Project Overview
Appello needed to decouple from shared, ageing infrastructure with FirstPort and modernise for resilience and cost predictability. A Microsoft 365 cloud migration delivered a decentralised, SaaS-first environment using Microsoft 365 (Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint) and Azure AD for secure SSO, aligned with our Modern Workplace approach.
The solution removed on-premises dependencies and third-party remote access, introducing scalable cloud services and, later, Teams telephony. Outcomes included a flexible, secure platform with predictable OpEx, easier user access anywhere, and smoother post-acquisition integration—showcasing our expertise in SharePoint consulting services and Azure consulting.
The Challenge
Appello’s IT systems were integrated with FirstPort; a property management firm owned by the same parent company as Appello. The technology requirements of the two businesses had developed over the years and as a result were now very different, meaning that Appello were unable to be as agile as they would have liked.
Additionally, FirstPort’s architecture was beginning to age and with Appello’s critical work in providing critical alarms for older people, the company was not able to withstand any downtime caused by outdated systems. The ongoing high operating costs for the existing solution were another issue that Appello wanted to address.
The decision was made to decentralise from FirstPort, implementing a new modern, scalable and flexible environment to support the business both now and in the future. Appello were provided with multiple options by other partners, with suggestions including migrating to a Private Cloud platform or to implement more on-premises hardware. The organisation felt that neither of these would adequately deliver against their desired outcome, so Appello looked to Transparity for a fresh, more modern approach.
The Solution
Transparity recommended a Microsoft Cloud-based solution for Appello, allowing them to decentralise their systems from FirstPort without the expense and complexity of having to build a new platform and then migrate current servers. Services were moved to Microsoft 365, which incorporates the popular Office 365 apps for productivity, Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration, and Cloud-based storage with OneDrive and SharePoint. Additionally, Microsoft 365’s enterprise-grade security features include Azure Active Directory for Single Sign-On, offering a sole identity for users to securely access their apps and data no matter where they are.
Appello’s new SaaS solutions would eliminate the need to maintain on-premises architecture – as well as negate the need to upgrade every few years – which would deliver significant cost savings. Additionally, as Microsoft 365 offers secure remote access, the business no longer needed to use third-party solutions such as Citrix. This not only reduces licensing costs but also allows for a seamless user experience.
The Outcome
Appello now have a modern IT environment, with its Cloud-based nature meaning that it can easily scale as the company grows. By moving from a CapEx to an OpEx model of procurement there is no longer a need to manage and upgrade on-premises infrastructure. This means that costs are now predictable and the savings ongoing, allowing the business to better plan for the future. Microsoft 365 also allows Appello to achieve their goal of being more agile, with users able to log on wherever they are whilst the company’s systems and data remain secure.
Following the implementation of Microsoft 365, Appello acquired another business. Traditionally, incorporating the systems of another business can be extremely complex; however, thanks to the agility that Microsoft Cloud has brought to the organisation, the process was seamless. Additionally, Transparity also implemented Teams telephony for Appello, reducing the expense and complexity of managing multiple vendors, retiring legacy telephony platforms and their associated maintenance costs.
