Tackling research IT challenges with Loome: Microsoft's solution for modern academic demands
Cloud • March 17, 2025 • Written by: Tony Dawson • Read time: 2 mins
In the higher education sector, where managing cloud resources efficiently is critical for both research excellence and administrative efficiency, Loome offers a powerful solution. The self-service platform provides universities with ISO27001-compliant security controls, role-based authentication, and comprehensive financial monitoring specifically designed for tracking research grants and departmental budgets. Let's explore the key advantages this platform provides.
Security and compliance at the forefront
Loome places a strong emphasis on security, featuring ISO27001 compliance and Airlock functionality. The platform establishes clear security processes and full access controls that help universities maintain their institutional accreditation. This focus on security is crucial for enterprises handling sensitive information in cloud environments.
Enterprise-grade authentication
The software implements robust B2B authentication protocols for accessing the Loome platform. Each user is assigned a specific role with Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) configured according to their requirements. This ensures that team members have precisely the access they need - no more, no less - enhancing both security and workflow efficiency.
Effective IT management
Loome streamlines IT administration processes, reducing the burden on IT support teams. This allows technical staff to focus on innovation rather than routine maintenance tasks, ultimately improving organisational productivity.
User-friendly Azure resource management
Loome significantly improves the Azure experience with:
- streamlined access select from a vast catalogue of specialised Azure functionality and resources like the latest GPUs, FPGAs, HPC, etc.
- quicker setup processes for research environments through a template catalog for users to quickly deploy resources
- keeping track of project budgets and receive spending alerts
- deploying powerful workstations, analysis resources, and even HPC clusters, in minutes
- running fully-automated analysis workflows on demand and at scale
- selecting from a range of storage options to store data cost-effectively
- an accessible interface for non-technical audiences.
Enhanced research capabilities
For universities conducting research, Loome offers increased autonomy and flexible deployment options:
- customisable templates and provision of fit-for-purpose HPC (High-Performance Computing) clusters
- workstations configured for each project with user access based on data sensitivity levels
- independent project execution in parallel with controlled access for collaboration partners.
Adaptable platform
Loome's flexible architecture is designed to meet all user needs and remains responsive to Azure updates. This adaptability ensures that universities can evolve their cloud infrastructure alongside their changing research and business requirements.
How can you implement this?
CoreAzure specialises in implementing Loome within university environments, integrating with existing systems, and establishing governance frameworks aligned with academic funding models. Our approach addresses compliance requirements while providing bespoke training for faculty, researchers, and administrators.
For a comprehensive overview of how Loome is meeting research challenges, join Ryan Payton from Microsoft and myself, Tony Dawson from CoreAzure, at the UCISA conference, Day 2, on the Demo stage at 3:15 PM, where we will discuss Loome's capabilities for universities. For a product demonstration, please join us at stand 75 throughout the conference.