Why creatives need bespoke Apple solutions
Discover how Digital Arena supports New Zealand's marketing agencies with tailored IT services, optimizing productivity and creativity. From advertising and SEO to PR and corporate marketing, we eliminate workflow interruptions, keeping your team in a seamless state of flow.
New Zealand’s marketing agencies, from advertising and digital through to SEO and PR (as well as corporate marketing teams), need seamless workflows because marketing and media is a deadline-driven industry. Productivity is optimum when it is consistent, but that is hard to achieve when technology and workflow-related interruptions create bottlenecks, impacting efficiency, creativity, and, ultimately, revenue.
Digital Arena provides Auckland IT support for marketing agencies and a comprehensive IT services suite tailored specifically for creative teams (including corporate). Leveraging industry-leading tools, Digital Arena’s technology stack is crafted to keep marketing teams in a state of “flow” — uninterrupted productivity that keeps projects moving forward.
An integrated IT partner
With more than 20 years of working exclusively with the industry, Digital Arena have learned how to create a seamless IT technology experience that minimises downtime and maximises efficiency.
Using a combination of tools, best practices, and a deep understanding of creative workflows, we are far more than just an IT provider. Instead, we function as an integrated partner focused on creating consistency and flow for teams in Auckland and beyond.
The Digital Arena engine room success stack
At the heart of Digital Arena’s service is what we term the “engine room success stack” — a system of tools, workflows, and processes that standardise and simplify work for all team members. By building consistency and efficiency in each workflow, we reduce complexity and keep creative teams aligned. The Digital Arena approach addresses the common problem of teams working in isolation without shared methodologies, creating a cohesive workflow that benefits new and seasoned team members alike.
Core elements of the success stack:
- Standardised tools: A consistent set of tools used across all projects.
- Defined workflows: Clear workflows that everyone on the team follows, eliminating redundant or conflicting steps.
- Unified communication: Encouraging collaboration and sharing knowledge rather than isolated problem-solving
By implementing these strategies, Digital Arena enables marketing teams in Auckland and elsewhere in New Zealand to work cohesively. This support fosters innovation and productivity, ensuring that teams can collaborate efficiently, share insights, and avoid costly mistakes often arising from miscommunication or disjointed workflows.
Leveraging JAMF for Device Management
Device management is critical to maintaining a state of flow, especially in creative environments where multiple Apple devices are used daily.
We employ JAMF—JAMF is a software company that provides device management solutions specifically for Apple devices—MDM (Mobile Device Management) for effective device management to provide uninterrupted flow. JAMF allows Digital Arena to monitor and manage devices remotely so that you are kept secure, updated, and configured for best performance.
JAMF’s role within Digital Arena’s services is integral for creative teams working in high-demand environments because it enables regular updates and automatic configurations to keep devices running smoothly without requiring constant intervention from team members. This system also ensures that any security or compliance requirements are met so as to reduce the potential risks that could disrupt workflow.
Best practice cloud storage:
keeping teams aligned
For creative teams, cloud storage isn’t just about having a place to store files—it’s a way to centralise work and keep everyone aligned. We recommend using Dropbox Business due to its compatibility with macOS, comprehensive security measures, and intuitive on-demand download capabilities.
Key benefits of Dropbox Business:
- Dropbox Business provides seamless workflow solutions to support Creative Client WIP and Archive processes (including volume security permissions across various business teams), replicating traditional File Server and file management processes that creatives are already familiar with—to keep them in their state of flow.
- Build-in file recovery and backup for up to 12 months, without the reliance of third-party solutions. When compared with other cloud providers (with an equivalent disaster recovery period), Dropbox Business delivers at a price point lower than its competitors.
- Dropbox Transfer: Seamlessly and securely transfer large files, folders, or entire projects to third parties without needing additional sites like WeTransfer. With Dropbox Transfer, files are instantly ready for sharing—no waiting for uploads—enabling quick, professional exchanges without compromising security.
