About Buckinghamshire Council
Buckinghamshire Council is a large local authority responsible for delivering public services and supporting educational institutions across the county.With multiple schools under its remit, the Council plays a critical role in ensuring that IT systems remain secure, compliant, and cost-effective.
The Business Challenge
The Council needed to maintain strong cyber security standards across dozens of schools while managing tight budget constraints typical of public sector organisations. With a newly appointed Technical Team Leader overseeing the internal IT team, the priority was to secure the best possible commercial offering without compromising on quality or coverage.The solution had to deliver:
Comprehensive protection for endpoints and servers across all schools. Scalability to accommodate thousands of devices. Cost efficiency to maximise value within strict budget limits. Ongoing support to ensure smooth implementation and maintenance.
The Solution
As a returning customer, Buckinghamshire Council turned to CyberLab for guidance on renewing and upgrading its Sophos security solution. Over the years, the Council had progressed from Sophos Enterprise to Sophos Central, and then to Sophos Intercept X. For this renewal, CyberLab recommended upgrading to Sophos Central Intercept X Advanced for Endpoints and Servers, providing advanced protection against ransomware, exploits, and other sophisticated threats. CyberLab leveraged its strong vendor relationships to negotiate the best possible commercial terms, ensuring the Council could achieve its security objectives without exceeding budget. The engagement included:
Consultative planning to align the solution with the Council’s technical and financial requirements. Vendor negotiation to secure unmatched pricing for large-scale deployment. Implementation support to ensure seamless rollout across schools. Ongoing account management for continued guidance and assistance throughout the contract period.
“CyberLab are always there to help. Being able to pick up the phone or email and have access to a dedicated account manager who is always there to assist provides excellent value for us. Not only when it comes to renewal but also throughout any period of the contract, CyberLab are able to support and provide guidance.”
– Simon Hobdell, Technical Team Leader
Buckinghamshire Council
The Outcome
The upgrade to Sophos Central Intercept X Advanced delivered significant benefits for Buckinghamshire Council and the schools it serves:
Expanded coverage: Initially planning for 30,000 licences, CyberLab’s negotiation enabled the Council to secure over 40,000 licences within the same budget, dramatically increasing protection across the district. Cost efficiency: The Council achieved a price point that competitors could not match, maximising value for public funds. Enhanced security posture: Schools now benefit from industry-leading endpoint and server protection, reducing risk and ensuring compliance. Peace of mind: With CyberLab’s consultative approach and ongoing support, the Council can confidently manage its cyber security strategy.
Conclusion
Buckinghamshire Council’s partnership with CyberLab demonstrates how a strategic approach to vendor management and solution design can deliver exceptional value in the public sector. By upgrading to Sophos Central Intercept X Advanced and securing an unmatched commercial agreement, the Council has strengthened cyber security across its schools while staying within budget. With CyberLab as a trusted partner, Buckinghamshire Council can continue to protect its educational network and provide a safe, secure digital environment for staff and students.
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