Inverness Caley Thistle tie up first IT partnership with leading Scottish firm Converged – with supporters set to benefit
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club has struck up its first information technology and cyber security partnership with a fast-growing Scottish firm.
The Scottish Championship outfit joined forces with Converged Communications Solutions, which has offices in Aberdeen and Inverness.
The deal will allow the club to upgrade its IT systems and invest in technology to improve digital engagement with fans.
Since last autumn, Converged has supported Caley Thistle’s investment in new laptops and other computer hardware at the Caledonian Stadium.
The independent IT firm has also managed the club’s transition to Office 365, installed new data back-up systems and firewall solutions, while controlling the migration and management of the club’s data to secure cloud-based systems.
In the longer-term, Converged will assist the club with ongoing IT support and desktop device management, the servicing of on-site infrastructure, software licensing and maintaining effective cyber security measures.
The partnership will also see Converged deliver cyber security training sessions to Caley Thistle’s staff and players.
The aim is to heighten awareness of different types of cyber threats and demonstrate the steps individuals can take to better protect themselves and their employer when online.
The club says the investment in strengthening its systems and technologies to make them more efficient and secure will also enhance remote working facilities for its employees.
It has also put in place infrastructure for boosting interaction with supporters.
Scot Gardiner, the club’s chief executive, said: “We have been very impressed with the seamless installation of the new systems by Converged and the ease with which staff have transitioned over to them.
“This is very much an investment for the future. It ensures the club has robust infrastructure and hardware in place as we embrace further digitalisation to enrich how we engage and communicate with Caley Jags fans around the world.
“Creating long-term partnerships with established businesses such as Converged is important to ICTFC as their knowledge and insight is hugely beneficial.
“Cyber security has the potential to affect us all, either in our home or work environments, so for Converged to deliver cyber security training to our team is very valuable.”
Caley Thistle used a share of cash donated to Scottish football by Scottish philanthropist James Anderson to fund the new investment.
Neil Christie, managing director of Converged, said: “The past year has underlined the need for all organisations to have up-to-date, robust, efficient and secure IT systems in place, which can support their future growth.
“As a business, we are committed to doing that, which is demonstrated in our partnership with ICTFC.
“Working with ICTFC underlines the commitment to the Highland capital and wider region that we first made in 2018 when we opened our office in the city.
“I know our Inverness-based team is excited to be working with the Caley Thistle team.
“Having assisted the club in laying technical foundations on which its short and long-term digital ambitions to enhance the fan experience can be built, we look forward to supporting them in bringing those to life.”
Aberdeen headquartered Converged was established in 2005 and has grown from a two-man operation into a fully-integrated communications company employing around 30 staff, including a technical support team.
The firm provides organisations across Scotland with a single and accountable service for their telephony, internet, networking and cyber security requirements.
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