The FCX Cloud Summit

A modern way of approaching digital transformation projects, based upon tried and true processes
and decades of experience.

The FCX Cloud Summit

What is the FCX Cloud Summit?

The FCX Cloud Summit is a program whereby companies receive expert support and guidance during complex internal technology decision making processes. The program comprises of a set of methods designed so teams can select, implement and start using the most suitable cloud, network services and IT technology types for their organizations. The objective of the program is to find a match-up for organizations with the right providers to reach their business objectives as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The purpose of this program is so organizations can gain clarity and assurance around making the right choice.

There are 8 FCX Cloud Summits. Each Summit represents a modern IT stack which every business in the US needs to masterfully implement and work with in order to stay relevant within the modern business landscape and remain competitive.

By leveraging the FCX Cloud Summit Framework, businesses in the US can eliminate arduous effort and unnecessary cost that can wreak havoc on complex internal decisions making processes. They can gain clarity and reassurance around the right investment decisions, streamline existing stacks and leverage revolutionary innovations like AI. They also stand to reduce the risk of breaches and data loss by optimizing their cyber security posture through leveraging this program.

What's included with the FCX Cloud Summit Process?

Digital transformation steps to meet deadlines

Keeping cloud projects moving forward is essential. In order for organizations to meet their digital transformation deadlines, it’s imperative the technology selection and implementation process includes the following aspects:

1) A space for discussion and orderly process leadership

2) Documentation

3) Communications and consensus among all stakeholders

4) A clear method to go from concept to implementation

When an organization chooses FCX as their cloud consultant and value added reseller, these elements become part of the cloud journey process.

Tools and documentation included:

To get a general idea of the efficiencies organizations can achieve when engaging an FCX consultant, use this calculator.

The executive team can use the data obtained to get an estimate around how much budget can be reinvested and reallocated into a stack which can benefit from a refresh.

Outlines the program FCX  offers to ensure teams can reach their next cloud summit as quickly as possible.

Upon engagement, FCX  discusses this framework with the executive team and creates actionable followup points and documentation.

Aid or documenting important metrics such as KPIs and revenue

To obtain an apples-to-apples comparison of the 3 most suitable providers capable this ROI calculator is used.

The executive team can choose to complete the form internally or engage the FCX consultant to assist with completion. 

This TCO calculator has proven to be helpful in gaining further clarity around comparing the 3 most suitable solutions.

The executive team can choose to complete the form internally or engage the FCX consultant to assist with completion.

To match up requirements with deliverables, this document assist with assigning scores to each solution under review.

The executive team can either complete the form themselves or enlist their FCX consultant to help finish it and gain further clarity.

attempt 1 booklet

Carving out a path with aid of a cloud consultant Booklet.

Why work with a Cloud Consultant if I can shop online? Gartner reports why.

In 2023, Gartner has reported that complex cloud decision making processes now involve 6-10 decision makers and can take up to 18 months.

FCX estimates that with the changing cyber security and cloud service space and the AI boom this process may become even more complex. This make partnering with an expert cloud consultancy or technology advisory firm a necessary step in ensuring a favorable outcome. And many business do so; for statistics and benefits of a consultant read our blog here.

What firm to pick? While all firms can assist with analytics, recommendation, purchasing process and many can provide ongoing help desk support after implementation, few are dedicated to work with the uncertainty and stresses the business owner or executive face to navigate the planning and decision process.

But with online shopping on the rise, isn’t it easier to just go to a site and purchase all technology there? In this booklet Iris Lentjes explains why this is not recommends and provides 9 actionable tips to make the process a success.

How Does the FCX Cloud Summit Process Work?

 From Idea to Peak – A Flow Chart

Group of business people meeting and discussing strategy planningThe actual steps from idea to implementation are repeatable. Your team however might not have taken them recently, or maybe your team was recently formed and support can be helpful. Use this flow chart as a reference or even a form of checklist to work through the procurement and implementation process with ease.

In an era where online shopping is the norm, FCX still provides old fashioned, classic on premise support.

