Author Archive

UTILITIES ENGINEERING COMPANY

CONSULTANCY, SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

A billion dollar division of a US top 100 company, needed to move a critical project management system off a redundant database technology running on redundant hardware. This meant swapping operating system, hardware platform and database all in one go. XLR successfully undertook the project, causing minimum disruption. The updated system can now interface with the client’s other systems, providing operational savings.

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FINANCIAL ADVISERS

CONSULTANCY SUPPORT & EMAIL SERVER SET-UP

The client required a secure email facility for client systems. A cost effective Linux based email server solution was provided by XLR for a fraction of the cost of that quoted by others.

The system has none of the complexity of Microsoft Exchange Server, yet handles all the email needs of the client, with little or no maintenance needed.

 

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INTERNET BOOKMAKERS

CONSULTANCY, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

The explosion of internet betting offered tremendous opportunities, but required large scale development and heavy duty web-based applications, running in multiple countries, with synchronised data, capable of taking massive loads at prime time sporting events, such as The Grand National. A daunting task.

This PLC client proposed a listing on the UK AIM market. XLR undertook the development, which required database and web systems development and network installation logistics in the UK, Belize and Gibraltar.

Upon completion of the web development, (the main asset of the company), the project was given a valuation of £27 million by brokers for the float. The entire IT project was created, developed and managed by XLR.

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MAJOR PORT AUTHORITY

CONSULTANCY SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

When the developer of the client's critical Port Management System went out of business, midway through the development cycle, they needed urgent cover to ensure stability and onward development and support.

XLR undertook a review of the product, helped to get the application stable and provide on-going support, consultancy and development resource to finish the project and complete further additional projects.

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INTERNATIONAL BANKING INSTITUTE

CONSULTANCY SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

Faced with a critical application written in a language rapidly becoming obsolete, the institute faced some hard choices.

The system was providing training & support to small banks around the world, often in emerging and third world countries. The Institute could not let their clients down.

XLR were able to rewrite portions of the application, to enable it to be run on a more modern database. Further modules were then added.

The work saved the client from having to make redundant the heavily bespoke application and expend funds replacing it.

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CHARITY

CONSULTANCY & SUPPORT

A charity dealing with cancer patients and their families. Needing guidance on the choice of IT systems, they turned to XLR who chose and installed the systems for them.

A Pro Bono project.

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MAJOR FIRM OF SOLICITORS

CONSULTANCY SUPPORT & NETWORK AND EMAIL SERVER SET-UP

When legislation required a major upgrading of a criminal law firm’s IT systems, they asked for tenders from a number of suppliers. Unfortunately, the highly technical specification caused consternation. Were they getting value for money? Did they need everything that was being quoted for? Would it do the job? Did they know what they were getting? These were all questions they found themselves unable to answer.

XLR were referred as impartial consultants to advise on the tender process and after installation, act as IT consultants. XLR also installed a low-cost email system & networking, saving several thousand pounds on alternative proposals.

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DIRECT SALES/MAIL ORDER BOOKS

SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE

The company operated a complex direct marketing/commissions application, provided by an American software company, with no local representation. This system was critical to their operation. As such, they were at risk of potential system failure.

XLR's staff have a great deal of experience in this niche market and so were able to maintain the system, ensuring 24/7 operation and the peace of mind that help was local, not 8000 miles away.

When further development was needed for the system, XLR were able to provide the rare technical skills to undertake this project.

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NATIONAL RECRUITMENT COMPANY

SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

The client felt they did not warrant their own IT Manager or department, but the complexity of their business process meant they had a need for these skills.

XLR provide this back-up resource as and when required, enabling high availability of their network, without the associated expense of in-house IT staff.

 

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SPECIALIST DEPARTMENT STORE

SUPPORT & MIGRATION

When the client took over another business, they inherited an unfamiliar database system for which they did not have any in-house expertise. IBM referred the client to XLR, who undertook a review of the system and its stability and developed modules to enable export to the client's main database system, thus saving the firm from having to make a major investment in new systems.

 

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