Project Overview
To enable secure and scalable remote device management, MDA Training moved away from legacy Windows Server file shares and on-premises Active Directory, migrating content into SharePoint Online (see our SharePoint consulting services) within a modern Modern Workplace framework.
Transparity implemented Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Endpoint Manager to support BYOD, improve compliance visibility and streamline provisioning. The project also included retiring Azure-hosted infrastructure, reducing costs while strengthening flexibility through cloud-based device management solutions and Microsoft Cyber Security services.
The Challenge
MDA Training approached Transparity as they were looking for solutions in supporting a scalable and mobile workforce. Having worked with Transparity previously and following a recommendation from Microsoft, MDA Training knew that engaging with Transparity as their dedicated IT Partner would be their best option.
The project would involve a migration from the traditional Windows Server-based file shares into SharePoint Online. Upon completion, this would remove one of the final dependents of Windows Server AD and offered an opportunity to remove traditional Active Directory and any further Azure service infrastructure. This would then allow the company the chance to move to a modern device management solution perfectly designed to support a remote workforce.
MDA Training approached the Microsoft Gold Partner to review and remove any remaining Azure resources by migrating all devices to Azure Active Directory; a multi-tenant, cloud-based identity and access management service.
The Solution
Transparity recommended two solutions within the Microsoft 365 platform that would remove the need for Azure-hosted infrastructure, and thus reduce costs for the business; Azure AD and Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Azure AD was an ideal solution to improve security and accessibility for users, enabling the organisation to work as effectively and cohesively as possible. Endpoint Manager is perfectly designed to help with scalability – especially when considering a remote workforce – and implementing it enabled MDA Training to have new devices set up and existing ones flexibly managed without having to manually add user information or applications to each.
Additionally, the use of Microsoft Endpoint Manager would allow the organisation to improve data security now that their staff found themselves working from home. Microsoft Endpoint Manager helps ensure that any device enrolled and accessing MDA Training data adheres to the security requirements set out by the organisation. This allowed the company to have a “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policy, which allowed staff to use their own supported devices whilst keeping company files and data secure.
The Outcome
By enrolling all devices in Azure AD and Endpoint Manager, MDA Training now has assurance that their data is kept secure without stifling their users’ productivity. Additionally, having the ability to centrally view the health of devices and ensure that all devices are compliant with the organisation’s security policies has been of great benefit to the organisation whilst working remotely. They now have a solution aligned to their growth plans, and that can easily set up devices automatically without the need for MDA Training staff to manage this aspect.
Finally, removing the hosted domain in Azure and subsequently decommissioning the Azure infrastructure has reduced recurring costs for the business, resulting in an efficient and streamlined foundation on which MDA Training can continue to grow.
