Aberdeen’s lifeline charity prepares for disaster

Published:   19th Apr 2011, 10:27

Essential services that are relied on by Aberdeen’s most vulnerable people have been given hi-tech protection by locally-based IT and software firm, tycom.

Software specialists tycom have delivered an integrated IT infrastructure for VSA (formerly the Voluntary Service Aberdeen) to keep the charitable organisation running in the event of a major computer systems failure. Alistair Findlater, managing director of Tycom, said:

“Six hundred staff work for VSA at 22 different locations across the city and wider Aberdeenshire. We have provided a system that ensures vital work by the charity is able to continue should a disaster or major data loss occur.”

VSA helps disadvantaged and vulnerable people of all ages in Aberdeenshire – working with associated charities including the Aberdeen Children’s Society, AgeCare Aberdeen, Easter Anguston Farm Training Centre, Linn Muir School, Richmondhill House and the St. Aubin’s Project, which cares for and supports those with mental health problems. Kenneth Simpson, chief executive of VSA, said:

“VSA is committed to providing the highest levels of social care. We have hundreds of dedicated staff and volunteers in Aberdeen and further a field that depend on the availability and security of our IT systems.”

A recent survey by tycom found that over a third (36%) of businesses in the UK have no disaster recovery strategy in place. Only 27% of firms said they were confident in their ability to continue operating in the event of a disaster. Findlater adds:

“Disaster recovery is vital in any organisation, especially one like VSA which delivers such essential services. We have worked closely with VSA for over two decades to develop an IT solution that supports their strategic vision and future growth.”