Client: Ambris LLP

OVERVIEW

At Sota, we partnered with Ambris LLP to develop an IT Road Map that reviews and outlines recommendations to enhance their current IT infrastructure. As a growing company, Ambris LLP requires a future-proof, secure, and scalable IT environment that supports increased collaboration and resilience. Our aim is to transition their operations towards a serverless environment by leveraging Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online, ensuring data accessibility, security, and streamlined operations.

BACKGROUND

Ambris LLP, a leading independent Lloyd’s broker, collaborates with underwriters within Lloyd’s and the broader London insurance market, renowned globally as a centre of innovative underwriting. Recognising the critical importance of a robust and secure IT infrastructure, Ambris LLP ensures seamless operations, protects sensitive client data, and supports insurance solutions.

CHALLENGE

Ambris LLP recognised the need to modernise their IT environment to address outdated operating systems and increasing business demands. Key challenges included upgrading to the latest server technologies to enhance performance and security, reducing dependency on Remote Desktop Services (RDS) while maintaining accessibility and control, migrating emails and data storage to Microsoft 365 services for improved collaboration, and implementing enhanced disaster recovery and security measures.

SOLUTION

To address these challenges, Sota proposed a phased digital transformation strategy that centres on Microsoft 365 services.

The first step involved migrating all email accounts from SotaCloud Exchange servers to Microsoft 365 Exchange Online, ensuring a more scalable and resilient email solution. This transition also incorporates SotaProtect Mail for advanced spam filtering and security.

For data management, we implemented SharePoint Online as a central repository, replacing traditional file storage with a structured and secure online solution. SharePoint will provide enhanced collaboration tools, automated backups, and structured user permissions, integrated with Azure Active Directory for streamlined management. Custom intranet and extranet configurations will facilitate both internal and external collaboration, supporting remote access from any location.

Additionally, we deployed Microsoft Intune for centralised device management, ensuring that all company devices, including mobile phones, are secure and compliant with company policies.

To move towards a fully serverless environment, Ambris LLP transitioned their business applications to cloud-hosted solutions, such as migrating Sage to an online version. RiskPro will continue to be hosted via SotaCloud until a suitable web-based alternative is implemented.

Beyond Microsoft 365 services, we provided Ambris LLP with a comprehensive suite of other managed IT solutions to support their evolving needs. This included:

  • SotaSupport Pro – Managed IT support per user, 24/7, with quick response times and quarterly server patch management.
  • SotaConnect – Monthly connectivity services including Ethernet and web hosting.
  • SotaVoice – Hosted VoIP services for improved communication.
  • SotaProtect Suite – A comprehensive managed security service covering antivirus, email spam filtering, web content filtering, cyber security awareness training, and multi-factor authentication.
  • SotaProtect Backup – Block-level backups of each Ambris LLP virtual server, with an initial backup image followed by incremental backups every hour.
  • SotaCloud – A fully resilient IT platform ensuring high availability and business continuity.
  • SotaManaged – Monthly managed IT services.

RESULT

By adopting Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online, Ambris LLP achieved a more flexible, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure. This migration resulted in improved collaboration through cloud-based data access and sharing, enhanced security with MFA, advanced threat detection, and cloud-based backups, and reduced operational costs by minimising reliance on legacy server hardware. Increased productivity was achieved with streamlined workflows and remote accessibility.