Digital Isle of Man - Tech Awards 2024

Summary

The requester sought details on applications and judging for the 2024 Tech Team of the Year category, receiving a partial disclosure that included one specific application entry and evaluation criteria while withholding other requested data.

Key Facts

• The Department for Enterprise released one application entry for the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) Analysis Team from Computer Network Defence (CND) Ltd.
• The disclosed application details a project automating cyber security reporting using Power BI and Microsoft Fabric.
• The response includes the specific evaluation criteria and weighting used for judging the category.
• Information regarding the total number of applications, full judging scores, and vote counts was not provided in the disclosed text.
• The response document is marked as 'CONFIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE'.

Data Disclosed

• 2024
• 35%
• 25%
• 30%
• 10%
• 10 hours per week
• less than an hour per week
• 500 words
• 2pm
• Thursday 14 November
• 2025-02-11
• 2025-03-06
• 35 pages
• 5 documents

Exemptions Cited

• Commercial in confidence

Original Request

I am seeking information in respect of the applications submitted in the category of Tech Team of the Year for the Digital Isle Tech Awards 2024. I would like the following information: The number of applications submitted in respect of this category A copy of the submitted applications Details of how the judging panel shortlisted the nominations in this category including any recorded scoring or assessments made Whether any conflicts of interest were highlighted or resolved with the judging panel / Department for Enterprise and shortlisted nominations Number of votes received for each of the shortlisted entries

Data Tables (4)

Full Response Text

CONFIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE

Tech Team of the Year: Honouring a team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and success in delivering outstanding tech projects.
Entries can be self-nominated or on a nominee’s behalf.

Name of nominee: Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) Analysis Team Company: Computer Network Defence (CND) Ltd Position: n/a Email address: n/a

Name of person nominating:

Company: Computer Network Defence (CND) Ltd Position:

Email address:

Is the nominee aware that they have been nominated? Yes

Entry Questions:
Q: Outline the project the team worked on and its key objectives.
A: A Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) is a dedicated team that is tasked to protect a company’s digital world. They watch for suspicious activities, detect potential threats, and respond quickly to incidents, ensuring that any cyberattacks are managed effectively. The CSOC acts as a security hub, safeguarding sensitive information and

CONFIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE maintaining smooth operations in the face of cyber threats. The CSOC Analysis Team successfully completed a project to automate cyber security reporting using Power BI, achieving several key objectives: 1. Centralised Security Data: The team integrated Power BI with various in-house security data sources. 2. Streamlined Investigation Reporting: By leveraging Power BI and Microsoft Fabric, the team standardised investigation reporting, generating detailed analytics. 3. Improved Collaboration: The CSOC Team shared Power BI reports, ensuring all members had access to up-to-date information. 4. Provided Training: Team members received training on Power BI to effectively utilise its features, ensuring they were well-equipped to manage and analyse security data.

Q: How did the team collaborate to achieve success?
A: The CSOC team collaborated to achieve success on the Power BI automation project by openly communicating and leveraging each member’s expertise. Regular meetings were held to discuss progress, address challenges, and share insights, ensuring everyone was aligned with the project’s goals. Team members worked closely combining their technical skills to overcome integration hurdles. They collaborated on designing and refining the automatic reports, incorporating feedback from stakeholders to ensure the final product met the team’s needs. By sharing knowledge and providing mutual support, the team was able to quickly adapt to new tools and techniques. Additionally, training sessions on Power BI were conducted, allowing team members to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively. This collaborative approach not only streamlined the project but also strengthened the team’s cohesion and capability to handle future challenges. This innovative use of technology streamlined reporting processes. The integration of in- house data sources into a centralised system significantly improved visibility and efficiency.

Q: What measurable outcomes or achievements resulted from the team’s work?

CONFIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE A: The CSOC team anticipates achieving significant improvements that will enhance overall performance. The current method of producing reports takes around 10 hours per week and the future expectation is to lower that to less than an hour per week utilising the new automated method. Furthermore, accuracy will be increased, resulting in fewer errors compared to previous manual reporting methods. These outcomes will not only streamline their processes but also promote a more effective and reliable workflow. The team handled several obstacles and difficult situations effectively. Integrating Power BI with existing security data sources presented technical challenges, which the team overcame by leveraging their diverse skill sets and collaborating closely. Regular meetings and open communication allowed them to address issues promptly and adapt to a new tool set and techniques quickly. Their ability to share knowledge and provide mutual support was crucial in overcoming these challenges and ensuring the project’s success, which was a clear demonstration of the teams' effective interpersonal communications skills.

