A fast-growing scientific research organisation partnered with Advania to design and deliver a secure global IT architecture capable of supporting its rapid international expansion and protecting highly valuable intellectual property.
🔎At a glance
- UK-based scientific research organisation
- Global offices and growing international workforce
- Approximately 250 employees
- Highly sensitive intellectual property and research data
🚨The challenge
The organisation had grown quickly from its academic origins and required a more scalable and secure IT platform.
While an initial cloud-first infrastructure had been implemented, it lacked the governance, security architecture and scalability required to support the next stage of growth.
Key challenges included:
- Rapid organisational growth across international offices
- Protection of sensitive research data and intellectual property
- Need for stronger security and identity governance
- Global collaboration and secure remote access requirements
💡The approach
Advania implemented a comprehensive Microsoft-based architecture and global support model.
The programme included:
- Microsoft 365 information architecture and governance design
- Azure landing zone architecture for legacy applications
- Microsoft 365 E5 security implementation
- Intune device management and full end-user device rebuild
- Identity security with MFA, SSO and device encryption
- Cisco Meraki networking across global locations
- 24/7 service desk and managed cyber security operations
☑️The outcome
The organisation now benefits from a secure and scalable global IT platform supporting research and international growth.
Key outcomes included:
- Secure global collaboration environment
- Modern managed device platform
- Improved identity and access security
- Global infrastructure capable of supporting new offices
⚡️Why this matters
Fast-growing research organisations must balance innovation with strong data security. A modern cloud architecture with integrated security and governance ensures sensitive research data remains protected while enabling global collaboration.
