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Oracle
Industry: Charitable Company / Scientific Research

National Oceanography Centre (NOC) selects DSP as their Oracle Managed Service Provider

Discover how DSP supported the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) with their Oracle databases, resulting in a fully optimised environment and round-the-clock service.

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Oracle Managed Services

Customer Overview

NOC is a leading UK-based centre for oceanographic research and innovation, employing several hundred scientists, engineers, and operational staff across multiple locations. It operates with both public and private sector partnerships, requiring robust, secure, and high-performance IT systems to support research, data processing, and collaboration.

Key Business Objectives

  • Maintain highly available and stable Oracle environments to support scientific modelling and data analysis
  • Reduce internal overhead on database administration
  • Ensure system resilience and security for critical research applications
  • Enable long-term IT sustainability through proactive monitoring and support

"Our Oracle environment has remained stable and secure under DSP’s management. Their proactive approach and responsiveness have been invaluable in supporting our work, especially during critical research periods."

Network & Infrastructure Manager
National Oceanography Centre

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The Challenge

NOC relies heavily on Oracle databases to manage and process large volumes of research data. Previously, in-house management of these environments created strain on internal resources and introduced risk around patching, performance, and compliance. With the growing complexity of datasets and increasing dependency on uptime for fieldwork and research applications, NOC needed a trusted partner to ensure stability.

The organisation operates a mixed environment, including on-premise Oracle systems supporting bespoke scientific applications. These databases are mission-critical for operational planning, environmental monitoring, and data storage, with rigorous security and access control requirements.

The Solution

Services Implemented:
  • Oracle Database Managed Services
  • Proactive Monitoring & Incident Management
  • Security Patching and Compliance Support
  • Performance Tuning and Capacity Planning
  • Backup and Recovery Advisory

Customisation & Tailoring:

DSP tailored its services to accommodate NOC’s scientific workloads, including data-intensive applications and specialised analysis tools. Maintenance windows and escalation protocols were aligned to research schedules and data capture cycles, ensuring minimal disruption to time-sensitive work.

Technology/Platforms Used:

  • Oracle Database (on-premise infrastructure)
  • Custom scripts and monitoring tools
  • Integration with NOC's secure research network and ticketing systems

Implementation Process:

The engagement began with a structured onboarding, including a full Oracle estate review and health check. DSP worked closely with NOC’s IT team to transition services with no disruption, identifying and addressing legacy issues early in the process.

Integration with Existing Systems:

Managed services were integrated into existing workflows, providing seamless visibility for internal stakeholders. Regular reviews, shared dashboards, and collaborative processes ensured a high level of trust and transparency.

The Result

Key Metrics & Quantifiable Results:

  • 99.99% uptime maintained across Oracle environments
  • 25% reduction in database-related incident volume
  • Fully up-to-date patching cycle with no missed compliance deadlines
  • Significant reduction in reactive incidents due to proactive monitoring

Qualitative Benefits:

  • Greater peace of mind for internal IT teams and researchers
  • Improved long-term infrastructure planning
  • Strengthened system resilience during critical research windows
  • Enhanced collaboration between IT and research staff, driven by more reliable systems

Return on Investment (ROI):

While not measured in direct revenue, ROI is reflected in operational continuity, staff efficiency, and the avoidance of costly downtime during research-dependent operations.

Impact on Business Objectives:

The Oracle managed services provided by DSP have enabled NOC to maintain a stable, high-performing database environment, directly supporting their mission to deliver cutting-edge oceanographic research and innovation.

 

The Partnership

Our Team's Expertise & Approach

DSP’s Oracle specialists brought a strong understanding of both enterprise infrastructure and the nuances of research-driven environments. The team’s collaborative, flexible approach has been key in adapting to the evolving needs of NOC.

Communication & Collaboration

NOC has rated the relationship with DSP as 9/10, citing effective communication, responsive service, and a clear commitment to service excellence. Regular updates and collaborative planning have built trust across teams from both NOC and DSP.

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