Aston University has partnered with cloud and managed service provider, ANS Group, to benefit from a hybrid cloud solution which will help to save costs and streamline internal operations across the University.

Following a cloud readiness assessment carried out by ANS, the University was able to identify which areas of its IT infrastructure could be shifted to a Microsoft Azure hybrid cloud solution. This includes bespoke applications such as research and Corporate systems which will help to increase efficiency, accessibility and improve user-experience for both staff and students.

By moving these applications to the cloud, Aston University will be able to reduce its reliance on its data centres and save on resources which would otherwise be spent on maintaining its IT estate. 24/7 support from ANS’ dedicated team will also mean that the University can continue migrating applications to the cloud as it develops its strategy to become a cloud-first university.

Trevor Bayliss, IT technical director at Aston University commented: “From the beginning of this process, it was important that we could find a partner who could not only understand our needs, but also be willing to suggest other ways in which we could be more efficient and reduce our physical IT footprint.

“Our journey with ANS has been a fluid one and the team’s expertise really shined through during the process. We’re confident that we’ll continue to lean on ANS as we progress with our transition to become a cloud-first university.”

Andy Barrow, CTO at ANS added: “As staff and students increasingly demand more streamlined ways of working, it’s important for all universities to be open to embracing transformation.

“Aston is a great example of a university that understands this and how the cloud can help ensure greater flexibility, security and offer cost-savings across the board. We look forward to helping Aston make the next steps on its cloud journey.”