Ben Svalbe, Principal Consultant, Macquarie Cloud Services
Pauline Thomas, Product Lead – Hybrid Solutions, Macquarie Cloud Services
Biography:
Ben is a trusted expert in colocation, hybrid cloud, and secure infrastructure design. With over 25 years in technical, pre-sales, and consulting roles, he has partnered with universities and research organisations to deliver scalable, fit-for-purpose solutions. Known for unifying diverse technical and business requirements, Ben helps organisations navigate complexity while achieving security and performance.
Pauline is an award-winning Product Lead at Macquarie Cloud Services, known for turning complex cloud concepts into commercially successful, customer-centric solutions. She combines creativity with pragmatism, leading innovations such as the Managed Azure Virtual Desktop and Macquarie Lens optimisation portal, both instrumental in helping Macquarie Cloud Services become Australia’s fastest Microsoft partner to achieve Azure Expert MSP status.
Recognised by peers as passionate, collaborative, and visionary, Pauline’s leadership is defined by her ability to see solutions before the problem is fully formed, transforming ideas into scalable realities that empower customers and redefine what product innovation looks like in the cloud era.
Abstract:
Researchers are navigating a landscape where compliance, security, and innovation collide. New funding streams and global collaborations demand rigorous data protection and the ability to manage sensitive, regulated information without slowing discovery. The stakes are high: falling short can mean missed opportunities, delayed outcomes, and diminished trust.
This session explores how secure, high-performance research environments can turn these challenges into opportunities. Attendees will see how purpose-built platforms such as CAUDIT Cloud enable institutions to meet complex compliance standards, safeguard sensitive data with confidence, and accelerate research outcomes – all while reducing cost, avoiding legacy lock-in, and empowering teams to innovate at speed.