At a Glance
QA engaged Cisilion to design and deliver a secure digital workspace capable of supporting a rapidly expanding external workforce without compromising core business systems.
Through the implementation of a segregated Azure Virtual Desktop environment, strengthened identity controls and modern security policies, Cisilion enabled the organisation to deliver secure access at scale within a demanding two-month timescale, while maintaining governance, business continuity and long-term flexibility.
Who are QA?
QA is a leading global learning and talent provider, delivering technology, digital and professional skills training to organisations worldwide. Supporting a global workforce of over 2,800 employees, the group relies on secure, scalable technology to enable collaboration across its global operations.
QA needed to provide secure access for an expanding workforce within a tightly controlled environment framework. The solution had to be delivered rapidly while maintaining strict security, governance and operational control.
Challenges
Delivering Secure Access at Scale
QA needed to provide secure access for a growing external workforce while supporting future global growth.
The organisation required a scalable digital workspace that could be deployed rapidly without compromising security, governance or operational requirements.
Rapid Workforce Enablement Under Tight Timescales
QA needed to rapidly onboard a significant number of external users into a secure digital workspace.
The solution had to be delivered within a demanding 2-month project timescale to ensure go-live readiness while minimising disruption to day-to-day operations.
Maintaining Secure Access Without Exposing Core Systems
Providing external users with secure access to business applications without exposing systems or sensitive company data presented a significant security challenge.
QA required a solution that maintained strict governance while delivering a seamless user experience.
The Solution
Cisilion designed and delivered a secure Azure Virtual Desktop solution that enabled external users to securely access business applications within a tightly controlled environment, ensuring access was limited to approved applications and services. Through careful planning, identity governance and modern endpoint management, the project was delivered within demanding timescales while maintaining security best practices and operational continuity.
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Deployment We designed and implemented a dedicated Azure Virtual Desktop environment, enabling secure access to business applications through a fully segregated workspace.
Segregated Access Model We established clear identity and application boundaries between different user groups, significantly reducing security risk while maintaining productivity.
Training and Enablement We delivered a structured train-the-trainer programme, equipping QA’s IT team with the knowledge to manage, support and scale the environment independently using Nerdio Manager.
Security Best Practices
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enforced
- Conditional Access policies implemented
- Device compliance policies enforced
- Location-based access restrictions applied
The Results
The new environment enables external users to work securely while maintaining QA’s existing security posture and governance standards. Modern identity and access controls provide greater flexibility while maintaining security across the organisation.
The solution was delivered within a demanding two-month project timescale, enabling QA to meet contractual requirements and achieve go-live readiness while maintaining business continuity and minimising disruption to users.
QA now benefits from a secure, cloud-based platform that supports future workforce expansion and evolving business needs. Clear separation between different user groups provides greater flexibility and long-term scalability across the organisation.
Talk to Cisilion
Enabling secure access for external users without compromising governance requires careful planning, modern identity management and a security-first approach.
Cisilion delivers consultancy-led Microsoft solutions that help organisations modernise secure access, strengthen identity governance and enable secure hybrid working at scale. From Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Intune to Zero Trust security and cloud transformation, our specialists help businesses reduce risk while delivering measurable operational outcomes
Speak with our Microsoft experts to discover how we can help you securely enable your workforce while maintaining control, compliance and business agility.