ACES has multiple IT users, geographically spread and the existing IT infrastructure was running on a five-year-old server that was performing poorly. There was an interest in centralising information with the use of SharePoint and whilst being a not for profit organisation, with access to free Exchange Online, migrating fully to the cloud would result in loss of functionality of mission-critical applications and resources.

Integer’s recommendation was to divide the project into two parts.

1. Cloud migration using a hybrid solution.
2. Development of document management using SharePoint and OneDrive.

Integer IT supplied and configured a server with Microsoft Server 2016 Hyper-V, with two virtual machines: one to run Server 2016 with Active Directory, and one as a Terminal Server.

The new domain controller was linked to Exchange Online using Windows Azure Active Directory Sync.

Adding the users created in Active Directory to a specified Security Group automatically created the mailbox in the cloud. The office PCs were then joined to the new domain and the user passwords synchronise with Exchange Online.

Having a local server provides a centralised point for data storage, backup and user management and critical applications that are not cloud ready and for confidentially reasons may never want to be hosted externally. Hosting the mailboxes in the cloud provides a high level of access from any location. The new infrastructure is ideal for the development of SharePoint.

Kathy Wonderley, Chief Executive said ”Integer IT were great throughout the whole process. One of the positive outcomes was that external access was sped up considerably. One worker who works remotely found that she was able to download files and perform other computer tasks significantly faster with the cloud-based servers. This project coupled with us utilising a wireless broadband connection has made an enormous difference to our ability to work from anywhere.”

Integer IT’s Managing Director Garry King went on to comment “ Moving all applications to the cloud isn’t necessarily the best fit for organisations who want the flexibility of working remotely but also need the security of having on premises critical applications within their own environments. A hybrid approach is often the most favoured option and we are delighted to have supported Aces through this transition.”