We migrated a local accountant to the cloud

Read how we migrated a local account to the Microsoft Cloud, reducing complexity and increasing security and productivity

Main Benefits

  • Increase user security
  • Increase productivity by using latest software versions
  • Reduce on-premises server footprint
Thumb

The Problem

The client wanted to remove reliance on ageing hardware at their local office as they’d be plagued by multiple failures of hardware – causing unexpected downtime which had a huge impact to the running of their business.

They were also aware that running older and now unsupported versions of Microsoft server software left them at risk of a potential security breach. They also knew the feature set of the software they were running was lagging behind that of some of their competitors.

The needed expert guidance on making the correct decision that will provide the level of service their users needed, future proofed their IT systems and increased security and productivity.

    Thumb

    Project workflow

    Main steps to get this project delivered

    01

    On-premises discovery and migration start

    15/02/2018

    02

    Migrate users to Office 365 Saas Services

    09/03/2018

    03

    Migrate remaining infrastructure to Azure

    26/03/2020

    04

    Complete migration and start ongoing support

    15/03/2020

    The Solution

    Cloudworks recommended deploying the Microsoft Office 365 suite as it would provide their business with enhanced security, data retention and team working capabilities whilst also fulfilling their primary objective of removing their reliance on in-house hardware and servers.

    Our history of providing successful hybrid and cloud-based solutions enabled the business to make an informed decision on the future of their IT systems and develop a sound cloud strategy.

    The initial task was to migrate all the current users to Office 365 with Exchange Online to eliminate the need for internal servers. Following the successful migration, we worked with the business to develop an integrated OneDrive/SharePoint solution for team collaboration and client access to accounts data.

    Using the built-in technologies available in the Microsoft platform, we were able to setup policies for security and remote monitoring / backup of key systems.

    By deploying solutions such as Advanced Threat Protection, the business could protect against the increase in daily security threats from viruses, spam and anti-phishing attempts. Comprehensive policies were put in place to proactively monitor data flow in/out of the business and significantly reduce reactive support required dealing with security issues.

      Thumb
      Thumb

      The Benefits

      With less time managing and maintaining on-premises servers and systems significant cost savings were made. They are using market leading IT technologies and are seeing productivity improvements across the entire user estate. The users know they are secure – they hardly see any spam or phishing emails now and even though they only have to use MFA once a month, know they are secure.
      One of the directors of the business commented: 'We have used Cloudworks for our IT strategy, security and support since 2015. Our initial requirements were to remove any reliance on our in-house IT systems and to ensure we had the most secure platform available. This was delivered with minimal interruption to our daily operations. We are very happy with the on-going help we receive - especially the reporting system which gives us the assurance that our cloud-based systems are fully secure and professionally managed'.

      • Improve Productivity

        The business, with continued mentoring from Cloudworks are now working on improving their business processes by expanding into the full suite of Microsoft Cloud services. This includes using Teams for voice calling, Yammer for internal communications and Azure for the services that couldn’t be moved to Software As A Service based technologies.

      • Secure the data and identities

        Cloudworks have taken ownership of the security of devices and identities. We contact users directly if we spot any activity out of the ordinary, which has given the directors and staff confidence that their data, and that of their clients is secure.

      Contact us
      Location

      Northgate House, Northgate, Nottingham, NG7 7BQ

      Make a Call

      0115 824 8244

      Send a Mail

      hello@cloudworks.co.uk

      We’d love to hear from you anytime