UNLOCKING SUSTAINABILITY IN IT Chris Giannone
We had the pleasure of introducing Chris Giannone, our Sustainable IT Manager here at Storm. With a career spanning 16 years within the company, Chris’ journey has been nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we delve into his progression and explore Storm’s remarkable Sustainable IT programme.
Chris started his Storm odyssey as a
Field Service Engineer in London, where he spearheaded a monitor rollout project. His dedication and knack for leadership soon led him to the Configuration Centre, and within a year, he was managing a team that grew from three to twelve members. Chris then transitioned into senior project management, handling infrastructure rollouts across Europe for our prominent clients. His journey continued with a role as the Head of Public Sector, and most recently, he stepped into the role of Sustainable IT Manager. Storm’s Sustainable IT programme is all about extending the life of existing IT equipment.
Instead of buying new devices at the end of lease terms or operational life, clients can opt for our programme. This initiative involves sending devices for refurbishment, reimaging, and cleaning, after which they join our pool stock. This approach not only reduces costs but also aligns with sustainability goals. The programme boasts four main components. The One Portal is a customer-facing web app where clients can manage stock levels, place orders, and coordinate collections and returns. This empowers clients to maintain control over asset returns. Once a request is initiated, it moves into Storm’s internal ticketing system, triggering the collections team to arrange device pickup, keeping clients informed throughout the process. Devices are then processed by the Project Ops team, assessed for repairs, cleaned, imaged, and graded before entering stock. Dispatch takes over for final delivery to the end-user. The Sustainable IT programme yields numerous benefits. It aids clients in meeting sustainability goals, extends the lifespan of existing equipment, offers better ROI, and streamlines administrative work during staff departures. By extending the life of existing equipment, the programme enables clients to engage in strategic discussions with Storm’s account managers and Solutions team. This prevents hasty investments in new equipment and allows for careful planning, says Chris. Storm’s vision for the programme is simplicity. While each client is unique, the underlying requirements are often similar.
Simplification facilitates scalability in terms of staffing and physical resources. Chris’ diverse experience within Storm enables him to understand the programme’s processes comprehensively. He excels in technical aspects and can effectively present solutions to clients. Storm has exciting plans on the horizon, with the introduction of “Storm Blackout.” This in-house software will securely erase all data on devices received through the Sustainable IT programme, ensuring GDPR compliance and customer peace of mind. In closing, Chris Giannone’s trajectory at Storm is a testament to his and Storm’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. We look forward to seeing the continued success of the Sustainable IT program under his leadership.
A MESSAGE TO YOUNG CHRIS
If given the opportunity to visit his younger self on his first day at Storm, Chris would advise embracing diverse roles within the organization. His varied experiences have proven invaluable in his journey.