Upon on-boarding, your team will be assigned an implementation project manager who will work with you personally to ensure all details, large and small are attended to. For example, FCX has been providing white glove UCaaS and CCaaS implementation Service since inception, which means the following:

  • Your New York based personal implementation project manager meets with you in person or virtually. This to discuss programming ideas and requirements.  As a result, he/ she may test out different hardware features for you or create test flows for you to see if the envisioned idea with work;
  • The same  implementation project manager oversees all your sites (nationwide) to install all service components. This includes phones or reprogramming of phones, installing applications etc. He/she will also integrates your overhead paging system for you;
  • The implementation project manager trains all staff personally. This can be in group format or individually. Only when each team member has  acknowledged  they understand how their UCaaS or CCaaS environment works, the project will be concluded.
This level of personalized service can be extrapolated to and is  applied to all other cloud, telecom, network services and IT projects FCX will be involved with and will bring to your organization.

Onsite technical training greyFCX we argue in favor of partnering with a local boutique firm. The team is in tune with what users in our geographical area tend to prefer and how to overcome common challenges within this metro area.

The local market to FCX is the NY metro area, spanning NY up to Westchester County, all counties on Long Island, all counties in NJ and all  counties in CT. FCX does serve the nation and global accounts as well.

Flow Chart Idea to Peak

From Idea to Peak -A Flow Chart is a document which shows the actual steps FCX takes with teams to get to the technology implementation they are looking for while experiencing the benefits of structured consulting and service delivery.

Case Studies

Budget-Friendly Cloud Migration for the Healthcare Setting:
A Medical Office Case Study
case 2 facing left-Current View

A corporate case study about a medical office with 15 staff located in Elmhurst, New York, highlights how the organization was able to off-set their  investment through labor cost savings  as a result of implementation of 4 different types of cloud and network services technologies.

Reallocating IT staff man hours by increasing efficiency:
A Beverage Manufacturer Case Study
case 1 right

A corporate case study about a beverage manufacturer with 175 staff spread over 5 locations in New York and New Jersey, highlights how the business was able to free up 30% of IT man-hours by implementing hybrid cloud infrastructure, managed security, DaaS and IoT.

Choose The Plan That's Right For You

  • Project includes up to 3 different types technology assets billed  by the provider as a separate solution
  • In-take Zoom meeting
  • Project discussion and options – Basic Framework 2
  • Proposal by up to 3 providers
  • Basic project support- monitoring of carrier emails and intervention in case deadlines are not met
  • 2 bill reviews

$500/Project

Team plan includes
  • Project includes up to 5 different types of technology assets billed  by the provider as a separate solution
  • In-take Zoom meeting
  • Cloud Summit Framework support- remote only
  • Proposal by up to 3 providers
  • Full project support- FCX help desk acts on behalf of client
  • 2 bill reviews
  • Helpdesk support for up to 6 months after project completion
  • Pricing depends upon amount of technology asset types and amount of end points
  • In-take Zoom meeting
  • Cloud Summit Framework support- on-site and remote
  • Proposal by up to 3 providers
  • Full project support- FCX help desk acts on behalf of client
  • Unlimited bill reviews for up to 1 year
  • Helpdesk support for the life of the account
Enterprise plan includes
  • Pricing depends upon amount of technology asset types and amount of end points
  • In-take Zoom meeting
  • Cloud Summit Framework support- on-site and remote
  • Proposal by up to 6 providers
  • Full project support- FCX help desk acts on behalf of client
  • Unlimited bill reviews and add-on support for the life of the account
  • Helpdesk support for the life of the account
  • 10 free dispatches during the life of the account

Compare FCX Cloud Summit features side-by-side

Legend PROFESSIONAL TEAM VENTURE ENTERPRISE
V -> Included with Plan  
X -> Excluded from Plan
FREE
$500 / One Time
Starting at $1,750 / Project
Starting at $12,500/ Project

 

