Edward Drummond & Co is a global market insight, leadership advisory and executive search business with offices in Bristol and London.
For more than 15 years, Edward Drummond & Co has worked with Chorus as its outsourced IT partner.
Case Study
Edward Drummond & Co relies on Chorus for managed IT and security services
With a lean internal technology function, Edward Drummond works closely with Chorus as its outsourced IT partner, relying on Chorus for day-to-day IT support, technology guidance and ongoing IT and cyber security management.
Challenges
- Maintaining access to specialist IT expertise without building a large in-house IT function
- Supporting an increasingly cloud-first and flexible way of working
- Keeping systems secure, modern and reliable as the business evolves
- Continually improving technology without disruptive, large-scale transformation projects
Solutions
- Fully managed IT support from Chorus
- Microsoft 365 cloud services and device management
- 24/7 managed SOC services with MXDR
- Ongoing security and modern workplace improvements, including Windows Autopilot, Windows Hello for Business and Conditional Access
- Azure infrastructure support
Outcomes
- Access to an experienced outsourced IT team and Service Desk
- A modern cloud-based Microsoft environment
- Ongoing adoption of Microsoft security best practices
- Reduced need for large-scale IT modernisation projects
- IT and security services managed through a single partner
Edward Drummond & Co.Over the years, Chorus has become a trusted extension of our team. They are responsive, approachable and always on hand when we need them, whether that is helping with a day-to-day issue or advising us on a wider technology decision. Having worked together for so long, they understand our business and the way we operate, which means the advice we receive is practical and relevant to us.
An outsourced IT team for the long term
Edward Drummond & Co partnered with Chorus as an extension of its team, providing day-to-day IT support, strategic guidance and ongoing technology management.
Over the years, the relationship has evolved alongside the business. As a Microsoft-focused MSP and Microsoft Solutions Partner, Chorus has been able to advise Edward Drummond on new Microsoft technologies and security capabilities that have become available, supporting adoption and helping implement improvements that support the firm’s way of working.
This long-term partnership has enabled Edward Drummond & Co to focus on its core business, while drawing on specialist IT and cyber security expertise whenever needed.
Moving early to the Microsoft cloud
In the years where cloud was only just beginning to gain traction with businesses, Edward Drummond recognised the benefits early and became one of Chorus’ first Microsoft 365 adopters. By taking advantage of a cloud-based approach early, the organisation established a technology foundation that has remained straightforward to support and maintain over time.
Rather than needing large-scale modernisation projects years later, Edward Drummond & Co has been able to focus on incremental improvements, building on the strong cloud foundation established early in its technology journey.
Since then, Chorus has helped Edward Drummond & Co keep improving its Microsoft environment through focused work on device management, identity, authentication, security hardening and more, across projects such as:
- Windows Autopilot for more consistent device setup and management.
- Windows Hello for Business, Single Sign-On and Conditional Access policies to support secure access.
- Broader Microsoft security technologies to help the business keep pace with cyber security and compliance requirements.
- Azure-based initiatives where specialist infrastructure support was needed.
Adding managed security services
As cyber security has become a greater priority for organisations of every size, Edward Drummond & Co expanded its services with Chorus to include 24/7 managed security services and MXDR.
As Chorus operates as both an MSP and MSSP, Edward Drummond has access to both an IT Service Desk and Security Operations Centre (SOC) through a single provider. By combining managed IT and cyber security services, the business benefits from specialist expertise without the cost and complexity of building internal IT or security teams.
Alongside managed extended detection and response services, Chorus’s consultants have continued to help the organisation strengthen its security posture through ongoing IT security initiatives and improvements.
“Having Chorus support both our day-to-day IT and our cyber security requirements gives us confidence that the two are being considered together rather than in isolation. We have one partner who understands our environment, our business and our priorities, with access to specialist expertise when we need it. That joined-up approach is particularly valuable to us.”Partner at Edward Drummond & Co.
Keeping Edward Drummond ahead of the curve
One reason the relationship between Edward Drummond & Co and Chorus has lasted for so many years is a shared focus on long-term thinking.
As Edward Drummond & Co has grown and technology has evolved, Chorus has provided ongoing advice around Microsoft technologies, security improvements and new ways of working. Rather than introducing change for its own sake, the focus has been on recommendations that align with the firm’s requirements and can deliver a clear benefit.
Edward Drummond & Co takes a considered and proactive approach to technology investment, adopting new capabilities when they support the business and reviewing opportunities to improve security, productivity and operational efficiency. This approach has helped the organisation keep pace with changes in technology without the disruption that often comes with large-scale IT transformation programmes.
Over time, that collaborative approach has enabled new services and improvements to be introduced in a measured way, from Microsoft 365 and modern device management through to managed security monitoring and response.
Looking forward
As a global market insight, leadership advisory and executive search business, Edward Drummond depends on secure access to business-critical information and dependable technology. With Chorus providing managed IT and security services, the firm is well placed to continue evolving its use of Microsoft technologies while remaining focused on its wider business objectives.
Edward Drummond & Co.The relationship works because there is a real sense of partnership. Chorus understands that our technology needs to support the business rather than drive unnecessary change, and their advice is always grounded in what will genuinely add value. There is an openness and pragmatism to the way we work together, which has allowed the relationship to evolve naturally as both our business and technology have changed.