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Business & Economy

Technology firm Advantex scores with Sunderland AFC contract

A technology firm has partnered with one of the region’s professional football clubs to enhance its technology and communications networks.

Advantex is working with Sunderland AFC.

The Gateshead-based business has refreshed the Black Cats’ existing technology and created a communications solution that interconnects the entire club – from the ticket office and club shop, to the Academy of Light and Stadium of Light.

The partnership has also seen Advantex introduce a multiple-server-based solution alongside Mitel’s virtual software to efficiently install a high-availability solution that connects the entire football club with no disruption or downtime.

Bosses say it means the club now benefits from a 24/7 supported and reliable phone system, which allows exceptional communication across numerous club sites, with a full disaster recovery solution also in place to ensure the club remains operational, even in an outage.

Steve O’Connell, Advantex sales and marketing director, said: “The partnership is one we are particularly proud of as a business, and adding such a local brand that is steeped in history to our list of partners is fantastic.

“Having the chance to showcase some of the most innovative technology on the market is always great, but to do it with Sunderland AFC is brilliant.”

Roger Whitehill, the club’s business manager accountant, added: “How we perform off the pitch is equally as important to us as to how we perform on it, and Advantex helps us to ensure we always deliver innovative solutions to help us succeed.”

Advantex’s partnership with the club is one of many recent wins for the firm, which has just celebrated its 17th anniversary and employs almost 60 people at its Gateshead head office.

The company is a Cisco Premier, Microsoft and Mitel Silver accredited partner, and works with some of the UK’s biggest and best-known brands, boasting a client list that includes Rockliffe Hall, Newcastle International Airport, Hitachi Rail Europe and END Clothing.