Businesses ready themselves for the economic upturn

London, 29 January 2013 - Evidence is emerging that this is the year in which purse strings will be loosened, says Easynet, as its customers invest in its integrated networks, hosting and unified communications to ensure their best position for the economic upturn. Several high profile technology analysts have forecast an increase in IT investment this year, reflecting a more positive, optimistic climate. Businesses have to invest now, says Easynet – and not just in IT - because many have been delaying doing so for years, putting off any major expenditure to create visible, tangible savings.  To succeed, and ensure they are not jostling for business as the economy picks up, companies need to anticipate and exceed the expectations of their customers by investing in people, service, buildings, infrastructure and applications.

Comptoir des Cotonniers is a French prêt-à-porter women’s clothing brand that is part of the Fast Retailing group.  Comptoir des Cotonniers has been working with Easynet since 2008 and this collaboration will continue as the Easynet customer enters a new phase of internationalisation. Going forward, Comptoir des Cotonniers will be using Easynet’s Adaptive Cloud solution for the company's ecommerce platform as they continue growing their commercial operation. This solution will allow them to be ready for seasonal peaks in the website’s activity.

GDF SUEZ ranks among the world’s leading energy companies. Three of its UK business entities have signed a three-year contract for Easynet to provide managed networks, hosting and internet services. The Group develops its businesses (electricity, natural gas, and energy and environmental services) around a model based on responsible growth to provide essential services to its customers every day. Working with Easynet to deliver its IT will enable GDF SUEZ in the UK to maintain its cost base and to ensure effective communication with its customers and partners.

Research on the global utilities market from analyst house Ovum entitled ‘Business Trends: Utility Investment Strategies’ found that nearly 60% of respondents plan to increase their IT budget slightly or significantly in 2013. Increasing customer satisfaction and revenues were the two highest-rated IT investment strategies among utilities companies.

“The majority of utilities’ IT budgets stayed flat in 2012”, says Surupa Mahto, analyst at Ovum. “However, Ovum expects IT budgets to increase in 2013, driven largely by an increased focus on increasing customer satisfaction and growing revenues. We expect utilities to invest in IT to support customer relationship management, improve existing customer communications, diversify communications channel, and to develop new services”.

Manasco is the ICT Company of Etex, a multinational industrial group that is specialised in the manufacture of high quality building materials and systems. Manasco called on Easynet to migrate the IT network infrastructure for the newly acquired Gypsum division from Lafarge to the Etex standard setup. Easynet rolled out a Smart MPLS WAN covering 57 sites. The solution consists of a Managed MPLS and a managed application solution including reporting, dynamic Quality of Service and Dynamic WAN Selection.

Besides the tailor made solution and a clear cultural fit between both companies, Manasco chose to move forward with Easynet because of its focus on a truly service-oriented partnership and its ability to add high level and in-depth service to its offering.

David Rowe, Easynet’s CEO said:  “One thing our customers have in common is an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of how IT can help them stay head and shoulders above the competition. They come to us with their plans for growth, and we work closely with them to deliver a solid, tailored foundation to take their IT, and their business, into the future. It’s tremendously satisfying for us to help pave their way to success”.

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