We're The Cloud Firm
A team of Microsoft cloud specialists helping Australian organisations navigate complexity, strengthen security, and get genuine value from technology.
How We Started
The Cloud Firm was founded on a simple observation: too many organisations struggle with Microsoft cloud not because the technology is bad, but because implementations are rushed, architecture is skipped, and consultants disappear after the sale.
We saw projects fail because foundations weren't built properly. We saw security gaps that existed because compliance was treated as a checkbox exercise. We saw organisations overpaying for licenses they didn't need while missing programs they qualified for.
We started The Cloud Firm to do things differently.
Architecture first.
We design before we build, because proper foundations prevent expensive rework.
Security embedded.
Not bolted on after auditors ask questions, but built in from the start.
Knowledge transferred.
Your team should be able to operate confidently, not dependent on us forever.
Honest advice.
We'll tell you if something isn't right for your organisation, even if it means less work for us.
We're not trying to be the biggest Microsoft partner in Australia. We're trying to be the one that organisations trust when complexity, security, and getting it right actually matter.
Our Values
These aren't words on a wall. They're how we make decisions and how we work with clients.
Architecture Matters
What it means: We don't skip the design phase. Proper architecture—landing zones, identity models, governance frameworks—prevents problems that are expensive to fix later.
How you'll see it: We'll push back if you want to skip planning and jump straight to implementation. Not because we want more billable hours, but because we've seen what happens when foundations are weak.
Security Is Non-Negotiable
What it means: Security isn't a feature to add later or a separate workstream. It's embedded in everything we design and deliver.
How you'll see it: Every solution we propose includes security considerations. We won't implement something insecure just because it's faster or cheaper.
Your Capability, Not Your Dependency
What it means: Success isn't measured by how much you need us—it's measured by how confidently your team can operate.
How you'll see it: We document as we build. We train as we deliver. We explain why, not just what. When we leave, your team is ready.
Honest Over Comfortable
What it means: We tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. If something won't work, we'll say so.
How you'll see it: Sometimes we'll recommend against work. Sometimes we'll challenge your assumptions. We'd rather lose a project than deliver something that fails.
Outcomes Over Activity
What it means: We measure success by what you achieve—working systems, improved security, solved problems—not by hours logged or features delivered.
How you'll see it: We focus conversations on what you're trying to accomplish. We'll question requirements that don't serve real outcomes.
Our Methodology
Every engagement follows a structured approach designed to reduce risk, ensure quality, and transfer knowledge.
Discover
We take time to understand before proposing solutions. Current state assessment, stakeholder conversations, requirement gathering, and constraint identification.
Design
We architect the solution—infrastructure, security, integrations, governance—with documentation that explains the reasoning, not just the configuration.
Deliver
We build, configure, and deploy in controlled phases. Testing at each stage, stakeholder involvement throughout, and no surprises at handover.
Operate
Transition to operations with your team ready to manage day-to-day. Ongoing support available as needed—managed services, advisory retainers, or on-demand assistance.
Discover
We take time to understand before proposing solutions. Current state assessment, stakeholder conversations, requirement gathering, and constraint identification.
Design
We architect the solution—infrastructure, security, integrations, governance—with documentation that explains the reasoning, not just the configuration.
Deliver
We build, configure, and deploy in controlled phases. Testing at each stage, stakeholder involvement throughout, and no surprises at handover.
Operate
Transition to operations with your team ready to manage day-to-day. Ongoing support available as needed—managed services, advisory retainers, or on-demand assistance.
Discover Outcomes
- Clear understanding of current state
- Documented requirements and constraints
- Identified risks and dependencies
- Realistic scope and approach
Design Outcomes
- Solution architecture documentation
- Security and compliance mappings
- Decision records with rationale
- Implementation roadmap
Deliver Outcomes
- Working solution in production
- Validated functionality and security
- Trained administrators and users
- Complete documentation
Operate Outcomes
- Confident operational team
- Clear support arrangements
- Continuous improvement path
- Long-term success
Who We Are
A small team of senior practitioners who work directly on client engagements. No bait-and-switch with junior consultants after the sale.
Senior Expertise
Our consultants have years of experience across government, enterprise, and complex environments. When you engage us, you work directly with people who've done this before.
Diverse Backgrounds
Our team brings experience from federal agencies, Defence environments, financial services, healthcare, and professional services. We've seen different contexts and understand what works where.
Microsoft Depth
We maintain current Microsoft certifications and stay across platform changes. Azure, Microsoft 365, security, identity, Power Platform—depth across the Microsoft stack.
Continuous Learning
Microsoft's cloud evolves constantly. We invest time in staying current so our advice reflects what's possible today, not what worked two years ago.
Working With Us
Direct Access
You'll work directly with senior consultants, not through layers of project managers or account executives.
Consistent Team
We aim for continuity across engagements. The person who does your assessment helps implement recommendations.
Responsive Communication
We respond promptly, communicate clearly, and keep you informed. No chasing for updates.
What Sets Us Apart
There are many Microsoft partners. Here's why organisations choose to work with us.
Genuine Government Experience
Our team has architected and delivered inside federal agencies and Defence environments. We understand ISM, PSPF, Essential Eight, IRAP processes, and the realities of government procurement.
Why it matters: Government isn't just another sector. Consultants who don't understand the constraints deliver inappropriate solutions.
Architecture-Led, Not Tool-Led
Many consultants jump straight to implementation. We invest in architecture because we've seen what happens when foundations are weak.
Why it matters: Proper design prevents expensive rework. Solutions built on solid foundations scale and evolve.
Security Embedded, Not Added
Security isn't a separate workstream or an afterthought. It's part of every design decision and every implementation we do.
Why it matters: Retrofitting security is expensive and often incomplete. Building it in from the start is more effective.
Senior People, Direct Access
The senior people you meet during sales are the people who do the work. We don't hand off to junior consultants after the contract is signed.
Why it matters: Experience matters for complex work. Senior practitioners deliver better outcomes and solve problems faster.
Knowledge Transfer Focus
We document thoroughly, train intentionally, and explain reasoning. Success means your team is more capable, not more dependent.
Why it matters: Long-term success requires internal capability. Consultants who create dependency aren't serving your interests.
What You Can Expect
Clear commitments that we hold ourselves accountable to.
Responsive Communication
We respond to inquiries within one business day. We keep you informed of progress. We flag issues early, not at the last minute.
Transparent Pricing
Clear pricing before work begins. No surprise charges. If scope changes, we discuss it before proceeding.
Honest Assessment
We tell you what we actually think, even if it's uncomfortable. We'll recommend against work if it's not right for you.
Quality Delivery
Work that meets professional standards. Documentation that's actually useful. Solutions that work as designed.
Respectful Engagement
We treat your time as valuable. We come prepared. We listen before we propose. We respect your expertise in your own organisation.
Australia-Based, Globally Capable
We're an Australian company serving Australian organisations. Our team is distributed across Australia, and we understand Australian compliance frameworks—Essential Eight, ISM, Privacy Act, PSPF. For organisations with international operations, we can support implementations across regions with multi-geography architectures.