About Our Client
Our client is a dynamic group of BioTech and Therapeutic companies based in the heart of Oxford. With a rapid growth trajectory fueled by venture capital, they needed a trusted partner to help them navigate the complex world of cloud technologies and develop a robust IT strategy. Over the past four years, we’ve been privileged to support their journey on AWS, from initial cloud adoption to establishing a robust, scalable infrastructure. Read on to discover how we helped empower their Biotech innovation.
The Challenge
Initially, our client comprised two companies with a pipeline of additional ventures on the horizon. Although they boasted a talented team of pharma and biotech experts, they recognized a gap in strategic cloud expertise, essential for scaling their operations. The challenges were further compounded by the distributed nature of their workforce, spanning multiple continents, and the onset of the global pandemic added new layers of complexity to an already dynamic environment.
The Solution
From the outset, we provided crucial support to their project managers and operations staff, helping them overcome various technological hurdles. Recognizing that cloud technology was integral to their future growth, they sought our expertise as a trusted AWS Partner. Our initial focus areas included:
- High-Performance Computing: Architecting and implementing private scalable cloud clusters to efficiently process vast amounts of genomic and biological data, enabling them to gain key insights into human conditions like cancer.
- Robust Data Protection: Designing and deploying cloud backup solutions to complement their existing SaaS-based file and data storage services, ensuring the security and availability of valuable data.
- Collaborative Workspaces: Creating cloud-based file sharing platforms to facilitate seamless and secure collaboration with research and operational partners worldwide.
- Strategic IT Foundation: Providing comprehensive guidance on cloud policies, documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to establish a strong IT framework.
Through a combination of project-based and retainer services, we established a secure and scalable cloud infrastructure that supported our client’s Biotech innovation, growth and evolution.
As they expanded, their internal capabilities also grew, allowing them to take on more technical responsibilities in-house. Our role adapted to meet their changing needs, transitioning from a focus on initial implementation to ongoing support and strategic guidance. Over the past year, we have provided a range of services, including:
- Cost Management: Assisting in managing and optimizing the costs associated with their expanding cloud portfolio.
- Inventory and Patching: Supporting the maintenance of their cloud infrastructure, ensuring that all systems are up-to-date and secure.
- Policy Management: Helping them develop and manage SOPs for creating cloud assets, onboarding them into inventory, and maintaining control and order within their IT environment.
- Third-Party Access and Infrastructure Provision: Facilitating secure access for third-party developers and service providers, ensuring that all external collaborations are supported by robust cloud infrastructure.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitoring and refreshing cloud services, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Our engagement model now includes fixed support and maintenance hours, regular IT board-level check-ins, and a solid Master Service Agreement (MSA) and Service Level Agreement (SLA). We also engage in project work on an ad-hoc basis, providing the flexibility to address emerging needs.
The Outcome
Through our collaborative partnership, we have transformed our client’s IT landscape, enabling them to focus on their core competencies of drug discovery and development. By providing a stable and scalable cloud infrastructure, we have supported their rapid growth and expansion. Our ongoing engagement as a trusted operations partner ensures that their cloud environment continues to evolve in line with their business objectives.
Together, we have built a strong foundation for future success, empowering our clients to drive Biotech innovation and achieve their ambitious goals. To discover more, contact us today.