and create art. We have a student media team, and they are remarkably creative in how they work with the laptops. The technology facilitates the inquiry-based learning that is at the centre of the way we work,” said Dr Brokvam.
Students can do graphing, calculate complex maths equations, and create art. We have a student media team, and they are remarkably creative in how they work with the laptops. The technology facilitates the inquiry-based learning that is at the centre of the way we work.
Dr Caroline Brokvam – Prinicpal, ISWA.
International schools have seen a 52 percent rise in student numbers in the last decade, and ISWA is intent on repaying the faith of its growing school community by giving students the best possible experience and outcomes. For today’s digital native youngsters, the right device is central to school performance, and Dr Brokvam is confident that their needs are fully met.
“I don’t get complaints from students or teachers because the devices do all that we want them to do. They have a long battery life, and they just work. Teachers don’t have time for interrupting lessons to mess around with technology, and the best thing is when you don’t hear much about it, because that means everyone is able to work unhindered.”
“It supports us to do what we want to do in terms of our educational goals. Students do a lot of independent research, and this is an excellent tool for them. We use technology to remove barriers to learning and to be more inclusive. For example, we can use technology to give dyslexic students different ways to access learning that work best for them so they can continue learning and achieving.”
While the highlight from an organisational perspective has been to support the diversity and inclusion that comes from catering to the needs of every individual, from an IT point of view, Staale Brokvam said the right partnership has made a real difference. The DaaS model has helped reduce IT workloads by up to 16 percent and a strong working relationship helps to realise those benefits. “We have regular meetings with Data#3 where they keep us up-to-date and check in on any issues that arise. They’re quick to respond when there are any cases needing attention. It helps that they are a knowledgeable partner that works with many independent schools, so they understand the way we work and what is important to us. That helps us to focus our attention on giving our best for our students, families, and staff.
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For families seeking an international education in Perth, the International School of Western Australia (ISWA) has earned a reputation as an innovative school that prioritises student wellbeing and individual success. With a student body representing more than 60 nationalities, ISWA embraces diversity and welcomes different perspectives.
Technology is seen as an essential tool to help students explore the world, and to help teachers continuously provide an engaging and thought-provoking education. As a previous device program neared its conclusion, the school had an opportunity to further enhance digital learning.
In this video, discover how ISWA leveraged modern, reliable, and secure devices to create a more efficient and interactive classroom environment. By streamlining procurement and support processes and ensuring cost predictability through a DaaS model, ISWA significantly improved the user experience for both teachers and students.
Our team has accumulated more than three decades of expertise in the Education industry, and we are dedicated to assisting our education clients in designing, implementing, and overseeing a digital ecosystem that fosters learning and accomplishes wider business objectives.
Contact our team of specialist today to explore how you can help your students embrace modern learning with technology.
In a world driven by technology in every facet of our day-to-day lives, emphasis on the importance of sustainable practices is only increasing. As artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies continue to evolve, market demands and consumer expectations are shifting, putting pressure on organisations to innovate responsibly.
It’s an exciting time in IT, as AI and the PC are being redefined, and with them, so too are our approaches to modern device management and the adoption of greener fleets. While environmental consciousness is paramount, organisations are increasingly recognising the need to integrate advancements in modern technology to better support sustainability in core business strategies.
Although the journey to sustainability looks different for every organisation, you may be surprised to find out how easy it is to take the first step with the right partner at your side.
Working together for a greener future
At Data#3, we believe sustainability is not just a tick box; it’s an ongoing commitment to creating a better future for our planet and people. For over 45 years, we’ve aligned our efforts to generate positive change while delivering superior technology solutions to businesses across Australia. Our longstanding partnership with HP is underpinned by this shared vision to build a more sustainable and greener future. We are also proud to be part of HP’s Amplify program as an Amplify Impact Partner.
One of the cornerstones of our sustainable approach lies in the development of our device-as-a-service (DaaS) offerings. Not only does DaaS enhance operational efficiency, but it also extends device lifecycles, reduces waste, and further supports responsible resource management with secure decommissioning and circular economy reporting. When paired with the latest HP devices, such as the HP EliteBook 1040 G11, you can be confident that you are choosing one of the most sustainable lifecycle management solutions available on the market, which has also been globally recognised by Microsoft.
