Research Resource

Upgrading the research agency from static on-premise systems to a secure, scalable Microsoft 365 cloud environment.

Overview

Public & Private Sector Research Services

Research Resource is a Glasgow-based firm specialising in high-quality quantitative and qualitative research services for public and private sector organisations. Their multidisciplinary team brings expertise across various social policy areas, delivering innovative market and social research solutions.

The Challenge

Research Resource aimed to transition from an on-premise Microsoft infrastructure to a fully cloud-based setup using Microsoft 365. The move was driven by client demands for enhanced security, the shift to remote work due to COVID-19, and the need for scalable licensing to accommodate fluctuating staff numbers during large contracts. Key challenges included facilitating organisational change, minimising migration disruption, and ensuring the new system delivered sufficient value to justify the transition.

The Solution

Certum collaborated with Research Resource’s management to design a cloud infrastructure incorporating identity protection (MFA and conditional access), device protection (mobile device management), data protection (role-based access, data loss prevention, information rights management), and comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions. We also provided enterprise-level support to ensure smooth operation and user adoption.

The Results

The migration to Microsoft 365 enhanced Research Resource’s security posture, enabled flexible remote working, and allowed for scalable licensing, resulting in significant cost savings. The organisation experienced minimal disruption during the transition, and staff quickly adapted to the new system, benefiting from improved collaboration tools and data protection measures.

Certum have been instrumental in bringing West Coast’s IT up to date so we can offer our customers the best possible service. They have given us confidence with their proactive approach ensuring problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently, sometimes even before we know about them. From initial contact with Brian to on boarding and migration with Gavin and the guys on the service desk nothing has been too much trouble.

Lesley Breen
Operations Manager