Different types of technology assets (billed by the provider as a separate solution)
3
5
Flexible
Flexible
In-take Zoom Meeting Included?
V
V
V
V
Cloud Summit Framework Support Level?
Basic Framework 2
Any of the 4 frameworks - remote guidance, coaching and meeting support via Zoom
Any of the 4 frameworks - remote and on-site guidance, coaching and meeting support via Zoom
Any of the 4 frameworks - remote and on-site guidance, coaching and meeting support via Zoom
Amount of Provider Proposal and Pricing Negotiation Included
Up to 3
Up to 3 per project
Up to 3 per project
Up to 6 per project
Project Support Level and Involvement
Basic project support- monitoring of carrier emails and intervention in case deadlines are not met
Full project support- FCX help desk acts on behalf of client
Full project support- FCX help desk acts on behalf of client
Full project support- FCX help desk acts on behalf of client
Post Implementation Bill Review Included
2 per asset (up to 6 bill reviews)
2 per asset (up to 10 bill reviews)
Unlimited bill reviews for up to to 1 year
Unlimited bill reviews and add-on support for the life of the account
Helpdesk support included for assets part of the project
X
Helpdesk support for up to 6 months after project completion of each asset - after 6 months can enroll for paid FCX Level 2 Service Support
Helpdesk support for the life of the account.
Helpdesk support for the life of the account. 10 free FCX dispatches during the life of the account.
Frequently Asked Questions

    Will I be charged for the Professional Plan at any time?

    No, you will not. This plan is completely free of charge.

    What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover credit cards and and PayPal, and for Team, Venture and Enterprise plans, we can invoice you. Invoices can be paid by credit card, check, wire, or ACH.

    How will you determine the cost of my project and will I get an estimate upfront?

    An intake is part of the project process – after this has been completed you will receive a quote for the project. This is a fixed cost and once agreed upon will not alter, even if more work is required than estimated upfront.

    What happens after my project has been concluded?

    Your team will receive a project completion confirmation email. After this, the FCX Level 2 Service Support Plan will take effect. Pricing for this plan varies from free up to $7,500 per month, depending upon the assets we manage for you.

    Does Firstlight Cloud Xchange offer discounts for nonprofit organizations?

    Yes, we offer a discounted rate for nonprofits on our Professional or Team plans. See if your organization qualifies by applying.

Reallocation of Budget Strategies

As businesses continue to prioritize cloud migration initiatives, it is important to consider how to free up budget for such projects.  The FCX consulting team  has put together two data sheets which provide suggestions for how to reallocate funds within the IT budget to finance this. We invite you to take a look and discover how these solutions are designed to benefit your organization.

5 Ideas For freeing up IT budget to Cover
Cyber Security Expenses
flyer hardware2-Current View
Hardware Recycling: Recycle Your Old Electronics
& Get Cash-In Refunds With FCX
flyer hardware-Current View

What are the 8 Cloud Summits?

Summit 1 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • OPTIMIZE  SCALABILITY & FLEXIBILITY OF SOFTWARE - MIGRATE TO CLOUD
  • NEED TO LEVERAGE AI TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
  • CONTROL SHADOW AI USE
  • CONSOLIDATE & STREAMLINE SOFTWARE STACKS
  • AUTOMATE MORE - DO MORE WITH LESS
SOLUTION: Scale  Summit 1: Get up to date with Cloud-based Software & AI
FCX provides cutting-edge software services that can help businesses in the US stay competitive in the ever-changing marketplace. In addition, with our AI-enabled products, businesses will be able to access the most up to date technology and gain a competitive edge. The benefits of AI include faster decision making, more accurate results, and increased efficiency. Purchasing and using AI can be done quickly and seamlessly, allowing businesses to quickly start taking advantage of this powerful technology.

Summit 2 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • LACKING CLARITY; WHICH LAYERS OF PROTECTION ARE IN PLACE? WHICH ONES ARE MISSING?
  • NEED MORE PROTECTION;  MORE ENDPOINTS IN PLACE AS A RESULT OF HYBRID WORK
  • FEAR OF STAFF ERROR - CLICKING ON THE WRONG EMAIL LINK CAN INCURS A BREACH
  • BIG REQUIREMENTS ON A SMALL BUDGET
  • NEED FOR CYBER INSURANCE
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 2: Implement Multi-layered and Cutting Edge Cyber Security
It's prudent for businesses and organizations to layer on more cyber security. Doing so can help protect data and assets from malicious actors. A great way to start this process is by running a cyber security assessment. This type of analysis will gather data on weaknesses within the current systems, vulnerabilities, possible threats, and other identified issues. This will provide insight and determine which additional measures/solutions are needed to adequately protect the business/organization. With the right combination of layered security solutions, businesses will have increased protection and improved situational awareness. In summary, running a cyber security assessment is an effective starting point that can help ensure the added cyber security measures are comprehensive and effective.

