North-east IT provider Converged Communication Solutions has strengthened its technical support team with the appointment of a new senior systems engineer.
Steve Suttar joins the independent, Aberdeen-based firm following 10 years working in similar in-house roles in the oil and gas industry. A graduate of The Robert Gordon University, Steve holds a BSc in Network Management and Design.
In joining Converged, which specialises in providing Internet connections, telephone systems and IT support services, he bolsters the firm’s already extensive ITIL-certified technical team. He will be responsible for providing server and IT support to the firm’s broad customer base of small and medium-sized businesses.
A skilled network administrator, Steve has first-hand experience of managing the deployment and installation of new hardware and software across large oil and gas service companies. His most recent role was with a Westhill-based subsea service provider, where he worked as a network support analyst and was the primary IT support contact for the firm’s vessels. He was also responsible for the mobilisation and de-mobilisation of IT equipment onboard the vessels.
The knowledge gained during that time will provide colleagues at Converged with a unique insight into some of the challenges faced in remotely managing IT systems that operate in harsh environments.
Steve joins Converged as it continues to invest in building one of the most extensive and robust connectivity networks in the north-east. In the past month, it has unbundled the Openreach exchange in Turriff, taking the number of Openreach exchanges in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire that the firm has equipment in to 12. The process allows Converged to provide flexible and more competitively priced Internet connections directly to its customers.
Alongside direct access to Openreach exchanges in the North-east, Converged has strategic partnerships with CityFibre and brightsolid. It also has plans to further expand its connectivity network in the coming months to Dundee and Inverness.
Neil Christie, managing director at Converged, said: “Steve’s appointment strengthens our skilled technical support team who are all ITIL-certified. He brings direct experience of remotely managing important IT systems that operate in an offshore environment and the challenges that this can bring. This can help to shape our own service delivery.
“From our inception in 2005, our goal at Converged has always been to provide a single point of contact to customers that can take care of telephony, Internet and IT support. As such, we have prided ourselves on having a larger proportion of our workforce delivering IT support than working in any other part of our business. Meaning we have, and continue to, put the needs of our customers first, ensuring any IT issues they have are addressed swiftly by a skilled, locally-based team. Steve’s appointment underlines this commitment.”
Converged Communication Solutions is an independent, Aberdeen-based IT support, telephony and Internet service provider. Established in 2005, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a fully integrated communications company with around 30 staff, which includes a strong technical support team. The firm provides businesses across the north-east with a single and accountable service for their telephony, Internet and networking requirements. Converged is an official partner of CityFibre’s Aberdeen project which has brought a Gigabit speed fibre network to the city. More information about Converged Communication Solutions is available at www.converged.co.uk or by telephoning 01224 656380.