Learn how Big Beard Web Solutions partnered with The Transition Think Tank to establish a scalable, high-performance website on AWS, enhancing reliability, accessibility, and international reach.
Key Benefits
- Improved website reliability with no outages since migration
- Reduced time managing server issues, allowing staff to focus on core tasks
- Faster load times for international users, enhancing accessibility and engagement
- Scalable digital infrastructure to support organisational growth
- Ongoing support and guidance from Big Beard Web Solutions
Organisational Overview
The Transition Think Tank is an independent research and advisory organisation focused on climate resilience, sustainability, and economic transition. As a newly established organisation it required a professional website to build credibility, engage stakeholders, and support future growth.
Big Beard Web Solutions worked in cooperation with AWS to deliver a scalable, reliable website environment.
About The Transition Think Tank
The Transition Think Tank, also known as 4T, operates in the think tank and policy research sector, with a strong focus on climate, sustainability, and just economic transitions.
The organisation provides research, analysis, and advisory services for governments, public sector institutions, development partners, funders, and organisations involved in climate and economic transition initiatives, particularly across Africa and the Global South.
Combining research expertise with practical advisory support, The Transition Think Tank helps shape long-term strategies and evidence-based decision making.
Challenges and Opportunities
As a startup organisation, The Transition Think Tank did not have an existing website or digital infrastructure in place. The team lacked clarity on where to begin, what type of website was required, and how to select a suitable technology partner.
Finding the right website partner proved challenging, particularly one that could offer both technical capability and hands on guidance throughout the process. Without a functional and professional website, the organisation faced limitations in credibility, visibility, and scalability.
These challenges affected overall performance and posed long term risks. Without addressing the absence of a reliable digital presence, opportunities for growth, engagement, and trust with stakeholders would remain limited.
About AWS Partner Big Beard Web Solutions
Big Beard Web Solutions is a South African digital agency founded in 2020. The company specialises in website design, web development, cloud migration, hosting, support, maintenance, copywriting, and search engine optimisation to help organisations establish high-performance online presences.
Working closely with clients through every stage from planning to launch and ongoing support, Big Beard Web Solutions ensures solutions are tailored, scalable, and aligned with business goals.
The company works in cooperation with AWS to deliver reliable, secure, and globally accessible websites and digital environments.
The Solution
Big Beard Web Solutions migrated The Transition Think Tank’s website to AWS to improve reliability and speed for users worldwide. Kimmy AI agents automated parts of the migration, making the process faster and simpler.
The website runs on AWS using ECS/Fargate containers for secure, isolated environments.
Amazon Elastic File System stores website files, while Amazon RDS (MySQL) manages the database. Amazon CloudFront delivers content closer to users to reduce loading time and Amazon Route 53 ensures reliable access to the website.
This approach created a professional, fast loading, and secure website environment that can grow with the organisation.
Big Beard Web Solutions continues to provide monitoring, rapid issue resolution, and guidance for website management.
The Outcome
Since migration, the website has maintained continuous uptime and reliable access for stakeholders worldwide.
International users now experience faster loading times, and internal staff spend less time troubleshooting server issues, allowing them to focus on core activities. The professional and scalable website environment supports growth, strengthens credibility, and ensures future digital initiatives can be implemented efficiently.
Client Feedback
“We felt supported throughout the entire process. The team provided guidance, training, and a professional yet personable experience that made building our website comfortable and effective.”
Dr Lesego
Executive Director
The Transition Think Tank
AWS Services Utilised:
- Amazon Route 53
- Amazon CloudFront
- Amazon ECS/Fargate
- Amazon Elastic File System (EFS)
- Amazon RDS (MySQL)
Rughshana Sait
Rughshana Sait is a Junior Copywriter and Marketing Assistant with a passion for creating engaging, purposeful content that connects with audiences. She enjoys combining creativity with strategy, often adding a subtle touch of humour and wit to make her writing more memorable while keeping every piece clear, authentic, and impactful.