Max word count: 500 words total.
Evaluation Criteria:
• Collaboration & Teamwork (35%): How well did the team work together? How effectively did they leverage diverse skill sets?
• Innovation (25%): Did the team apply creative or unique approaches to achieve success?
• Project Outcomes (30%): Were the goals met or exceeded, and what are the measurable impacts?
• Challenges Overcome (10%): How did the team handle obstacles or difficult situations?

Please submit your nomination, along with a photo of the nominee, to contact- digital@gov.im by 2pm on Thursday 14 November.

Internal setting new standards for reliability and efficiency in the industry. The Forge Core Team’s dedication and synergy allowed them to bring this pioneering platform to life while maintaining a consistent two-week release cadence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in game delivery technology. Q: What measurable outcomes or achievements resulted from the team’s work?
A: The impact of Forge has been transformative for Games Global and its partners. With its highly efficient infrastructure, Forge has reduced game release cycles by 30%, allowing Games Global to launch new titles at an unprecedented pace. Compliance review times have also been cut by 40%, positioning Games Global to respond rapidly to evolving regulatory landscapes and opening new opportunities in emerging markets. Forge’s global scalability enables it to handle millions of players simultaneously, with near-zero loading times, resulting in enhanced player experiences and increased engagement for operators. High-profile partnerships, including those with globally recognized brands like UFC and Floyd Mayweather, have been seamlessly integrated and scaled through Forge’s robust backend, underscoring Games Global’s position as a leader in the iGaming industry. The platform’s real-time insights empower operators with the data needed to make informed, impactful decisions, further elevating Forge as a premier RGS solution. Evaluation Criteria: - Collaboration & Teamwork (35%): The Forge Core Team’s collaborative approach is underpinned by Games Global’s values of authenticity, boldness, and togetherness. With a focus on inclusivity and shared learning, the team cultivated an environment where every member’s expertise was valued and leveraged, driving the project to remarkable heights. This synergy allowed the team to deliver an advanced RGS that balances technical prowess with user-centric functionality, setting a new benchmark in teamwork and achievement. - Innovation (25%): Forge represents a significant leap forward in iGaming technology, blending AI-driven monitoring with a flexible, cloud-native microservice architecture. Its ability to seamlessly handle dual game releases, streamline compliance, and empower operators with real-time data insights highlights the innovative thinking that underpins Forge’s design. By future-proofing the platform to support emerging technologies like Web3 and AI-driven features, the Forge Core Team has crafted a solution that not only meets today’s demands but anticipates tomorrow’s possibilities. - Project Outcomes (30%): The Forge platform has exceeded its objectives by delivering measurable, impactful results. Through reduced release cycles and compliance review times, Forge has positioned Games Global as a nimble, responsive leader in the industry. The platform’s impressive handling of millions of global players, combined with near-zero loading times, has enhanced user experience and strengthened operator partnerships, solidifying Forge’s role as a vital tool for Games Global’s continued success.

Internal - Challenges Overcome (10%): The Forge Core Team navigated the complexities of transitioning from the Veyron system to Forge with precision, achieving a zero- downtime launch and maintaining operational stability even at peak times. Their resilience and adaptability in the face of technical and logistical hurdles underscore their exceptional teamwork and dedication to delivering a groundbreaking solution.

Tech Team of the Year: Honouring a team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and success in delivering outstanding tech projects.
Entries can be self-nominated or on a nominee’s behalf.
Name of nominee: Riela Tech
Company: Reila Tech
Position:
Email address:

Name of person nominating:

Company: Riela Group

Position:

Email address:

Is the nominee aware that they have been nominated? (Yes)

Entry Questions:
Q: Outline the project the team worked on and its key objectives.
A: The project involved migrating hundreds of email accounts from a private, hosted email service to the Microsoft 365 cloud. While the original system was cutting edge at the time of installation, the widespread adoption and advanced features of Microsoft 365 now make it a more advantageous platform for our clients. The primary objective of this project was to enhance client productivity, security, and accessibility by transitioning them to a robust, cloud-based solution.

