From cloud to AI: how ANS is supporting the emergency tech shift

As emergency services strive to do more with less, ANS is helping organisations modernise their infrastructure, streamline operations, and lay the groundwork for AI adoption. From secure cloud platforms and low-code innovation to digital forensics and real-time data insights, the Manchester-based Microsoft partner is simplifying complex tech for frontline impact.

We caught up with the team ahead of The Emergency Tech Show to explore how they’re supporting safer, smarter and more scalable emergency response.

1. Tell us a bit about ANS – who you are and how you support the blue light sector?

ANS is a Manchester-based digital transformation provider and Microsoft UK Services Partner of the Year 2024. We specialise in cloud, security, data, AI and low-code solutions, with a strong focus on simplifying enterprise-grade technology for the public sector.

For the blue light sector, we save police forces six-figure sums through the use of cloud technologies, as well as delivering secure, scalable and compliant digital services and data platforms that help emergency responders share information quickly, coordinate effectively, and act decisively. Our UK-based team ensures every solution is tailored to the unique operational needs of emergency services, enabling safer and more impactful outcomes.

2. What kinds of challenges are you helping emergency services tackle right now?

Emergency services are under increasing pressure to save costs, respond faster, collaborate better and operate more efficiently, all while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance. ANS is helping tackle these challenges by:

• Saving costs through the use of cloud infrastructure
• Meeting UKAS accreditation for Digital Forensics
• Enabling secure data sharing across agencies.
• Automating manual processes to free up frontline resources.
• Enhancing situational awareness through real-time data and analytics.
• Supporting cloud migration to improve scalability and resilience.
• Ensuring governance and compliance with UK Sovereign Cloud and SOC capabilities.

3. Can you share a recent success or project you’re especially proud of?

We’re incredibly proud of our work supporting digital transformation across multiple UK police forces, helping them modernise infrastructure, enhance data capabilities, and meet critical compliance standards.

For example, South Yorkshire Police partnered with us to implement a modern data platform in Microsoft Azure, significantly maturing their data and analytics capabilities. This initiative enabled faster access to insights for frontline policing, improved strategic decision-making, and fostered a culture of data quality and continuous improvement.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police made a strategic move to Azure Cloud using Microsoft Azure VMware Solution. This project aligned with the National Digital Strategy for Policing and helped the force avoid substantial capital expenditure while modernising their infrastructure. Our Cloud Centre of Excellence continues to support them with ongoing optimisation and technical expertise.

Lastly, we worked with the Norfolk & Suffolk Digital Forensic Unit to deliver a secure and scalable Azure backup solution. This not only ensured compliance with UKAS recommendations but also provided a future-proofed platform to manage and analyse over three petabytes of digital forensic data critical for supporting investigations and legal processes.

Across all three projects, what stands out is the real-world impact: enabling better citizen engagement, improving operational efficiency, and helping forces stay ahead of evolving digital demands. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how our partnerships have empowered these organisations to deliver safer, smarter policing.

4. You’re focusing on the ‘journey to AI’ – what does that look like for the emergency services and how are you helping them take those first steps?

The journey to AI in emergency services starts with building trust in data and establishing a secure, scalable foundation. ANS helps organisations:

• Identify high-impact use cases, such as predictive analytics for resource deployment or automated triage.
• Implement low-code solutions to rapidly prototype and test AI applications.
• Ensure data governance and compliance from day one.
• Provide hands-on guidance and training to build internal capability. Our approach is pragmatic and collaborative, ensuring AI adoption is safe, ethical, and aligned with operational goals.

5. What are you showcasing at The Emergency Tech Show?

At The Emergency Tech Show 2025, ANS is showcasing:

• Our secure cloud and data platforms tailored for emergency services.
• Real-world AI applications, including predictive analytics and intelligent automation.
• Low-code solutions that empower teams to innovate quickly.
• Our UK Sovereign Cloud and SOC capabilities for compliant, resilient infrastructure. Visitors can explore how ANS simplifies complex technology to deliver rapid, impactful transformation.

6. Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in the emergency services?

The biggest opportunities lie in:

• AI-powered decision support: Enhancing situational awareness and resource allocation.
• Interoperability and data sharing: Breaking down silos across agencies.
• Automation of routine tasks: Freeing up time for frontline responders.
• Mobile-first solutions: Empowering teams with real-time access to critical data.
• Cyber resilience: Ensuring systems remain secure and operational under pressure. Innovation in these areas can dramatically improve response times, collaboration, and public safety outcomes.

ANS is a Microsoft Partner in the Microsoft Pavilion at The Emergency Tech Show at the NEC on 17-18 September. Check out the full exhibitor list here.