Let’s explore how DaaS intersects with sustainability, using the latest devices from HP from the world’s most sustainable workforce portfolio.
Making a commitment to sustainability is easy, but turning that commitment into action is harder. With HP and Data#3 at your side, you’re easily able to support sustainability across the entire device lifecycle with confidence knowing that the devices your team uses have been procured and optimised with both sustainability and productivity in mind.
So how does it work?
It starts with a circular economy
HP aims to achieve 75% circularity for all its products and packaging by 2030 – ensuring that materials used in the production of their devices are continuously recycled. The current generation of devices already leads the way with 39% circularity by weight.
When paired with Data#3’s DaaS, you are empowered with a proactive and sustainable asset recovery strategy that optimises the physical, financial, and contractual aspects of IT asset retirement. Procured assets are refurbished and recycled when they reach end of life (EOL), contributing to a circular economy that reduces your costs and enables your organisation to meet sustainability goals.
This means at least 75% of your retired IT assets go back ‘into the circle.’
Under Data#3’s DaaS you are provided with a circular economy report, providing visibility on the direct impact your IT has on the overall sustainability goals of your organisation including the depth of carbon, energy, and landfill savings from systems that are returned, as well as insight into the plastics and metals that have been recovered.
Recycle all sustainable materials
HP has long been dedicated to integrating sustainable materials into the production of its devices. With the introduction of AI PCs, HP has taken this commitment to a new level, surpassing the mere incorporation of recycled materials. They are actively pursuing a reduction in raw material usage, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to environmental responsibility.
The new HP EliteBook 1040 G11 exemplifies this dedication, featuring innovative use of materials such as fishing nets in the keyboard—a pioneering feat in the industry. Moreover, HP has ingeniously incorporated recycled cooking oil (yes, you read that right – cooking oil!) into the manufacturing process of the device bezel.
Download HP EliteBook 1040 Datasheet
For more information on HP’s ground breaking sustainability initiatives and their world-leading portfolio of eco-friendly PCs, check out their comprehensive collateral on the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio.
Optimise the employee experience
Data#3’s DaaS transforms the way your employees interact with technology by providing a seamless device experience, employees can focus on what matters most to your organisation – productivity, collaboration, and innovation. When their devices are efficiently managed, your team can work smarter, leading to improved satisfaction and boosted productivity.
Set the foundation for efficient and resilient IT operations
DaaS streamlines IT operations, reducing operating costs and saving valuable staff time. With a predictable subscription model, organisations can allocate resources effectively, ensuring devices are up-to-date, secure, and sustainable. By minimising downtime and maximising efficiency, DaaS contributes to a resilient IT ecosystem.
A purpose-driven partnership
Our partnership with HP is driven by technology, and underpinned by the goal of creating a positive impact. Together, we’re building better businesses while safeguarding the environment.
Learn more about DaaS Learn more about our partnership with HP
Ready to up your organisations sustainability game?
We invite you to join us in making a difference – where one device, one solution, and one sustainable step can have a lasting impact. Contact us today to find out how your organisation can take that first step towards a more sustainable future.
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A primary industry organisation wanted to simplify management of its Cisco renewals and improve collaboration options available for its staff.
Data#3 had worked with the organisation previously on a number of projects that highlighted their Cisco and Microsoft specialisations. Data#3 understood what was required and their highly regarded Customer Success practice also offered access to Cisco collaboration experts, making it an easy decision to enlist their help.
Improved collaboration for all users who can now seamlessly transition between Cisco Webex meetings and Microsoft Teams meetings.
As an organisation in the primary industry, prioritising sustainability and quality in its operations is a must. The organisation’s head office had recently begun a rapid adoption of Microsoft Teams to enable staff to work from home in the wake of COVID-19, but it presented integration challenges with Cisco Webex.
As corporate staff were required to hastily transition to remote working their reliance on Cisco’s Software Support Service increased. So, when it reached end of life, the organisation knew there would be significant risk to business continuity if they didn’t ensure continued support.
The organisation has long depended on robust technology from Cisco to support the business in both corporate and operational environments. This extends from core networking and infrastructure through to collaboration tools and support leveraging Cisco’s Software Support Service.
