- CASE STUDY
- The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
https://533526.fs1.hubspotusercontent-ap1.net/hubfs/533526/Screenshot%202026-09-24%20153930.pngModern Microsoft 365 collaboration for SROS
Moving rapidly with precision
When the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) set out to improve communication, strengthen business continuity and give staff better access to information wherever they worked, it needed a modern platform that could replace ageing systems and simplify IT administration.
Working against an ambitious timeline, SROS engaged Lancom Technology to deliver a fully remote migration to Microsoft 365. Within weeks of the initial engagement, the project was underway, introducing Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and cloud-based productivity services that have transformed collaboration across the organisation.
Customer profile
The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) is a premier multi-disciplinary research institution dedicated to empowering Samoa's sustainable growth, industry innovation, and public health. Core technical divisions include Corporate Services, Agricultural Research Division, Biodiscovery & Molecular Research, Environment & Renewable Energy, Technical Services Division, Production & Business Development, and Product & Innovation Development. Beyond research, SROS delivers a suite of analytical and diagnostic services, supporting safety, quality, and environmental health.
Microsoft for modernised collaboration
Following a comprehensive audit of its technology environment, SROS identified an opportunity to modernise its communication, collaboration and productivity platforms to better support staff, improve business continuity, and streamline IT administration, explains SROS’ Belinda Lesa. “Our vendor-hosted Exchange server and fragmented, standalone Microsoft Office installations created operational hurdles, including the inability for staff to access emails while traveling abroad and productivity losses caused by decentralised, workstation-level licensing administration,” she says.
The audit revealed an opportunity for modernising IT infrastructure while eliminating productivity bottlenecks. “Key objectives included resolving local email connectivity issues, upgrading outdated Office software to strengthen security posture, and improving external collaboration via Microsoft Teams and SharePoint,” Lesa notes.
“Additionally, with the move we could introduce a secure, centralised cloud repository to ensure robust data backup and business continuity for all staff.”
A design approach with tailored technology
When evaluating potential technology partners, Lesa says SROS prioritised technical expertise, strategic value, and long-term solution flexibility. “During our Request for Quotation process, Lancom Technology stood out among all participating vendors by not only meeting our exact specifications but also providing value-added recommendations that went beyond our initial request,” she notes.
The decisive factor in selection, continues Lesa, was Lancom’s design approach. “They recommended a tailored Microsoft 365 solution preserving SROS's flexibility and avoiding future vendor lock-in. Their exceptional attention to detail and proactive consultation gave us full confidence in their ability to support our strategic goals.”
As a remotely delivered project, Lesa stresses the necessity for clear and regular contact. “Lancom maintained proactive and transparent communication throughout the project. Whenever changes or delays arose, the team promptly informed us and provided updates, ensuring challenges were addressed efficiently without impacting overall progress.”
This extended to change management as the project rolled out. “Lancom provided valuable guidance on change management strategies prior to launch, conducting structured Teams briefings outlining upcoming changes, and delivering comprehensive documentation alongside administrative guides to support smooth ongoing system management,” she says.
The solution includes:
- Migration from a hosted Exchange platform to Microsoft 365.
- Deployment of Microsoft Teams for modern communication and collaboration.
- Implementation of SharePoint for document management and secure file sharing.
- Centralised identity, user and licensing management.
- Knowledge transfer and administrator training.
- End-user change management and adoption support.
Working better with operational, collaborative and administrative benefits
Despite an ambitious delivery timeframe, the migration was completed successfully and on schedule, and SROS is already experiencing operational, collaboration and even administrative benefits, Lesa confirms.
“Centralised user and licence management has eliminated many of the day-to-day administrative challenges associated with managing multiple legacy Microsoft Office installations. IT teams now have greater visibility and control, simplifying governance and reducing administration effort,” she points out.
Microsoft Teams has quickly become the preferred collaboration platform, providing integrated meetings, calendaring, video conferencing, and chat. “Staff collaborate seamlessly, access emails, and work together productively while traveling, securely accessing email, documents and business applications. SharePoint has enabled secure document sharing with project partners and external stakeholders, improving information exchange while maintaining appropriate security controls,” Lesa enthuses.
She adds that IT efficiency has received a boost, with centralised identity and access management streamlining operations and reducing operational overhead for internal teams.
The solution works for people, too. “While cloud-based workflows are new to some of our team members, feedback from both leadership and employees has been overwhelmingly positive, with users embracing the flexibility and capabilities provided by Microsoft 365,” Lesa adds.
As for Lancom Technology, she’s enthusiastic about the entire engagement, with precision from initial contact to final delivery. “We’ve seen the delivery of a modern, reliable Microsoft environment within a tight schedule. What stood out most is Lancom's exceptional dedication. Despite unexpected staffing challenges, the team maintained project momentum, accommodated our timeline, and delivered positive results. That level of commitment and accountability is rare and highly valued."
Services Used
Managed Services
IT Managed Services
Cloud Computing
Cloud Managed Services
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