Critical environment specialist Keysource – part of the Styles&Wood Group – has been appointed by Staffordshire University to provide consultancy services as the institution embarks on a new technology strategy.

The project, which will see the University migrate the majority of its IT services to the Cloud, will initially involve two sites on the Stoke campus and include on-site disaster recovery.

Keysource has been working with Staffordshire University for the past six years as its critical environment partner, helping the University to develop and deploy its data centre strategy.

For this project Keysource will complete a strategic review  of the University’ data centre estate, identifying any risks and providing a gap analysis against best practice, for the IT load the University wants to deploy and the necessary connectivity to the cloud.

Keysource has also been tasked with developing the design options and plans for the upgrade works required, as well as the tender pack and cost plan. Due to the highly critical nature of the site and close proximity to student accommodation and lecture halls, the designs and programme of works will be developed to minimise disruption and mitigate any potential risks.

Staffordshire University has also appointed Keysource as CDM Principal Designer, and will be responsible for managing the overall design risk and all associated designers. Other responsibilities include liaising with the customer and the principal contractor on all H&S matters.

Commenting on the project, Richard Clifford, Consultant at Keysource, said: “By building strategic partnerships we are able to fully engage with our customers to deliver long term IT Asset solutions.  We have a vast amount of experience with the University sector and look forward to helping Staffordshire University to deliver a best in class IT solution in the future.”

Howard Whiteley, Interim Director of Digital Transformation at the Staffordshire University added: “Keysource has provided us with excellent advice throughout the past six years, as we update our IT strategy we are confident that Keysource will continue this, supporting us to implement a best-in-class solution for the University.”

Keysource is part of integrated property services group Styles&Wood Plc, which provides a full range of professional and contracting services to some of the UK’s premier brands and leading blue chip organisations.

This includes designing, project managing and delivering a diverse range of property programmes including minor refresh works, conversions, shell fit-outs, complex refurbishments and specialist technical services to the data centre and critical facilities sectors. It also provides building intelligence systems, which specialise in optimising the management, running and performance of the built environment.