Member Article

Fast-Growth Cloud Computing Firm Expands into Scotland

Cloudreach, a fast growth cloud computing consultancy, has announced it will make the benefits of Google Apps and Amazon Web Services (AWS) more accessible to Scottish businesses. As part of its rapid expansion, which saw the company grow 550 per cent in 2011, Cloudreach has opened an office in Edinburgh making it the only accredited provider of Google Apps and AWS in Scotland.

Cloudreach’s Scottish-based project team will carry out local business’ migration to Google Apps (cloud-based office programs) and AWS (public cloud-based storage), while the Network Operations Center and ITIL based Service Desk in Edinburgh will provide 24/7 support throughout the projects’ lifespan. By moving to the cloud, these businesses no longer have to rely on a traditional, in-house IT infrastructure, which is costly and heavily reliant on internal staff to manage – resource that can be deployed more effectively elsewhere.

“Cloud is clearly becoming a realistic option for businesses, as more and more benefit from the lower costs and increased efficiency that comes with moving away from a conventional IT infrastructure. However, for many businesses it is a move that is viewed with anxiety,” explains Pontus Noren Director and Co-Founder at Cloudreach. “Without the right advice, consultancy and support many businesses choose to stay as they are, although they know it’s not the most cost-effective solution. Through being the only specialist consultancy of our kind to have local support in Scotland we can provide the required support and advice, helping those businesses make the transition to cloud.”

Scottish-based AG Barr plc, makers of Irn-Bru, is a Scottish-based customer that is already working with Cloudreach. Kenny Craig, Head of IT, AG Barr, outlines some key savings the business has made having migrated to Google Apps: “We aimed for a reduction of between 50 per cent and 75 per cent in total cost of ownership, and that has been delivered. More importantly, we have avoided a significant capital expenditure while delivering a communication platform that allows staff across our business to work more effectively together.”

Since Cloudreach was founded in 2009, it has experienced rapid growth and is set to achieve 300 per cent YOY growth in FY2012 (ending in July 2012). When the company was formed it employed five members of staff, but three years on this has grown to 80.

“The market has accepted true public cloud platforms as a better, more secure and scalable way of providing IT services to businesses – our fast growth over the past two to three years is a testament to this industry shift.”

Cloudreach will be hosting a ‘Going Google’ Roadshow at The Point Hotel in Edinburgh on 16 May 2012, during which there will be presentations from Google and Kenny Craig, Head of IT at AG Barr plc. Find more information here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cloudreach .