Client Overview
Yoku Solutions was engaged by a newly formed Government Agency to design and implement a brand-new IT network and establish critical business applications. The project was essential to support the agency in delivering a major infrastructure initiative while ensuring a scalable, secure and cloud-based technology environment.
Challenge
The client required a fully cloud-based, Microsoft-driven IT environment with high redundancy and security while maintaining a minimal internal IT management footprint. The key challenges included:
- Rapid Deployment: Establish a baseline IT infrastructure within 3 months.
- Comprehensive Business Applications Rollout: Implement a suite of corporate and project-specific applications within 12 months.
- Security & Redundancy: Ensure high levels of security, remote access capabilities and robust redundancy measures.
- Scalability & Efficiency: Deploy a network and application ecosystem that would support over 300 users with minimal ongoing IT overhead.
Solution
Yoku Solutions designed and executed a phased implementation approach to deliver the required infrastructure and business applications within the specified timeframe.
Phase 1: Baseline IT Infrastructure (3 Months)
- Corporate Network Build:
- Core network implemented using Cisco Meraki switching infrastructure.
- Cisco Meraki Wireless Solution deployed for corporate and guest WiFi.
- Cisco Meraki Firewalls & Security Appliances established for secure connectivity.
- Direct connectivity to Microsoft Cloud Services.
- Azure Tenancy & Core Services Setup:
- Networking, storage and virtual machine templates created.
- Directory Services, Certificate Services, SQL Services and DFS established.
- Advanced Threat Analytics and Conditional Access configured for security.
- Office 365 & Cloud Productivity Tools:
- Exchange Online, OneDrive, and Skype for Business deployed.
- Microsoft Intune for device management and security enforcement.
- Azure MFA to enhance authentication security.
- Penetration Testing & Initial Application Implementation:
- Full network penetration testing successfully completed.
- MYOB Finance System and Micro Focus Content Manager implemented.
- Ansarada Project Procurement Data Room established.
Phase 2: Full Business Applications Rollout (12 Months)
- Enterprise & Project Applications Implemented:
- HR Onboarding System: Elmo.
- Collaboration & Document Management: SharePoint-based intranet and extranet.
- Project Management: TeamBinder.
- Procurement & Tender Evaluation: AWARD.
- Enterprise Records Management: Full rollout of Micro Focus Content Manager.
- IT Infrastructure Enhancements:
- Standardised desktop image & SOE deployed across all user devices.
- Replacement of aging laptop suite to improve performance and user experience.
- IT Operations & Support Setup:
- Comprehensive system documentation developed for ongoing IT management.
- Service desk established to provide ongoing IT support.
- Internal IT team trained and onboarded to manage day-to-day operations.
- User Training & Adoption:
- 300 staff trained on new systems and business applications.
- Remote Desktop Solution implemented to facilitate flexible work arrangements.
Outcome & Impact
- Fully Cloud-Based & Scalable IT Environment: The government agency now operates a high-redundancy, secure and scalable network.
- Rapid Deployment: Core network established within 3 months, with full business applications live within 12 months.
- Enhanced Security & Compliance: With Azure MFA, Conditional Access and Advanced Threat Analytics, the system meets stringent government security requirements.
- Operational Efficiency & Reduced IT Overhead: The agency now has a small but efficient IT team, with cloud-based management minimising maintenance requirements.
- Seamless Project Execution: The deployed applications support the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects, ensuring smooth procurement, project management and executive correspondence tracking.
Conclusion
Yoku Solutions successfully designed, implemented and delivered a cutting-edge cloud-based IT ecosystem that enables the agency to operate efficiently while supporting its critical infrastructure projects. This Greenfield IT deployment serves as a model for modern, secure and scalable government IT environments.