Q: How did the team collaborate to achieve success?
A: The team worked and collaborated closely, not only among themselves but also with each client, to ensure a smooth transition. Each migration required adjustments that were specific to each individual client to avoid any downtime or service disruption, which meant meticulous planning and coordination. The team carefully scheduled each data transfer for times most convenient to the client, minimising interruptions and allowed the client to feel involved and heard throughout the transition. Each migration drew on specialised skills from different team members, enabling a seamless process. Thanks to this coordinated approach, the system operated flawlessly, and the project was a success.

The team truly came together on this project, ensuring clear communication and consistent collaboration with both clients and each other. This strong teamwork was key to the project running smoothly and staying on track. Throughout, the team demonstrated their strengths and commitment to success.

Q: What measurable outcomes or achievements resulted from the team’s work?
A: The team successfully migrated all clients from the shared email service to individual tenants within Microsoft 365. As part of the transition, they provided basic training on system usage for each client, empowering them to navigate and utilise the new platform effectively. This migration enhanced data security, improved system reliability, and allowed each client greater autonomy within their own dedicated M365 environment.

Max word count: 500 words total.
Evaluation Criteria:
• Collaboration & Teamwork (35%): How well did the team work together? How effectively did they leverage diverse skill sets?
• Innovation (25%): Did the team apply creative or unique approaches to achieve success?
• Project Outcomes (30%): Were the goals met or exceeded, and what are the measurable impacts?
• Challenges Overcome (10%): How did the team handle obstacles or difficult situations?

Please submit your nomination, along with a photo of the nominee, to contact- digital@gov.im by 2pm on Thursday 14 November.

Tech Team of the Year: Honouring a team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and success in delivering outstanding tech projects.
Entries can be self-nominated or on a nominee’s behalf.
Name of nominee: Synapse360 Tech Team

Company: Synapse360

Position: n/a
Email address:

Name of person nominating:

Company: Manx Telecom Group Position:

Email address:

Is the nominee aware that they have been nominated? No

Entry Questions:
Q: Outline the project the team worked on and its key objectives.
The PowerCloud™ project for a prominent financial services business, led by Synapse360, was a transformative effort to modernise the businesses digital infrastructure, enhancing both operational efficiency and resilience. Leveraging our expertise in cloud solutions, virtual desktops, and data protection, we deployed a robust technical stack comprising Azure Stack HCI, VMware vSAN clusters, a high-performance VDI, a Backup-as-a-Service platform, and a Cyber Vault solution. Partnering closely with Manx Telecom, we ensured a seamless transition to this new platform. Key project objectives included enhancing the businesses digital foundation with Azure Stack HCI, which offers scalable, hybrid cloud capabilities while maintaining on-premises control. We also focused on seamless integration of PowerCloud™ services, including VMware and VDI, to create a cohesive, high-performing user experience. Led by VDI specialist Russell Quayle, the team optimised virtual desktops for speed and user experience, creating a flexible, responsive environment for users. To safeguard data, we deployed comprehensive backup and cybersecurity measures, designed by our SMEs in data protection and networking. These security solutions ensure data resilience and disaster recovery, further strengthening the businesses operations. The project underscores Synapse360’s commitment to delivering resilient IT solutions through technical expertise, meticulous planning, and strategic partnerships.

Q: How did the team collaborate to achieve success? A: The success of Synapse360’s PowerCloud™ project stemmed from strategic collaboration and the effective use of our team’s diverse skill sets. Each member brought critical expertise in areas such as VDI, VMware, cloud platforms, data security, and networking, enabling us to deliver a high-performing solution tailored to the client’s needs. A key element was the integration of Dell Azure Stack HCI, combining Microsoft Azure’s advanced capabilities with Dell’s reliability. This required close teamwork across technical areas. For instance, delivering the high-speed desktop environment needed by the client involved deep collaboration between the VDI, VMware, and desktop teams, with each component optimised, tested, and configured for peak performance. Backup and cybersecurity were equally vital, requiring coordinated expertise from our data protection and networking specialists to build a resilient backup and Cyber Vault solution, ensuring the highest security standards. Our collaboration with Manx Telecom was crucial for the seamless migration of the client’s existing server environment, requiring precise coordination to maintain business continuity. Through

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