“Previously, everything was stored on individual computers, files were sent by email, and it was just chaotic.”
When PHM Group was still Porvoon Huoltomiehet, a few computers and an internet connection were sufficient. Then Intera Partners joined the company, and the group began to expand. “At that point, we realised the entire IT infrastructure needed modernising, and we started considering who could be a reliable partner to handle this work,” says PHM Group’s CFO, Petri Pellonmaa.
“Tietokeskus was chosen as our partner for essentially three reasons. Firstly, we wanted a partner that wasn’t too large, but agile enough. Secondly, we wanted a provider with a national network, as PHM Group has subsidiaries across Finland. Ultimately, both the references and the trust established in our meeting confirmed that Tietokeskus could handle the modernisation,” Pellonmaa explains.
By modernising its IT infrastructure, PHM Group now has access to numerous tools that simplify daily work. “The biggest benefit is certainly improved communication. We can share information and files directly from the cloud and have discussions more efficiently. Previously, everything was stored on computers and files moved by email, which was really inefficient,” Pellonmaa recalls.
Cloud-based device management and Microsoft Autopilot
The IT infrastructure renewal began at the parent company in Porvoo, where device lifecycle services, Microsoft 365 services to facilitate work, and support services to secure daily operations were all implemented.. Tietokeskus built the new infrastructure from scratch so PHM Group could use all the necessary tools and services.
“Because we didn’t have the burden of the old infrastructure, we were able to adopt the latest technologies quickly. I trust Tietokeskus’ expertise to find the best solutions for us.”
– Petri Pellonmaa, CFO, PHM Group
The infrastructure is particularly modern because PHM Group was among the first in Finland to adopt cloud-based device management services.
“Cloud-based device management has been hyped for a while, but now it’s time to implement concrete projects and full-service management for our clients’ devices. The latest product, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, includes device management, analysis, and installations,” says Tietokeskus’ Customer Director, Ari Kaikkonen.
PHM Group chose Intune and Autopilot from the device management offerings. “Intune allows software distribution, security and software updates, and the ability to locate and, if necessary, lock lost devices. Autopilot, in my opinion, is one of the best aspects of Microsoft’s cloud, Azure. With Autopilot, devices no longer need traditional pre-configuration before delivery. Modern setup happens when an employee logs in to the device for the first time,” Kaikkonen explains.
Starting in Porvoo, expanding across Finland
The renewal is now complete at the Porvoo office, and daily operations are gradually stabilising. “In IT, there is always something new to develop. When a client has a need or an idea, it is agreed upon and implemented,” says Kaikkonen. “Exactly,” Pellonmaa confirms, continuing, “I am really pleased with Tietokeskus’ service readiness. If any challenges arise, they always handle it.”
Together, the focus is already on the future. “We hope that as many subsidiaries as possible can start using these tools next year. We want the same ease of communication across the entire group, and we are working with Tietokeskus to achieve that,” Pellonmaa concludes.