- File Requests: Provide third parties with a secure, easy-to-use portal to upload files directly to your Dropbox while ensuring privacy and security. This feature streamlines file collection without compromising data protection.
For creative teams juggling multiple projects, Dropbox offers centralised storage that keeps files accessible and secure. It eliminates the risk of personal storage issues by keeping everything in one place so that you have easy access for team members working both remotely and in-house.
Meeting security standards with ISO27001 compliance
Security is a priority for the business, especially as creative teams often handle sensitive client data.
To address this, Digital Arena adopts ISO27001 compliance, a leading standard in information security management. By maintaining this compliance, we make sure that all data is secure to reduce the risk of breaches or unauthorised access.
For marketing agencies, it is a security focus that translates into peace of mind. In handling sensitive client data, compliance with ISO27001 ensures that Digital Arena’s systems have undergone rigorous checks so that you can have the confidence that your data is protected without compromising on workflow.
Font management for creative teams: using Connect Fonts
Font management can be a significant bottleneck for creative teams. Missing fonts, inconsistent libraries, or slow performance can disrupt the workflow, which is why Digital Arena utilises Extensis Connect Fonts, a cloud-based font management tool that simplifies the way teams access and share fonts.
Benefits of Extensis Connect Fonts:
- Seamless sharing: When one team member updates a font set, the entire team receives the update, ensuring everyone is working with the same resources.
- Centralised font libraries: All fonts are stored in the cloud, accessible to the entire team.
- Auto-activation: Fonts are automatically activated within Adobe applications, reducing manual activation time.
Digital Arena ensures that creative teams can focus on design work rather than managing fonts because we centralise font libraries and automate font activation—the tool is especially valuable for agencies working on multiple brands, where consistent font usage is critical.
Salesforce Service Cloud: supporting seamless IT management
In addition to JAMF and Dropbox, Digital Arena leverages Salesforce Service Cloud for IT management to streamline support requests, asset tracking, and reporting which ultimately helps you stay organised and responsive.
Through Salesforce, Digital Arena provides end-to-end IT management support, from onboarding new staff to tracking device usage and software licensing. It’s an integrated approach that allows Digital Arena to monitor and report on IT efficiency so that you can see the direct impact of your IT investment on productivity and overall workflow.
Key benefits of Salesforce Service Cloud for IT management:
- Centralised support: All support requests are tracked and managed in Salesforce, ensuring that no issue goes unresolved.
- Asset and licence tracking: All hardware and software assets are recorded, reducing the risk of missed renewals or over-purchasing.
- Detailed reporting: Clients have access to a secure portal where they can view their assets, licences, and team configurations, allowing for informed, data-driven decision-making.
By making Salesforce a core part of the stack, Digital Arena ensures that your IT needs are managed proactively so that your team stays in flow with minimal disruptions.
AI integration as part of the success stack
As part of our commitment to efficiency, Digital Arena incorporates AI tools within our Success Stack. While AI’s role in creative industries is still evolving, we use it as a productivity enhancer rather than a replacement for creative work. For instance, we use AI to manage large-scale tasks like product descriptions for eCommerce platforms so that creative teams are free to focus on strategy rather than repetitive tasks.
Example of AI in action:
Automated product copywriting: AI assists in generating product descriptions, reducing the time required from days to minutes. This allows your team to focus on high-impact work, like developing compelling campaigns or refining brand messaging.
By incorporating AI, we keep workflows efficient so that you get to spend less on routine tasks while freeing up resources for creative innovation. This addition to their stack demonstrates Digital Arena’s forward-thinking approach to IT management—this is how AI can support creative teams without overshadowing your expertise.
Making informed, contextual IT decisions
Digital Arena’s approach to IT decisions is rooted in an understanding of our clients’ business contexts. Rather than focusing solely on compliance or the latest trends, Digital Arena considers the practical impact of IT on workflow. We evaluate tools based on their potential to contribute positively to a client’s bottom line, ensuring that each recommendation aligns with the client’s operational goals.
