About us
Built by engineers.
Focused on outcomes.
Cloud Start Solutions was founded to give Australian SMBs access to the same level of IT and security expertise that large enterprises take for granted, at a price that makes sense.
- 3
- Complementary founder disciplines
- 100%
- Australian-based team
- Clear
- Scope and response targets agreed
- M365
- Microsoft 365 specialists
Why we started
Growing businesses need reliable IT without the burden of managing every device, account and supplier themselves. Our founders combine security engineering, business operations and networking expertise to help.
The problem is not usually a lack of budget. It is a lack of the right configuration, maintained consistently, by people who know what they are doing. That is the gap we exist to close.
Our focus is Microsoft 365 and the full Microsoft security stack: Intune, Defender, and the suite of tools that come with Business Premium. We configure it properly, keep it maintained, and give you a direct line to engineers who actually know your environment.
Meet the team
When you contact Cloud Start, you speak directly to an engineer about your environment. We confirm who is responsible for delivery and how to reach us.
Ryan Scott
Co-founder | Cybersecurity & Cloud
Ryan brings hands-on experience in cybersecurity engineering, cloud administration and IT leadership, including roles at Protecht and WithYouWithMe. His background spans supporting business systems, administering cloud environments and managing IT operations before moving into dedicated cybersecurity roles. At CloudStart, he focuses on Microsoft 365 security and practical improvements that protect accounts and information while keeping people working.
Eithan Clifford
Co-founder | Business Operations & IT Delivery
Eithan connects business priorities with practical technology delivery. At WithYouWithMe, he led a 16-person IT support team serving 500 staff and the organisation’s platform users. As IT Lead at Year13, he managed IT operations, Microsoft migration and the organisation’s ISO 27001 certification programme. His subsequent business analysis work at Westpac strengthened his approach to defining scope, coordinating stakeholders and translating business needs into clear delivery plans.
Brett Harrington
Co-founder | Networks & Endpoint Management
Brett brings experience in network deployment, endpoint management and ICT support, backed by 19 years in the Royal Australian Air Force. At WithYouWithMe, his responsibilities included Microsoft Intune, Windows and Mac device management, vulnerability management and Microsoft 365 administration. He also delivered network infrastructure projects supporting the Royal Australian Navy. At CloudStart, he brings a disciplined approach to reliable networks, well-managed devices and day-to-day IT operations.
How we work
Security-first
We include security baselines in the initial setup.
Plain English
We clearly explain what we do, why it matters and what it costs.
Australian
You work with our Australian team. We discuss where your data is processed when we define the scope of your services.
Practical
We recommend what your business actually needs, not the most expensive option.