Summit 3 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • NEED TO LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS. NO LONGER WISH TO HOUSE A SERVER ON PREMISES
  • HAVE VARIOUS SERVERS IN THE CLOUD AND NOW ARE LOOKING TO SCALE AND OPTIMIZE
  • LOOKING FOR MORE SECURITY,  BACK-UP AND GEO DIVERSITY
  • TRYING TO DECIPHER HYPERSCALER INVOICES, NEED TO ENSURE GETTING OPTIMAL RATES
  • LOOKING FOR DIRECT CONNECTION TO AWS
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 3: Optimize balance through Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure
Hybrid Cloud empowers businesses to maximize their potential while cutting costs. By combining public cloud services with the existing private cloud, organizations are able to leverage the best of both worlds — powerful computing with improved efficiencies, cost savings, and streamlined workloads.

Summit 4 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • BROWN SPOTS,  NOT GETTING THE NECESSARY SPEEDS TO THE INTERNET
  • NEED REDUNDANCY AND BACK-UP
  • LOOKING TO MIGRATE MPLS TO SD-WAN
  • OPTIMIZED NATIONWIDE OR GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY
  • STAFFING SHORTAGES MAKE MANAGED SERVICES A NECESSITY
  • LOOKING FOR BUNDLES TO REDUCE COSTS
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 4: Upgrade to Next Gen Managed Network Services
Enhanced networking services will let your business maximize its network potential and provide the best customer experience. The providers FCX represents offer reliable and fast SD-WAN and multiple redundant network designs, 5G and 4G back-up, and dark fiber connections. And with an increase in weather pattern changes extra redundancy can be useful. You'll benefit from superior systems, keeping your customers connected and your business running smoothly.

Summit 5 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • PROVIDE VARIOUS COMMUNICATION OPTIONS TO END USERS AND STAFF
  • OPTIMIZING SCALABILITY & FLEXIBILITY
  • NEED TO INCREASE COMPLIANCE
  • DO MORE WITH LESS - ELIMINATE REDUNDANT PLATFORMS
  • AUTOMATE AND INTEGRATE AI - REDUCE LABOR 
  • FACILITATE HYBRID WORK AND INCREASE TEXT AND CHAT WITH CUSTOMERS
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 5: Tweak Unified Communications and Contact Center
Unified communications and contact center applications have increasingly become affordable for businesses globally. Both UCaaS and CCaaS were designed to seamlessly handle global and hybrid working needs and the entire platform is cloud maintained. Plus, it's packed full of applications and features that help build stronger, more connected ecosystems. Texting and chatting with clients is on the rise and so is integration with CRM and marketing platforms. Modern UCaaS and CCaaS platforms are up to the task.

Summit 6 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • NEED FAST ON-BOARDING OF STAFF; WORK ENVIRONMENT ON LAPTOP NEEDS TO COME PRE-PROGRAMMED
  • NEED TO RECYCLE HARDWARE AND LOOKING FOR PICKUP OF OLD EQUIPMENT
  • SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME SEARCHING FOR LOWEST PRICE ONLINE
  • WANT TO LEVERAGE IOT TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE AND CONSERVE ENERGY
  • NEED TO MAKE SURE HARDWARE WILL INTEGRATE WITH EXISTING OVERHEAD PAGING SYSTEM
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 6: for Hardware & IoT delivery and integration
The enclosed product brief will explain how an hardware and IoT integration refresh can improve patch management processes and automate tedious tasks. By making these changes, you'll be able to take advantage of the latest technologies and ensure that your systems are running as efficiently and safely as possible. With our tailored approach, we can ensure that you get the best possible performance from your equipment, all while staying up to date on the most recent innovations.

