Transforming IT Infrastructure for a Leading Sydney West Architecture Firm

Client Overview

A mid-sized architecture firm based in Western Sydney, known for its innovative residential and commercial designs, had been partnering with the same IT provider for over a decade. While their design expertise had evolved, their technology infrastructure lagged behind, relying on outdated systems that increasingly limited productivity, collaboration, and security.

The Challenge

The firm’s leadership recognised several key issues:

• Aging IT infrastructure: Servers and network equipment were nearing end-of-life, causing frequent downtime and slow performance.
• Limited cybersecurity measures: Minimal firewall protection and outdated antivirus left the business exposed to cyber threats.
• Inefficient collaboration tools: Files were stored locally, and remote access for architects working on-site or from home was unreliable.
• Compliance concerns: As the firm handled sensitive client data and architectural blueprints, it struggled to meet modern compliance and data protection standards.

Despite years with their previous IT provider, issues persisted which impacting project timelines and overall team efficiency.

Cyber-AI’s Solution

Cyber-AI conducted a full IT audit and deployed a modern, resilient, and secure IT environment tailored for the architecture industry.

1. Expert Onshore IT Support

The firm gained access to Cyber-AI’s dedicated onshore support team, ensuring fast, knowledgeable assistance from local experts who understood their industry’s unique requirements.

2. Robust Cybersecurity and Network Redesign

• Next-Generation Firewall: Implemented a dual-carrier redundant firewall setup to guarantee continuous uptime and protect against network outages.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Strengthened security posture with endpoint protection, real-time threat detection, and email filtering.
• Zero-Trust Framework: Introduced Conditional Access policies to secure identity-based access to all systems.

3. Microsoft 365 Modernization

Cyber-AI modernised the firm’s collaboration environment through advanced use of Microsoft 365 services:

• SharePoint Enhancement: Migrated all local file storage to a secure and structured SharePoint environment, enabling seamless remote work and version control.
• Compliance and Governance: Leveraged Microsoft Purview to implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies and improve visibility across data usage.
• Compliance Score: Elevated the firm’s Microsoft compliance score to 90, surpassing industry standards for data protection.
• Conditional Access: Implemented to protect user identities and ensure access only from trusted devices and locations.

The Results

The transformation delivered immediate and measurable benefits:

Area	Before Cyber-AI	After Cyber-AI Implementation
System Uptime	Frequent downtime (avg 87%)	99.9% uptime with dual-carrier redundancy
Security Posture	Outdated AV, single firewall	Layered protection, next-gen firewall, DLP, and conditional access
Collaboration	Local file storage, limited access	Cloud-based SharePoint with seamless collaboration
Compliance Score	45	90
IT Support Response	Slow offshore helpdesk	Fast, onshore team with architecture-specific expertise

Conclusion

By modernising their infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and optimising Microsoft 365 capabilities, Cyber-AI empowered the client to operate more efficiently, securely, and collaboratively — positioning them for future growth and innovation in a highly competitive market.