Given the extensive history the organisation had with Cisco technology, sticking with the familiar was preferred to ensure seamless collaboration not only in the Australian offices, but the many offices they held around the world.
When they opened their new Australian offices, the organisation’s dedicated in-house IT team took the opportunity to use some of the latest Cisco collaboration tools to create an exceptional user experience.
The result was a modern, sleek collaboration environment that showcased the organisation’s desire to be the best in every facet of its business. Smart use of technology is at the heart of their drive to deliver optimal results through efficiency and quality performance.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, the challenges of supporting a complex, multi-site business grew. Until then, most users had worked on-site, with a smaller number working from home via Cisco Webex. Like most businesses, they were forced to quickly support their entire workforce to work remotely. To ensure the wider business was supported, the decision was made from the global head office to adopt Microsoft Teams, due to the rapid roll out that was needed. This led to integration challenges at a time when the IT team was already extremely busy supporting a now mostly remote workforce.
With their Cisco Collaboration Software Support Service approaching end of life, the organisation had started discussions with Data#3 about their next step. Key stakeholders had identified that managing renewals could be time-consuming, and they were keen to drive value and efficiency. As a Cisco Gold Partner with Cisco Master Specialisation and Microsoft Gold partner, Data#3 was already the organisation’s supplier of Cisco equipment and Microsoft licensing for the last decade which made it easy to know who to turn to for advice.
Data#3 proposed a Cisco Flex Enterprise Agreement (EA) that would not only simplify the management of the collaboration software portfolio, but offer other significant benefits around growth and future proofing of the solution. Additionally, the EA would include access to Data#3’s Customer Success program. This program includes adoption and enablement support from certified Cisco specialists, as well as consumption and adoption monitoring, regular technology health checks, and a host of benefits within a tailored success plan for the business. This additional support proved invaluable for the organisation as they ironed out integration challenges.
Where users had previously switched between Webex and Microsoft Teams as they moved between different meetings, the transition is now effortless, and they don’t need to adjust between different features and functionality.
The biggest benefit is that it made the transition to the new office and systems straightforward. Staff are now able to go from meetings in Microsoft Teams directly into Webex meetings seamlessly.
Previous limitations in a closed environment where the organisation could only leverage Cisco endpoints for meetings were no longer a barrier to collaboration. The new solution equips staff with the integration needed to book meetings from Microsoft Teams while accessing the same meeting on the Webex platform with the click of a single button.
Along with the Customer Success program, the organisation had been using Data#3’s Lifecycle 360 platform since its early development. Lifecycle 360 offers extraordinary visibility of their IT environment. Updated via direct integration with Cisco’s systems, Lifecycle 360 provides near real time insights into Cisco hardware, licensing and support and offers a centralised view of agreements with other vendors. It alerts IT departments to upcoming renewal needs, and, supported by a team of annuity specialists, it helps organisations to consolidate their renewals to make them more manageable and cost-effective.
The investment the organisation had already made in building strong, reliable systems put them in a good position in the early days of the pandemic, so they were able to adapt to the demands of working from home without stressing about the underlying infrastructure.
As an organisation that required a lot of travel interstate, the border closures could have proved to be significantly problematic for the business. However, their forward thinking and planning meant they still had the Cisco video conferencing units to do everything remotely. Their investment in technology meant at a time with unprecedented change impacting every aspect of day-to-day life, they were well positioned for success.
Still, adjusting to a new collaboration platform was challenging for a small number of staff unaccustomed to working remotely, and with the benefit of time additional change management to support users would prove valuable.
As equally important as it is to make sure technology supports your businesses evolving needs, it’s also important to help your teams get up to speed with new technology to really maximise the investment in technology. Through a committed partnership, the in-house technical team has developed deep expertise across Cisco’s portfolio, a service that gives Data#3 an edge when it comes to solving business challenges with the best technology solutions.
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July 18, 2023; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce it has been named the recipient of a further two Microsoft Surface accolades, including the Microsoft Surface Reseller of the Year for Asia, and the Microsoft Surface+ Worldwide Partner of the Year, for the second consecutive year.