This approach allows our team to make informed decisions that prioritise efficiency, productivity, and budget without unnecessary complexity. For marketing teams aiming to hit specific revenue targets, this strategy keeps technology costs in line with business outcomes so that every IT investment is purposeful and strategic.
Digital Arena’s unique value in the creative space
Digital Arena’s dedication to keeping creative teams in flow sets us apart in the IT services industry. By tailoring our technology stack to the needs of Auckland (and New Zealand) marketing agencies and corporate teams, we create an environment where technology supports—rather than disrupts—the creative process. Tools like JAMF, Dropbox Business, Connect Fonts, Salesforce, and strategic AI integration in the Digital Arena Success Stack provide the support agencies need to work without interruptions.
For creative teams, partnering with Digital Arena means access to an IT partner that understands both the technical and creative demands of your industry. Our commitment is to maintaining consistency, security, and efficiency so that your teams can stay focused, productive, and always in flow.
How technology drives creative flow in agencies
That elusive state of flow – where time fades away, and you’re completely immersed in the creative process – is essential for producing work that wins pitches, satisfies clients, and keeps your agency ahead. But how can your team reach that state when the tools they rely on are clunky, slow, or worse, constantly demanding their attention?
That elusive state of flow – where time fades away, and you’re completely immersed in the creative process – is essential for producing work that wins pitches, satisfies clients, and keeps your agency ahead. But how can your team reach that state when the tools they rely on are clunky, slow, or worse, constantly demanding their attention?
Technology should be the quiet enabler in the background, not the centre of frustration. For creatives—graphic designers, video editors, or digital marketers—a seamless tech experience is the difference between an efficient, exciting process and a grinding halt. We’ve all dreaded the appearance of the spinning wheel of death, or the frustration of a project slowed by a lack of processing power or insufficient storage.
Investing in the right tools isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s fundamental to achieving creative flow.
Apple devices
For many agencies, Apple devices represent the ideal solution because they don’t just work; they work without you needing to think about them.
An M series Silicon 16” MacBook Pro, for example, powers through the most demanding tasks like video rendering or running the full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud applications without breaking a sweat.
For video editors managing hefty project files, 64GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage ensure no time is wasted waiting for files to load or export. For graphic designers, having 36GB of RAM to handle large files in Illustrator or Photoshop makes creativity feel effortless. These specs aren’t a luxury; they are essential to avoid disruptions in a workflow that should be smooth and uninterrupted.
However, it is not just about raw power. Apple’s Retina displays provide the accuracy in colour representation needed to create polished and professional work. When you don’t have to worry about the fidelity of your visual assets, you can focus on the work itself.
Administrative roles are no less important in the agency setting. Accounts and project management teams require tools that allow them to handle multiple tasks, too. Whether managing spreadsheets, client briefs, or internal communications, a properly specified MacBook Air or base MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD provides the performance and portability needed to keep everything running smoothly.
Futureproofing is key
Software like Adobe and Microsoft 365 and a growing array of AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot and Adobe Firefly, are constantly evolving. Your technology needs to keep up. Underspecifying your team’s devices might save money now, but it will cost you dearly in terms of performance down the line. Future-proofing your tech for the next three to four years is a necessity.
Your choices
At Digital Arena, we understand that choosing the proper devices isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we work closely with agencies to assess their current hardware, making recommendations for upgrades that will not only meet today’s needs but also tomorrow’s. It’s about removing barriers and giving you the tools that enable creativity rather than stifle it.
Apple devices may have a higher initial price tag, but their residual value remains stronger over time compared to many Windows-based alternatives. Through leasing options, agencies can equip their teams with the latest devices without taking a heavy hit on their cash flow, spreading the cost and gaining tax benefits from operating expenses.
Seamless technology enables flow
Ultimately, seamless technology is the foundation for your team’s flow. If they’re thinking about how to make their tools work rather than just using them, you’ve already lost valuable time and momentum. Investing in the proper Apple devices and partnering with experts who understand your needs ensures that your creatives can stay in that flow state – focused on the ideas that matter, not the technology that powers them.
