Catholic education provider Marist Brothers said it has cut technology costs by 30 per cent and dramatically improved its cyber security posture after adopting a new co-managed IT support model with Gold Coast technology firm TechConnect.
The transformation project has enabled Marist Brothers to better leverage its Microsoft cloud investments while reducing service desk tickets by 60 per cent across its Australian operations.
"We realised that our previous, traditional IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) support model was no longer fit for purpose," Ernie Zibert, virtual chief information officer at Marist Brothers, said.
"In order to fully benefit from Microsoft’s Modern Workplace, we needed a partner that was truly Microsoft aligned," Zibert added.
To that purpose, the religious institute, which operates across three sites in Australia, engaged TechConnect in July 2023 after consultation with Microsoft.
Following initial testing, TechConnect took full responsibility for the program in May 2024.
Key improvements included streamlining technology operations, establishing enhanced governance frameworks, and transforming problematic infrastructure into a secure, high-performing system.
"Marist Brothers' MS Secure Score increased by 70 per cent - our IT environment can now adapt to future needs and challenges," Zibert said.
The previous support model had created access limitations and operational inefficiencies, according to IT procurement manager Ms O'Keefe.
These issues led to delays in resolving urgent matters and growing disconnection between organisations.
"We are excited to help Marist Brothers regain control over their IT environment," Gavin Rabie, head of managed services at TechConnect said.
Our team collaborated closely with their IT team to guide them through the complexities of the technology landscape," Rabie added.
The project forms part of Marist Brothers' broader technology modernisation strategy as it seeks to maximise benefits from the Microsoft Azure environment.
The organisation is part of the Star of the Sea Province, formed in December 2022 to bring together 11 Pacific Asia nations.
TechConnect, founded in 2011, specialises in helping organisations unlock value from their data through cloud technologies.
The company works with clients across mining, retail, gaming, agriculture and healthcare sectors.
TechConnect is also a CRN Impact Awards 2024 finalist, and a Fast50 company.
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