Aberdeen City Council is the first of Scotland’s local authorities to join forces with Microsoft using its Cloud Navigator programme for digital transformation.
The partnership between the US corporation and Scottish council is the product of an expanding collaboration designed to assist the Aberdeen local authority in achieving an extensive and ambitious digital transformation.
Enhanced service capabilities
Through the Cloud Navigator programme, Aberdeen City Council can indispensably alter the method in which it provides services to over 200,000 individuals. Not only enhancing the user experience of personnel and customers, the plan will also allow the council to be more effective, through the employment of cloud-based technologies in Azure and artificial intelligence (AI).
The plan includes the move to Microsoft’s Azure platform. This cost-effective solution will allow the council to relocate data from its present on-premise repository to the cloud, a move that will facilitate workflow, making stored information easier to access by council employees. Additionally, it will provide an enhanced level of security for sensitive data.
Greater availability for customers with Office 365 and AI assistance
The Council will be empowered to engage more effectively with customers with the assistance of programs powered by AI. Repetitive tasks and processes will be operated by the AI programs, freeing up valuable time for staff and allowing them to spend more on important issues that have an impact on the local community.
Along with utilising AI, Aberdeen City Council is making the most of opportunities provided by Office 365. In promoting the employment of Microsoft O365 services, the council endeavours to give employees of the local authority the capability to give improved support to customers and communicate more effectively with their colleagues.
Co-leader of the Council, Jenny Lang, commented on the positive impact:
“The use of digital platforms is already helping staff spend less time on administration so they are free to spend more time with customers and provide care and support that is central to the role of the council.”
The Cloud Navigator plan from Microsoft has been developed to ensure a smooth transition when organisations make the move to the cloud. While this innovative tool has now been used in both private and public sectors, this is the first use by a council in Scotland.
Director of Azure Business for Microsoft UK, Michael Wignall, said:
“Aberdeen City Council has identified strong opportunities to better serve its customers by using cloud and communications technology. The Cloud Navigator programme will ensure that the council’s transition to the cloud runs seamlessly as part of a wide-ranging digital transformation. We look forward to other councils benefiting from this technology and unlocking the potential of the cloud.”
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