Pre-configured cloud environments for users of IBM i2
S-branch has partnered with Bytes and Amazon Web Services to offer pre-configured cloud environments for users of i2. These hosted environments come loaded with the latest versions of the i2 software suite and the necessary tools for an analyst to do their magic.
Each environment is dedicated and licensed to one client, meaning your data is secure, encrypted and only accessed by you and your team. Being cloud based, these environments can be available all the time, be leased on a monthly basis or even ‘rested’ when not required.
Workspaces Only
This environment allows analysts to produce powerful network visualisations and uncover hidden connections and patterns in data.
Great for a small team of analyst’s working with small sets of data under 100,000 rows in size.
This environment comes with a remote desktop(s) pre-configured with IBM i2 Analyst’s Notebook and Microsoft Excel for use with loading data.
Workspaces + Datastore
This environment allows analysts to uncover hidden connections and patterns in larger amounts of data.
Great for a small team of analyst’s working with larger sets of data or with disparate data sources.
This environment comes with a remote desktop(s) and a database server, pre-configured with IBM i2 Analyst’s Notebook and IBM i2 iBase. It also comes with iBase Designer for building a custom analysis datastore and Microsoft Excel for use with loading data.
Benefits
We’ll get you going quickly
These environments can be built and accessed within a number of days; providing the appropriate licenses have been obtained. This is ideal if you work on a project basis or to extremely tough timelines.
Your data, safe and secure
Analyst’s Workspaces are deployed within an Amazon Virtual Private Network (VPC) and provide each user with access to persistent, secure storage volumes in the AWS Cloud. This keeps user data away from the local device.
Runs on pretty much anything
Users can access their Analyst’s Workspaces from any supported device, including Windows and Mac computers, Chromebooks, iPads, Fire tablets, Android tablets and through Chrome or Fire-fox web browsers.
Help is at hand
As an Analyst’s Workspaces user, you will have the ability to give S-branch remote access for consultancy and support. We’ve been part of the i2 journey since 2006, either as trainers, technical consultants or marketers.
Reduce IT overhead
There is little overhead for internal IT teams. Nearly all elements of the implementation are managed by us, including: Server Infrastructure, SQL Server installation, pre-requisites and patches or updates.
Shrink hardware costs
The client software is light and runs on Android, iOS, Fire, Mac, PC and Chromebook devices. The processing and heavy lifting are all done on the remote environment, reducing hardware costs
User Experience
I recently had the opportunity to work on an investigative project using the IBM i2 Analyst Notebook and iBase tools in a Amazon Workspace virtual environment. The ability to work in the ‘Cloud’ using any system (MacBook for me) saved me the hassle of dragging an 8 kilo “stand alone” laptop from place to place was superb! Couple that with the enhanced ability to provide “real time” coordination with the client on the progress of the investigation and any resulting questions, meant that we had a great investigation experience. Recommend you try it out and see if it fits your intelligence and investigative needs!
Mark Ploszay – Intelligence Analyst
We’ve found the Analyst’s Workspaces to be very quick and straightforward to use. Our company has a global reach, so it’s invaluable to be able to securely access and analyse our data from anywhere in the world. The main benefit for us was the speed S-branch set this up. This allowed us to give fast invaluable insights into our data, which is of enormous value to our clients.
Eoghan Daly – Director, Forensic Services
Consultancy
As an Analyst’s Workspaces user, you will have the ability to give S-branch remote access for consultancy and support. We offer the following services to our clients:
Schema Design
By far the most important part of any i2 deployment. Understanding the data landscape and the client’s needs are more important than technology. S-branch has many years of experience with thinking in ‘Entity and Links’.
Administration
i2 is often a ‘mission critical’ system for a lot of our clients. Having an administrator that knows the software inside and out, as well as the underlying technology is a reassurance. To these clients, S-branch can be that semi-regular resource that can be called upon.
Analyst for hire
If you don’t have an analyst team, we can offer expertise. Our analysts have a wide range of experience within intelligence operations and analysis. With backgrounds in either Military or Law Enforcement, they will ensure you get the most out of your data.
Data Sources
i2 has a straight forward deployment model which fits well with most IT infrastructures. The integration with other data sources or systems is the technical part. S-branch has extended experience with getting data in and out of i2.
If you would like to find out more about Analyst’s Workspaces or i2 in general please contact us.