Interest in cloud-based cyberinfrastructure among higher-education institutions is growing rapidly, driven by needs to realize cost savings and access enhanced computing resources. Through a nonprofit entity, we have created a platform that provides hosting and software support services enabling researchers to responsibly build on cloud technologies. However, there are technical, logistic, and administrative challenges if this platform is to support all types of research. Software-enhanced research is distinctly different from industry applications, typically characterized by needs for lower reduced availability, greater flexibility, and fewer resources for upkeep costs. We describe a swarm environment specifically designed for research in academic settings and our experience developing an operating model for sustainable cyberinfrastructure. We also present three case studies illustrating the types of applications supported by the cyberinfrastructure and explore techniques that address specific application needs. Our findings demonstrate safer, faster, cheaper cloud services by recognizing the intrinsic properties of academic research environments.