The awards come fresh off the back of the highly coveted Microsoft Surface PC Reseller Worldwide Partner of the Year award win, which was announced in June, and solidifies Data#3’s position as the largest Microsoft Surface partner, and largest contributor to Microsoft Surface growth across ANZ.
Commenting on the wins, Data#3 National Practice Manager for Microsoft, Scott Gosling, expressed deep pride and gratitude, saying, “Receiving these prestigious Microsoft Surface awards is a testament to the unwavering expertise, dedication and hard work of our talented teams. These accolades reaffirm our position as a leading Microsoft technology solutions provider, and we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional outcomes for our valued customers.”
Data#3’s remarkable achievements in the Microsoft Surface arena demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and technological excellence. With these accolades, Data#3 sets a new standard within the technology industry and further strengthens its position as a trusted and industry leading Microsoft solution provider.
“We have made significant investment across people, programs, solutions and customer success to ensure that we are delivering Microsoft-based solutions that meet the demands expected from a modern workforce,” said John Tan, Chief Customer Officer at Data#3. “The development of our expert team, combined with our world-leading as a service strategy, has been instrumental in securing this achievement. This has been a huge team effort and everyone from sales through to delivery has played a pivotal part in this success.”
With many years of experience providing devices to government and business customers, Data#3 has developed quality assured processes, ensures the best device turnaround so customers have the devices they need, when they need them. Its large team of supply chain and logistics specialists, working across three states, are dedicated to making sure customer devices arrive on-time and ready to just switch on and go.
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After facing a range of support and system challenges that affected users, Knight Frank wanted to establish a device program that would equip their teams with modern technology while providing an efficient service and excellent value.
Most of Knight Frank’s 1,000-strong workforce is accustomed to working on the go, so their laptop is a vital tool. The business had been working with multiple providers with inconsistent support and faced challenges resolving device servicing needs. The business was keen to maximise the benefits from its investment in Microsoft Intune, making its device service seamless for users and reducing touchpoints for the busy IT team.
Now that we have Microsoft Intune implemented, we can wipe and deploy machines anywhere with an internet connection. A complex and lengthy process has been replaced by a simple sequence that offers a greater experience to our end users.
John Walton – Director, Head of Service Delivery, Knight Frank
Knight Frank Australia is part of a global consultancy that has been matching families and businesses with their perfect properties for more than 125 years. The 1,000-strong Australian team works from 20 offices around the country, and prides itself on combining innovation, industry knowledge and traditional service to give clients the best possible outcome.
As frustration grew from dealing with support challenges from multiple vendors, the IT team was keen to consolidate their supplier list to a single provider that could offer more personalised support that the business needed. By choosing a consistent device type designed to work well in a Microsoft environment, a smoother, more efficient experience could be offered to users.
Knight Frank’s IT team is dedicated to providing customers and colleagues with a high-quality service. To achieve this, they strive to continually improve processes and work as efficiently as possible. Providing users with reliable, appropriate laptops empowers them to work at their best, but Director, Head of Service Delivery, John Walton, said that the device program in place had proven to be problematic.
“This came about as we sought greater asset control, and also for better security and business continuity.”
Working with multiple device types from two different vendors had led to a number of support challenges. Aside from the cost of running multiple systems, the IT team found itself spending additional time troubleshooting and managing device issues, which took time away from other important tasks.
“We experienced frustration. Especially when it comes to service delivery, we need quick, responsive action. We had situations where people were without a functional laptop for a couple of days – this was a big part of the experience – this needed to change” explained Walton.
Deploying new devices had been another bugbear in the past, with both IT team and users taking more time than they would like to transition data and applications to a new machine.
“Our aim is to keep things simple, keep staff happy, and provide a device that’s ready to go,” outlined Walton.
Support coverage was important also as many Knight Frank offices do not have IT staff on-site to deal with new deployments or the day-to-day management of devices. This had proved difficult in the past in situations where no local support was available, with pandemic-related restrictions amplifying the limitation of the previous arrangement. Repairs were on occasion untenably slow.
“We’ve experienced delays of up to a month and a half to get one user’s device fixed, which significantly impacts our team’s productivity.”
