What services and applications could sit on a build to rent converged network?

• HSIA – (high speed internet access) for residents
• IPTV – television services
• VoIP – Voice over IP telephony services for residents and staff
• Access control and door locking systems
• CCTV
• Building Management Systems
• Property Management Systems
• Point of Sale
• Digital Signage

What are the advantages of a build to rent converged networks?

Better performance; Reduced cost; More flexibility; Minimising environmental impact

• Lower cost of installation: installing one core infrastructure can reduce the amount of cabling required, and ensure that switches are used in the most efficient way. We have seen cost reductions of around 30% moving from a traditional network architecture to converged.
• Better network management: a high-performing network is critical for the smooth operation of all the services within your building and having a converged network allows you to choose a single operator to oversee these services, and so offer a better level of service to your residents and team. In the past you may have multiple different networks all managed by different vendors, meaning different SLA’s, help desks, operating hours etc. A converged network has one management platform which can allow better monitoring and allow issues to be identified and dealt with much more quickly.
• Flexibility and future proofing: Having an enterprise grade active network means adding new or extra services and applications can be completed much more easily and potentially without having to add new cabling or hardware. It’s impossible to say any technology is ‘future-proof’ however the 10Gb standard is currently recommended and fully suited for most needs.
• Better design and hardware: with all services running through one core infrastructure it often proves more cost-effective to increase the sophistication, capacity and performance of this core to levels that would not be commercially sensible if running multiple networks. We typically see a move from multiple 1Gb in a traditional environment to 10Gb in a converged, offering potentially a huge uplift in performance. This will normally include resiliency and redundancy to a much higher level.
• Minimising environmental impact: a single connection manages and operates all the systems, meaning reduced power usage and carbon footprint. Less hardware takes up less space and ensures the right amount of switch ports are available, in the right locations. Monitoring network ports, cables, connectors and components in real time with an intelligent infrastructure management system allows the network to be managed far more efficiently and optimises energy consumption.

 Are there other considerations?

Many, and this is where the design and management skills of Curve IT are paramount. These are just a few of the many considerations you will need to take into account.

• Resiliency – how to deal with power failures. We can advise on UPS or generator back-up power.
• Network resiliency – spanning tree? What support packs on hardware?
• Redundancy – internet services into and out of the building and the routes these could take. Do you need geo-diverse routings? How many 9’s in your SLA?
• Bandwidth management (WAN) – what do you need and when do you need it? What is the best model? Who is the best provider and do they have the interconnects you need?
• Bandwidth management (LAN) – what applications do your residents / team need? Should some be limited? Do you want a revenue stream?
• QoS – how, where and when?
• VLANs – who and how to manage?
• PAN – do your residents need a Personal Area Network?

The post Why should Build to Rent operators consider Converged Networks? appeared first on Curve IT.

Curve IT is a technology and communications company based in central Brighton.  Our aim is to deliver impactful IT solutions in a friendly and engaging manner.  We specialise in IT consultancy; wireless networking; managed IT services and support.  Our portfolio of clients is extensive and diverse, from the world’s tallest moving observation tower, British Airways i360, through to the residential developer, Essential Living.

We are rapidly growing company with high aspirations and are looking for people that are enthusiastic and motivated, with a flexible approach and who enjoy achieving team goals.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

Finance (70%):

• Purchase Ledger
• Sales Ledger
• Purchase Orders
• Payment of suppliers
• Reconcile the bank account
• Undertake Credit Control
• Complete quarterly VAT Returns
• Produce budgets, financial reports and forecasts
• Prepare Accounts for Year End
• Manage payroll and pension requirements
• Process employee expenses
• Manage Petty Cash
• Maintains business and office records

Purchasing (20%):

• Obtain supplier quotations
• Manage purchasing/delivery cycle

Office Management (10%):

• Keep the office super-organised
• Liaise with the New England House Building Manager on any facilities issues
• Ensure we are well stocked with office supplies including stationery and refreshments
• Manage the cleaner
• Perform any other ad hoc duties as required

Skills and Experience:

• 3 years’ experience of working in a similar role
• Excellent knowledge of Xero
• Excellent MS Excel skills
• Preferably AAT/CIMA/ACCA qualified (or studying for these exams)
• Proficient user MS Word and Outlook

Person Specification:

• A flexible ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent attention to detail and levels of accuracy
• Good time management and organisational skills, able to priorities tasks
• Able to work independently and be part of a team.

Further information:

This role reports to the Operations Manager, based in our office at New England House in central Brighton.  The role is for 20 hours per week worked over 4 – 5 days.  The salary for the role is £25,000 (pro-rata).

How to apply:

Please apply by sending your CV to jobs@curveit.com.  In your covering email, please advise us when you would be able to start.

Closing date: 31 March 2017

We politely request no contact from recruitment agencies for this role.

The post Accounts and Office Manager (part-time) – closed appeared first on Curve IT.

The timing couldn’t be better as next week, 6 – 10 March 2017, is the 10th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2017).  The week will highlight the investment and success of apprenticeships in the UK over the last decade and will continue to promote apprenticeships as a fast-track to a successful career.

Mitch has joined Curve IT after applying for a 15-month apprenticeship through 3aaa in central Brighton, a national provider of Apprenticeships in England.  Most of his time will be spent working alongside our technical support team.  He’ll also spend a total of eight weeks at the 3aaa academy, where he’ll be in a classroom environment for his theoretical learning.

For Curve IT, the opportunity to take on an apprentice enables us to employ someone who is highly motivated, eager to learn and that we can train to our specification for our growing business needs. We view apprenticeships as a valuable investment in our personnel and we know our clients will enjoy working with Mitch.  Mitch is not only interested in technology, proving this by setting up his own home network, but also has previous experience in a customer service environment.

Mitch researched the various routes into a career in IT.  There were two main options that he considered; to study for applicable entry level certifications in a classroom environment or an IT apprenticeship within an organisation.  Mitch opted for the apprenticeship as he feels it lends itself to his preferred practical and hands-on style of learning, “rather than reading through text books I can be learning as I work.  I know what I do on the course is directly applicable to the role.”

“Another reason I opted for an apprenticeship was the opportunity it gives me. If I were to study for certifications in my own time, I would end up with those qualifications but I would still be looking for the right role.  With an apprenticeship it combines the learning and the experience into one, as well as giving me a foot in the door in terms of work in the field.”

Mitch’s chosen apprenticeship is called Level 3 Trailblazer – Infrastructure Technician.  This is a combination of two Level 3 Diplomas, four BCS Certificates and an MTA, covering many different aspects of information and communications technology.

Click here for more information regarding the apprenticeship scheme.

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