AI Enablement
Identify where AI can genuinely save time, reduce administration and improve productivity — then adopt it safely, responsibly and with appropriate governance.
Explore AI EnablementAbout Strategic Data Services
Practical IT, AI and Cyber Security Expertise for Small Businesses
Enterprise experience. SME practicality. Technology that solves real business problems.
Strategic Data Services helps small and growing businesses across Wokingham, Berkshire and the Thames Valley make better use of technology — from everyday IT and Microsoft 365 to cloud, cyber security, automation and responsible AI.
Talk to Strategic Data ServicesWhat we stand for
Technology should solve business problems — not create new ones.
Strategic Data Services works with organisations that need experienced technology advice but do not need the cost, complexity or layers of a large consultancy.
We start with the business problem rather than the product. That may mean reducing unnecessary Microsoft 365 costs, improving unreliable IT, strengthening cyber security, automating repetitive work, moving services to the cloud or identifying where AI could genuinely improve productivity.
We don’t start by asking what technology we can sell you. We start by asking what problem you’re trying to solve.
Where we can help
Technology support shaped around your business.
Cloud & Microsoft 365
Simplify cloud services, improve Microsoft 365, modernise working practices and reduce unnecessary licence or infrastructure spend.
Explore Cloud & Digital ExpertiseCyber Security
Reduce cyber risk through practical improvements to identity, devices, Microsoft 365, vulnerabilities, security processes and Cyber Essentials readiness.
Explore Cyber SecurityManaged IT & Technology Advice
Get practical guidance and support for business IT without needing to build a large internal technology team.
Talk to Strategic Data ServicesA clear route to value
How we approach technology
01
Start with the Business
Understand how the organisation works, where the frustrations or risks are and what outcome the business actually needs.
02
Find the Real Problem
Review the technology, processes, costs, data and risks to identify what is genuinely causing the problem rather than treating the symptom.
03
Apply the Right Solution
Recommend proportionate improvements — whether that means changing technology, simplifying a process, improving security, automating work or deciding that no new technology is required.
04
Focus on Business Value
Judge success by the business outcome: improved productivity, lower cost, reduced risk, better resilience or a more effective customer or employee experience.
Founder
Experienced technology leadership, directly accessible.
Meet Steve Dixon, Founder of Strategic Data Services
Steve Dixon is a technology and product leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning cloud computing, managed IT services, cyber security, automation and artificial intelligence.
Before focusing on Strategic Data Services, Steve held senior product and technology leadership roles across major UK technology and managed service organisations, working with environments ranging from growing businesses to highly regulated enterprise and public-sector platforms.
His experience spans Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, VMware, OpenStack, cloud-native platforms, cyber security, managed services, IT operations, business systems, workflow automation and responsible AI adoption.
More importantly, his career has consistently involved taking complex technology and turning it into services that people can actually use, operate and justify commercially.
Through Strategic Data Services, Steve brings that experience directly to smaller organisations — without the consultancy layers, unnecessary complexity or enterprise-sized price tag.
Connect with Steve Dixon on LinkedInSteve’s previous experience includes senior roles with Rackspace, UKCloud, Six Degrees and Xeretec. These organisations do not endorse Strategic Data Services.
20+ YearsTechnology, product and IT leadership experience
Cloud ExpertiseAzure, Microsoft 365, VMware, OpenStack and cloud-native platforms
Cyber SecurityExperience developing managed cyber security services and working with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus environments
Responsible AICreated and led enterprise AI adoption and governance programmes, including an AI Centre of Excellence
Commercial & TechnicalTechnology architecture, product strategy, managed services and commercial delivery
Leadership ExperienceSenior roles advising executive teams and leading technical, product and operational functions
Selected Experience
- Built and commercialised cloud and managed service portfolios across Azure, Microsoft 365, OpenStack and hybrid cloud environments.
- Developed and led managed cyber security services covering vulnerability management and Cyber Essentials readiness.
- Created an enterprise AI Centre of Excellence focused on safe and responsible AI adoption.
- Led technology and service portfolios at significant commercial scale while identifying opportunities for automation, operational improvement and cost reduction.
What does that experience mean for your business?
It means you get advice from someone who has seen technology operate at significant scale, understands the security and governance disciplines larger organisations rely on, and knows when that complexity is unnecessary for a smaller business.
SDS applies the useful lessons — and leaves the enterprise bureaucracy behind.
Why work with us?
Why Strategic Data Services?
Practical Advice
Technology recommendations should make commercial sense rather than simply introduce more software.
No Technobabble
We explain the problem, recommendation, risks and trade-offs in plain English so you can make an informed business decision.
Enterprise Experience, SME Reality
We apply experience gained in complex technology environments in a proportionate way that makes sense for smaller organisations, teams and budgets.
Local expertise
Local expertise, without the call-centre experience.
Strategic Data Services is based in Wokingham and primarily supports organisations across Berkshire and the wider Thames Valley, including Reading and Bracknell.
Most advice and support can be delivered remotely where that is easiest, while face-to-face engagement is available when understanding your people, processes or technology environment benefits from being on-site.
The aim is to build a long-term relationship in which you know who you are dealing with and can speak directly to the person providing the advice.
Not sure what your business actually needs?
Whether you’re reviewing your IT, considering AI, concerned about cyber security or simply wondering whether technology could work harder for your business, an initial conversation can usually provide some clarity.
Book a Free Initial ConversationNo jargon. No obligation. Just practical advice.