Summit 7 Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • NEED ONGOING SUPPORT OF TECHNOLOGY ASSET DUE TO STAFF TURN-OVER
  • NEED TO FOCUS ON CORE BUSINESS AND WANT TO LEVERAGE A HELP DESK
  • NEED TO FOCUS ON ROLLING OUT VARIOUS CLOUD INITIATIVES A YEAR
  • AUTOMATE MORE - DO MORE WITH LESS
  • HAVE STAFF WHICH NEED EXTRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 7: and leverage White Glove FCX Level 2 Service Support
Our help desk and ongoing implementation support provides a single point-of-contact for you to access a range of different technologies, offering convenience and ease of use. We bring together different technologies, providing the knowledge and expertise needed to keep your processes running smoothly. With our support, you can ensure that each of your assets is managed to its fullest potential. FCX has the experience to manage a broad ranges of services and projects.

Summit 8 PDF Download Icon
CHALLENGES:

  • NEED OVERHEAD PAGING, LOUD SPEAKERS INTEGRATED IN WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • WANT TO UPGRADE WIRE RUNS TO CAT6
  • WANT TO DIGITIZE RECEPTIONIST AREA, HYBRID WORK STATIONS AND MEETING ROOMS
  • MOVING SPACE AND NEED TO WORK WITH A LICENSED AND ENSURED VENDOR
  • NEED A VENDOR WHO CAN DESIGN AND DEPLOY THE CONFERENCE ROOM A/V SYSTEM
SOLUTION: Scale Summit 8: for Full Service Integration
It's all about the details when embarking on a overhaul of physical spaces. Efficiencies can be gained when done properly. Staff satisfaction tends to increase when IT technology in the workspace is well appointed. In production environments the proper integrations are critical for a well functioning work environment. FCX works with the top integrators in the New York Metro Area and will coordinate all projects large and small between our client organization and these experts.

Further resources:

Gold Document And Pencil Icon

Blog - Trends and Tips

Read more in depth information about current Cloud, IT and Telecom topics.

Gold Shield Icon

Cyber security resources

Listing important laws, resources and databases pertaining to cyber security for organizations based in the US Northeast.

YouTube Icon Gold

YouTube Channel

FCX keeps you up-to-date on the latest technologies trends. Hear from leading technology executives.

GET IN TOUCH

Let's Ignite Your Digital
Transformation

Let’s rapidly identify core needs and discuss how a specific set of Cloud-Based Technologies can move your organization forward. A 15 minute initial conversation tends to suffice. Contact us and a Cloud Consultant will reach out to you to set up a short meeting.

Providers: Please note that Firstlight Cloud Xchange

only works through Distributors and Master Agencies.

FCX. Cloud 9. Delivered.



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    Download the FCX Cloud Summit Framework guide

    Where to begin when the organization is ready to start their next cloud migration project? Perhaps apply a methodology to cut time and bring the team together? It can be helpful to leverage the FCX Cloud Summit Framework during this process.

    Get Your FCX Tool Box Assess - Plan - Evaluate - Implement

    FCX offers a set of tools to ensure the success of your cloud migration initiatives. They have been created to facilitate the selection of the appropriate cloud technology that best suits your needs and comprise of: 

    – A comprehensive checklist,
    – A calculator,
    – Vendor matrix for 3 vendors.


    By applying a solid strategy, your business can optimize its productivity and achieve better results in less time. To get started, simply fill out the contact form and one of our expert cloud consultants will be in touch with you shortly to guide you through the process of leveraging these tools immediately.

    Download Carving out a path

    With online shopping on the rise it might seem that the shortest distance between A to Z is to purchase technology online. But what to do about the many different requirements each department expects IT technology to deliver up? In this booklet Iris Lentjes explains 9 actionable tips to make the the procurement process a success.

    Download From Idea to Peak

    From Idea to Peak – A Flow Chart is a document which shows the actual steps FCX takes with teams to get to the technology implementation they are looking for while experiencing the benefits of structured consulting and service delivery.

    At FCX, we are committed to delivering exceptional expertise. Our team of experienced professionals is here to assist you with your specific needs and challenges. Whether you have questions, require guidance, or are seeking solutions, we are here to help.

    Please take a moment to fill out the form to the right to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you and providing you with the expertise you require to achieve your goals.

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