Registers of Scotland (RoS) strives to use the very latest in digital technologies to benefit our customers and colleagues. This blog from Paul Christie, Head of IT Enablement, sets out how we have future-proofed our IT network in support of our corporate objectives.

RoS supports the Scottish economy. The security, accessibility and integrity of our registers is fundamental to the essential service that we provide.

Laying strong foundations

Provision of our digital services is underpinned by our network backbone. This enables us to work remotely, connect to our digital tooling, and communicate across our Edinburgh and Glasgow sites.

The technology which supports our IT network was coming to the end of its useful life. This meant that, while it would still function, it would no longer be supported by our suppliers for things like security updates or operational issues. Working in collaboration with our network provider Arista, RoS has successfully replaced that network whilst continuing to support day to day operational service.

Maintaining productivity

RoS’ number one priority is to reduce the age and volume of older casework. We knew that we had to deliver this project with minimal impact to colleague productivity – almost like changing the engine when the car is still running.

Strategic Objectives

Delivery of this project has made a vital contribution to RoS’ strategic objectives. We would not be able to deliver the benefits of a completed land register, digital improvements or offer innovative access to land and property data without the foundation which our IT network provides. Completing this project helps to safeguard our ability to be an effective, efficient, and future focused organisation as it has effectively allowed us to be more responsive to any required network changes or future improvements.

Opportunities for staff

The project has also allowed us to support the further development of our IT colleagues. Working alongside our network provider Arista, our staff have had the opportunity to work on a project which involves cutting edge technology.

For example, our network engineers now use Infrastructure as Code (IaC). This modern approach to network management offers increased consistency, reliability, and substantial improvements in recovery time in the event of an issue.

Sustainability

The project has also supported our organisation’s sustainability strategy. Modern equipment, with increased density and optimised power consumption, has allowed us to reduce our energy consumption with a cost saving estimate of ~£89,000 per annum.

Public Sector Reform

Another indirect project benefit is increased security. We can now offer space in our buildings to other public sector organisations as tenants without any risk to RoS services. For example, the ability for other public sector bodies to use our hot desking facilities in our Glasgow office. This supports public sector reform and a better return on investment for public finances.

What’s next?

We will continue to engage with our network providers Arista to ensure we are getting the most out of the product for the benefit of the business, our customers, and the public sector.