Integration, SIAM, and the path to a scalable, cloud-first future

In the first part of this series, we explored the initial challenge of navigating the IT complexity of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Once you have established strong governance and a plan for vesting day continuity, the focus must shift to a more strategic, long-term goal: creating a single, cohesive, and modern technology estate for the new authority.

This is where the real transformation begins. It’s not enough to simply keep the lights on; the objective is to build a platform for future innovation, efficiency, and improved service delivery. This means tackling the complex tasks of system and supplier integration, migrating data securely, and building a scalable, cloud-first infrastructure. It requires a clear methodology for managing a multi-supplier environment and a deliberate approach to modernisation. This blog explores how to build that unified estate, leveraging principles like Service Integration and Management (SIAM) to turn complexity into a strategic advantage.

Taming the supplier ecosystem with SIAM

LGR inevitably results in a complex and fragmented supplier landscape. You will inherit multiple providers for network, software, hardware, and support services, all with different contracts and performance metrics. Managing this ecosystem effectively is impossible without a structured approach. This is where Service Integration and Management (SIAM) becomes essential.

In a SIAM model, a single logical entity - the service integrator - is established to manage and coordinate all your technology suppliers. This doesn't necessarily mean replacing them. Instead, the integrator acts as the central point of command and control, ensuring all partners work together seamlessly to deliver end-to-end services aligned with your council's objectives.

For a new unitary authority, applying SIAM principles offers several benefits:

• Single point of accountability: Instead of juggling multiple supplier relationships, your team has one point of contact responsible for overall service performance.

• Improved collaboration: The service integrator enforces common processes and standards, breaking down silos between suppliers and fostering a more collaborative environment.

• Enhanced visibility: You gain a consolidated view of performance across the entire IT estate, enabling data-driven decisions on cost, efficiency, and user experience.

An experienced Managed Service Provider (MSP) often plays this service integrator role, bringing the tools, processes, and expertise needed to orchestrate a multi-supplier environment from the outset.

A phased approach to application and data integration

The prospect of merging disparate systems can be daunting, and a 'big bang' approach, where everything is migrated at once, is incredibly risky.

A more pragmatic, phased approach is required:

1. Discover and rationalise: Begin by creating a complete application catalogue. Identify duplicate applications, assess their business value, and decide on a target application for the new authority (retire, replace, retain, or re-host).
2. Prioritise by risk and impact: Not all systems are created equal. Prioritise the integration of business-critical systems and those that present the greatest security or operational risk.
3. Plan data migration meticulously: Data is your most valuable asset. The integration plan must include a detailed data migration strategy, covering data cleansing, validation, security, and compliance with data protection requirements. This process cannot be rushed.

Throughout this process, the goal is to move towards reliable, user-centred platforms that provide a seamless experience for both staff and citizens.

Architecting for scalability: the cloud landing zone

LGR is a unique opportunity to break free from the constraints of legacy on-premises infrastructure. Modern, cloud-based platforms offer the scalability, flexibility, and resilience that a new, larger authority needs. These systems are designed to be reliable, user-centric, and constantly updated, helping to future-proof your IT estate.

Rather than migrating individual systems ad-hoc, a best practice is to design and build a 'cloud landing zone' first. This is a pre-configured, secure, and multi-account cloud environment that acts as the foundation for all future workloads. It establishes the guardrails for your cloud adoption, including:

• Security and compliance: Embedding security controls, identity management, and compliance policies from the start.

• Networking: Defining the core network topology to ensure seamless connectivity between cloud services and any remaining on-premises systems in a hybrid model.

• Cost governance: Implementing tagging strategies and budget alerts to maintain control over cloud spend.

Building this foundation correctly ensures that as you migrate or deploy new services, they are automatically secure, compliant, and well-governed. It prevents the creation of a chaotic and insecure 'cloud sprawl'.

Choosing the right partner: the importance of due diligence

Your choice of technology partner will have a huge impact on the success of your restructuring. The stakes are too high for a simple procurement exercise. Steering committees need to select partners who are not only technically proficient but also deeply understand the nuances and pressures of the public sector.

Your due diligence process should be rigorous. Any potential partner must be able to:

• Provide a proven track record: Ask for evidence of successful large-scale transformation projects. Case studies, referenceable clients, and historical data are non-negotiable.

• Demonstrate sector experience: A partner must understand the legislative landscape, the drive for public value, and the importance of statutory service continuity.

• Be transparent: They should be open about their capabilities and limitations from the outset, acting as a true partner rather than just a supplier.

Organisations like OneAdvanced IT Services have built their reputation on decades of supporting UK government bodies, demonstrating the value that deep sector expertise brings to complex integration projects.

Aligning the operating model for continuous support

As you integrate systems and move to the cloud, your IT operating model must also evolve. The traditional siloed service desk for each legacy council is no longer fit for purpose. You need a single, unified service management function that can support the entire new estate, including cloud platforms and multi-vendor services.

This modern service desk should act as the central nervous system for user support, incident management, and service requests. It must be equipped to handle issues across a hybrid environment, seamlessly coordinating with different internal teams and external suppliers (as managed by the service integrator) to resolve issues efficiently.

Conclusion: building a foundation for the future

Successfully integrating systems and suppliers during LGR is a strategic imperative. It’s the pivotal stage where you move from managing a complex transition to building a modern, agile, and scalable technology estate. By adopting a SIAM mindset, taking a phased approach to integration, and building a secure cloud foundation, you can create a platform that will serve your new authority for years to come.

As you move forward, consider the following checklist to guide your integration strategy:

• Establish a service integrator: Define who will be accountable for orchestrating your multi-supplier ecosystem.

• Develop an application rationalisation roadmap: Decide the fate of every application in your combined portfolio.

• Design your cloud landing zone: Build your secure foundation in the cloud before you start migrating workloads.

• Conduct rigorous partner due diligence: Select partners based on proven public sector experience and their internal expertise.

• Create a detailed data migration plan: Treat data cleansing, validation, and security as a critical project in its own right.

• Redesign your IT operating model: Align your service desk and support functions to the new, integrated environment.

In our final blog, we will discuss how to ensure long-term success by embedding robust cybersecurity, delivering continuous user support, and optimising costs across your new IT estate.

To discuss any of the above further, please contact managedit@oneadvanced.com