Creating a network infrastructure capable of supporting a multi-billion-pound software company through M&As
About IRIS Software Group
Founded in 1978, IRIS Software Group has evolved into an industry-leading supplier of business-critical software solutions for organisations in accountancy, payroll, human resources and education sectors. It has over 100,000 customers across 135 countries. More than six million employees receive their payslip through IRIS software every month, and over four million parents use its software to connect with their child’s school.
“As a business, we’ve grown significantly in recent times. As a senior leadership team, we recognised the need to modernise our IT infrastructure to keep up with demand and achieve our future objectives. Principle Networks enabled us to deliver a first-class user experience without compromising performance.”
Natalie Collins, IT Director at IRIS Software Group
Since FY14, IRIS Software Group has embarked on an ambitious growth strategy, with a mission to acquire best in breed automation and integration technologies. In this time, it has acquired 42 global businesses through organic development and acquisitions.
In December 2023, IRIS executed one of Europe’s largest software buyouts, securing an Enterprise Value (EV) of approximately £3.15/ $4 billion from Los Angeles-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners (LGP) alongside Hg Capital (2004) and Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) (2018).
To help IRIS with its ambitious organic and inorganic growth goals, Principle Networks was tasked with designing a network that was fit for purpose and capable of supporting a multi-billion-pound business.
The Challenge
IRIS has become a global business. As it grew through mergers and acquisitions, it needed a simple implementation process to onboard new global office locations while maintaining its same high-quality user experience and IT infrastructure. IRIS Software Group selected Principle Networks because it offered skilled experts and resources that could help manage a network of its size, especially one that is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. IRIS required a collaborative partnership and agile and dynamic platform for streamlined management of its entire estate.
“We were aware of the size of the problem. Transitioning from legacy systems to the cloud required the support of an expert partner. Principle Networks understood our challenges and the direction we wanted to go. Their guidance was invaluable.
Richard Peel, IT Design and Implementation Manager at IRIS Software Group
The Method
Modernising IRIS’ digital infrastructure was viewed as integral to the organisation’s long-term strategy, so the decision was taken to cease its relationship with the current service provider and bring the management of IT services back in-house. Designing and building a new network architecture would ensure seamless connectivity between global offices and improve the user experience of thousands of customers.
Once Principle Networks understood IRIS’ requirements, members from both teams attended an architecture workshop to agree on the design of the new network infrastructure. Principle Networks used the information from this session to suggest which technology solutions best fit IRIS’ objectives and created a detailed plan for the implementation process.
Principle Networks recommended replacing the existing MPLS network with an internet-based Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) architecture, which would aid the transition to SaaS and Microsoft Azure cloud environments. It would also improve service delivery, reduce downtime and optimise network performance for end users.
This approach would remove the issue of legacy technology and deliver an efficient, cost-effective and scalable network, allowing new acquisitions to be on-boarded quickly and easily.
IRIS opted for Principle Networks' co-managed offering as it allowed them to retain control of their network while benefiting from the skills and expertise of an agile IT partner. This approach gave IRIS the freedom to mix and match solutions and create a private network bespoke to their needs, rather than being restricted by a fixed package. Ultimately, it enabled IRIS to be flexible when selecting the right digital services for them.
“Principle Networks offered us something different. Their co-managed approach is a game-changer. It gives us so much more freedom and control over our network. It enabled us to design and implement a bespoke solution tailored to our objectives.”
Natalie Collins, IT Director at IRIS Software Group
Key results.
Following the implementation of the new network infrastructure IRIS saw a significant reduction in downtime and costs related to maintaining legacy technology.
Moreover, moving to a co-managed model gave IRIS more autonomy over its network as well as the security of an experienced IT partner and 24-hour service desk support.
Principle Networks’ approach was crucial in accelerating the onboarding process for new acquisitions and moving systems into a cloud environment.
“It was a big decision to redesign our network infrastructure, but we’re reaping the benefits. There’s been a significant reduction in downtime and spending on legacy technology. We have an agile, scalable network that enhances the end-user experience.”
“It was a big decision to redesign our network infrastructure, but we’re reaping the benefits. There’s been a significant reduction in downtime and spending on legacy technology. We have an agile, scalable network that enhances the end-user experience.”
Richard Peel, IT Design and Implementation Manager at IRIS Software Group
Guided by process.
Discover
Our customer journey begins with a deep understanding of your business strategy, challenges and goals. We assess if our value proposition matches your requirements, outlining how we can guide your transformation.
Define
Next, we run interactive Architecture Workshops to explore possibilities. We shape adaptive plans leveraging leading modern architectures like SD-WAN and Zero Trust. Our aim is for you to feel informed and excited by the personalised value we can jointly deliver.
Design
With your feedback, our experts refine detailed solutions using open cloud platforms/tools to meet your needs. Through an iterative, agile design process, we create optimal architectures focused on scalability and security. You'll gain confidence we're building a future-ready platform that drives your success.
Validate
Before finalising, we validate the solution matches your priorities via a Checkpoint review. By aligning on desired business outcomes and target technology state, we ensure your needs are addressed.
Output
The output is your transformed, co-managed open architecture and roadmap, tailored to current and future objectives. With flexibility to adapt as your priorities evolve, you gain an agile infrastructure that empowers your business now and in the future.