Reduce ownership costs with Apple device leasing
That elusive state of flow – where time fades away, and you’re completely immersed in the creative process – is essential for producing work that wins pitches, satisfies clients, and keeps your agency ahead. But how can your team reach that state when the tools they rely on are clunky, slow, or worse, constantly demanding their attention?
Leasing is nothing new. It can be traced back to the Sumerians and Babylonians, who recorded leasing transactions on clay tablets as early as 2000 BCE. Like all good things, it has stood the test of time because it makes good business sense.
Equipping your team with the latest technology is essential for maintaining FLOW—that ultimate state of creativity, productivity and efficiency. However, the high upfront costs associated with purchasing new devices can strain budgets and limit cash flow. A common error by many agency bosses is underspecifying to save money at the expense of quality output.
Device leasing offers a compelling solution, providing businesses with the latest technology at a reduced total cost of ownership (at this time, Digital Arena only offers device leasing to our Managed IT customers).
The benefits of Apple device leasing
Apple device leasing is a financing option that allows businesses to lease Apple products instead of purchasing them outright. This approach offers several advantages:
1. COST SAVINGS
Leasing devices can be up to 20% cheaper than outright purchases. By removing the residual value portion from the lease, businesses only pay for the actual use of the device over the lease term, leading to significant savings.
2. OPERATIONAL EXPENSE (OPEX) BENEFITS
Leasing moves the cost of devices from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx). This shift helps preserve capital, improve cash flow, and take advantage of tax benefits associated with operating expenses.
3. REGULAR TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES
Leasing ensures your team always has access to the latest technology. At the end of the lease term, devices can be upgraded to the newest models, keeping your fleet up to date and minimising compatibility issues. This continuous upgrade cycle supports operational efficiency and reduces the risks associated with outdated equipment.
4. PREDICTABLE COSTS
Leasing agreements provide transparent and predictable payment structures, making it easier for businesses to budget and manage their technology expenses without unexpected costs. This predictability simplifies financial planning and reduces the administrative burden.
5. PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN CASH FLOW
By spreading the cost of devices over a 36-month term, leasing helps businesses maintain liquidity and allocate resources more effectively. This is especially beneficial for growing agencies or those with fluctuating cash flows.
Comprehensive leasing solutions
At Digital Arena, we offer tailored device leasing solutions through our finance company, Device Leasing Solutions Limited. Our approach is designed to provide high-spec Apple devices at a low monthly cost, making advanced technology accessible to all businesses.
Here’s how it works
- Cost-effective leasing: We calculate the lease by removing the estimated residual value and dividing the remaining cost over a 36-month term, applying any applicable interest rates. This results in affordable monthly payments for even the highest-spec devices.
- Full warranty and accidental damage coverage: Our leases include a comprehensive warranty and accidental damage package, ensuring your devices are protected throughout the lease term. This coverage minimises downtime and maintenance costs, keeping your team in their flow.
- Seamless device upgrades: At the end of the 36-month lease, we provide your team with the latest best-fit devices. This upgrade process ensures your technology remains current, supporting productivity and innovation.
- Tax benefits and simplified accounting: Leasing is considered an operating expense, which can provide tax advantages and simplify asset management. Businesses can focus on growth and operational efficiency by removing the need to manage asset depreciation.
Leasing Apple devices through Digital Arena not only reduces the total cost of ownership but also ensures your team has the best tools to perform at their highest level. By leveraging the benefits of leasing, including cost savings, regular technology upgrades, and improved cash flow, your business can stay ahead of the competition while managing expenses effectively. Embrace the future of technology procurement with our comprehensive leasing solutions and keep your team in their flow, delivering their best work without interruptions.
If you’re ready to explore how device leasing can benefit your business, contact us today to learn more about our tailored Managed IT services and device leasing solutions.
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