ICT consultancy services
IS strategy
We excel in the provision of strategic advice relating to the optimum use of information. Our consultants are able to plan and manage the evolving interrelationship between business and IS strategy, particularly in relation to defining the impact of new technology on a business. This includes identifying new markets and delivery channels, as well as the most appropriate delivery technologies. By retaining a clear focus on pragmatic implementation, we are able to develop realistic and workable strategies, and to manage the ensuing business, technology, and organisational change. An IS strategy needs to be aligned closely with a number of key issues. This includes the organisational business strategy; the organisation’s ability to adapt and change and the ability to implement a strategy. Our experience focuses on delivering a pragmatic solution that can be delivered, and is bought into by the key stakeholders, a key trait of any successful strategy.
IT architecture
Methods Consulting specialises in the design and assurance of corporate level IS architectures, for major business units and corporate entities. Essential traits of any architecture are the ability to adapt and enable change for the future in both business and technology.
We use a number of principles to inform our thinking including using SOA and TOGAF principles, ‘n’-tier and components architectures. Many of the architectural environments are realised using a J2EE-based model. With eight years corporate level experience of designing integrated architectures for major clients with typically a 20 to 30 year technical legacy, we have the breadth and depth of experience to understand the main issues in transition, rationalisation and wrappering to ensure continuity of service. We have been involved in rationalising some of the largest and most complex environments in the UK public sector.
E-business consultancy
Methods Consulting has proven experience in the design, management and implementation of transformation programmes using e-enabled business models to manage transactions and content / information exchange.
We are able to manage the integration of a wide range of e-business applications within a well-defined information model and robust architecture – delivered through portals and direct system to system (B2G) interfaces. We have used a number of innovative approaches to delivering take-up to meet government targets, and also have managed, designed and delivered one of the largest public sector websites in the UK, namely the NHS Jobs site (www.jobs.nhs.uk). This recently one a major award as the best recruitment site in the UK and regularly has more than one million hits in a month. We also have delivered the HM Revenue and Customs B2G concept which has enabled system to system integration using XML for bulk upload of VAT returns.
IT security consultancy
Methods Consulting provides a complete IT security consultancy service, ensuring clients’ compliance with the government and departmental security guidelines.
We design, implement and audit IT security policies and frameworks, conduct IT risk analysis in accordance with CRAMM principles, and conduct BS7799 certification. We are registered with CESG and regularly provide CLAS consultants to public sector clients. Methods’ specialist partners for the provision of security services are MWR Infosecurity, IPMarketing, and Consult Hyperion. Together we are able to provide a comprehensive security service to the vast majority of clients in the public sector. We work on the specification, delivery and assurance for highly secure systems.
Application design consultancy
Methods Consulting provides business modelling, requirements specification, logical and physical design of applications – for both turnkey delivery projects, as well as pre-build specifications for 3rd party delivery.
We have particular experience in iterative requirements modelling using UML, based around RAD / RUP / DSDM and JAD lifecycles. We design software architectures, as well as support services architectures, system and user interfaces, and systems security and controls in support of non-functional requirements. Methods is involved in major IS and application service provision specification, ranging from small web based applications for NHS trust through to major national applications. Currently we are involved in one of the largest discrete application development projects worth over £200Million, where we are using an adapted RUP approach to elicit requirements using a joint client / Methods team for subsequent procurement.
Emerging technology consultancy
As an independent consulting organisation, Methods Consulting frequently provides impartial advice on the strategic opportunities and organisational implications of new and emerging technologies, assisting with their subsequent scoping, procurement and implementation focused on ensuring that real business benefit is achieved.
Areas of expertise include service-oriented architectures (SOA), mobile working and leading-edge telematics, and advanced ‘social software’ technologies and techniques. We also work with a number of specialists who have leading edge experience in areas such as contactless cards, RFID and biometrics as examples. We are working with a number of departments on the adoption of these new technologies to assist with areas including fraud reduction, access management and identity management.
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