Data#3’s Device as a Service (DaaS) includes device procurement bundled with a choice of services, such as deployment and management services, analytics, security and eventual end of life recycling. Companies choose a length of service, typically three years and pay a consistent monthly cost per device.
Knight Frank opted for a full device as a service (DaaS) and modern management, including a detailed rollout schedule and support agreement. This would give users modern, well-maintained Microsoft Surface devices while minimising touchpoints for the busy IT team.
“We looked at the offerings from three providers, following our acquisition process. We knew from experience that Data#3 was a good technology partner, and from there it was about process and finance. Data#3 had the trust factor, the communication channels, and the resourcing, and we knew they could manage our workload nationally,” commented Walton.
“We are juggling time zones, resources, and capacity for 20 offices nationally and Data#3 has that national coverage. It’s critical that our devices were being as well controlled as possible in every location, with us leveraging Data#3 resources to sites where we have no direct IT staff.”
Another important factor was Data#3’s partnership with Microsoft. Knight Frank had invested in several Microsoft technologies and sought to gain maximum value from this commitment.
“We looked at what leverage Data#3 had in terms of their partnership with Microsoft, and this was a big factor. From there, Data#3 assigned a dedicated team member to help us build our environment from start to finish which was most beneficial,” said Walton.
“We were attracted to Microsoft Surface devices because we are a very heavy Microsoft-focussed organisation. Their hardware leverages modern technology and is designed to fully integrate with Microsoft security features. Security is a huge aspect for us – and we knew that Microsoft Intune would work best with our devices, leading to a lower chance of issues. We didn’t have the same integration worries that can crop up, and we knew that Microsoft software always plays well with Microsoft hardware.”
The combination of Data#3 and Microsoft proved to make deployment a less stressful experience, and Walton said that users are efficiently transferred onto their new Microsoft Surface devices and quickly enjoying the benefits.
“Before deploying the devices, we heavily pushed Microsoft Teams and Microsoft OneDrive across the business, and this helped make the rollout seamless. Consolidating where staff kept their date definitely minimised complications and increased our ability to support staff remotely, reducing the need for such a heavy office IT presence.”
True to the IT team’s aim of providing the best service to users, the process of receiving an updated machine, and of seeking help, has been made more efficient.
“This time, there has been zero manual work for the user in getting their device set up. They just need their username, password, and to sit tight for a few minutes. Now that we have Microsoft inTune implemented, we can wipe and deploy machines anywhere with an internet connection. A complex and lengthy process has been replaced by a simple sequence that offers a greater experience to our end users.”- recounted Walton.
“Our teams appreciate the new system; the feedback has been very positive about how seamless the process is now.”
For the IT team, knowing that any support needs can be ably handled by Data#3 specialists means that they can concentrate on their important work of guiding the business through digital transformation. Walton said that knowing user devices are well-managed is a critical element of security at a time when cybercrime is a highly challenging issue in the property industry.
“It has been much easier to deploy further application and Microsoft updates using Microsoft Intune, and we know that updates are pushed out to devices within seven days of release.”
The cost benefits, too, have been notable, with the Knight Frank team still counting the savings.
“A big part of why it is cost-efficient has been our ability to reduce the number of systems required to maintain our legacy fleet of devices. Once we are 100% deployed, which we are really close to, we will be able to shut down other systems reducing our expenditure even further and we’ll have the added assurance of knowing that we have modern devices at our disposal,” explained Walton.
“Once complete, the entire onboarding process for staff will be simplified as we train people on the same standard operating environment (SOE) nationally. It adds up in an environment of 20 offices.”
As one of the most trusted names in the property sector, Knight Frank knows the importance of good relationships in business. Just as they put enormous effort into building relationships with their own customers, they value the same in their suppliers. Knowing who they were dealing with and having a dedicated contact has saved the IT team from the time-consuming process of chasing down support after explaining the same issue to multiple staff as they get passed around from person to person.
“With Data#3, we know they have the right communication channels, we get the advantage of having local support for our offices across Australia, all backed by the global expertise of Microsoft,” outlined Walton.
“If a device is damaged, we just raise a ticket with Data#3, and they take responsibility from there. We have the backing of a team of Data#3 resources that can be deployed where they are needed and know they will provide a good service.”