- Customer Success Story -
A Comprehensive Digital Transformation with CloudServus
Forest Investment Associates
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Forest Investment Associates is an investment adviser specializing in sustainable timberland investment. Managing over 2.1 million acres globally, they emphasize sustainable forestry practices and forestland management services.
Forest Investment Associate's Company Vision
To modernize and update their on-prem IT Infrastructure after facing multiple IT challenges over the past few years.
The Challenge: Significant IT Infrastructure Issues
Forest Investment Associates faced challenges with their IT infrastructure. The reliance on a fully on-premises system introduced a range of risks, including server failure and potential operational disruptions.
Compounding these issues was the need to gain autonomy from their Managed Service Provider (MSP). Mounting frustrations with the MSP had left the organization struggling with operational bottlenecks, prompting a desire for internal control over their IT systems.
Additionally, Forest Investment Associates approached new IT solutions with caution. Their negative experiences with their previous MSP led to an initial hesitance to migrate to the cloud or adopt new technologies.
Problems at a Glance:
Forest Investment Associates faced significant challenges with their IT infrastructure, primarily due to:
- Legacy Infrastructure: Operating on a fully on-premises system which posed risks of server failure and operational disruptions.
- Gaining Autonomy from their MSP: Forest Investment Associates was looking to gain internal autonomy because of operational inefficiencies and frustrations with their previous MSP.
- Extreme Caution Around New Solutions: Given their negative experiences with their previous MSP, Forest Investment Associates was cautious about migrating to the cloud.
Initial Engagement: Cloud Security Assessment
CloudServus initiated the relationship by conducting a Cloud Security Assessment for Forest Investment Associates. This assessment focused on evaluating their Microsoft 365 and Azure environments for security and compliance. The findings and recommendations were compiled into a formal report, providing Forest Investment Associates with a clear roadmap to enhance their security posture. This engagement built the foundation of trust that was crucial for moving forward with more extensive projects.
The Solution: Embark on a comprehensive Digital Transformation
Understanding the critical need to modernize Forest Investment Associates’ infrastructure, CloudServus spearheaded a full Azure migration, overseeing the transition of up to 15 servers from on-premises data centers to the Azure cloud. This strategic, phased approach not only mitigated the risks associated with the potential for failing servers but also minimized operational downtime. The migration process involved a comprehensive infrastructure assessment, the deployment of Azure Migrate appliances, and careful, detailed migration planning, ensuring a seamless and secure transition.
In conjunction with this migration, CloudServus embarked on an infrastructure modernization initiative. Legacy systems were upgraded to meet modern standards, which significantly improved overall performance. This transformation included designing a new Azure environment, migrating SQL databases, and setting up Azure Data Factory. These enhancements ensured that the new infrastructure was both compatible with current technologies and scalable for future needs.
Recognizing the importance of supporting a remote workforce, CloudServus also implemented Microsoft Intune and Autopilot. These solutions facilitated the efficient deployment and management of corporate devices, a critical need given the geographically dispersed nature of Forest Investment Associates’ employees. This implementation provided a streamlined, cohesive approach to device management, greatly enhancing the organization’s operational efficiency.
To ensure ongoing success, Forest Investment Associates entered into a Recurring Services Agreement with CloudServus. This agreement provided continuous architectural consultancy, project coordination, and technical leadership, addressing both immediate concerns and aligning IT operations with long-term business goals. By taking this proactive approach, Forest Investment Associates ensured its infrastructure would not only meet present challenges but also remain agile and responsive to future demands.
Solution at a Glance:
Building on the success of the initial engagement, CloudServus embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation for Forest Investment Associates:
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Full Azure Migration: CloudServus migrated 15 servers from on-premises data centers to Azure, reducing the risks of server failure and minimizing downtime. Key steps included infrastructure assessment, Azure Migrate deployment, and precise migration planning.
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Infrastructure Modernization: Legacy systems were upgraded, with a new Azure environment designed, SQL databases migrated, and Azure Data Factory set up. This modernization enhanced performance and ensured future compatibility.
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Intune and Autopilot Implementation: To support remote work, CloudServus implemented Microsoft Intune and Autopilot, streamlining the deployment and management of devices for Forest Investment Associates’ dispersed workforce.
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Ongoing Support: A Recurring Services Agreement with CloudServus ensured continuous architectural consultancy, project coordination, and technical leadership, addressing immediate and long-term IT need.
The Results: Empowering Operational Independence and Security
The partnership with CloudServus resulted in transformative outcomes for Forest Investment Associates, positioning them for long-term success.
Forest Investment Associates now operates with complete operational independence, having gained autonomy from their previous MSP. This shift has allowed them to manage their IT infrastructure confidently, without relying on external providers.
The migration to Azure delivered enhanced flexibility and scalability, enabling Forest Investment Associates to manage their systems more efficiently and scale effortlessly as they grow. The cloud-based environment has provided a solid foundation for future expansion.
Security improvements were a key part of the transformation. Following a Cloud Security Assessment, Forest Investment Associates saw a significant enhancement in their security and compliance, strengthening their defenses against modern threats.
The results have led to high client satisfaction. Helen Walters, Director of Technology and Data Analytics, expressed her gratitude for the CloudServus team, citing their dedication and competence in managing the transformation.
CloudServus has been my lifeline. They have fully modernized our Intune environment and provided unparalleled support. The team’s competence and dedication have been instrumental in our transition to the cloud and ongoing IT improvements. - Helen Walters, Director of Technology and Data Analytics, Forest Investment Associates
The relationship between Forest Investment Associates and CloudServus is ongoing, with a Recurring Services Agreement in place to ensure continuous support and future enhancements. CloudServus continues to be a trusted partner, guiding Forest Investment Associates through the complexities of modern IT infrastructure.
Results at a Glance:
The partnership with CloudServus yielded significant benefits:
- Robust Security: Achieving a markedly improved Microsoft security score, indicative of a highly secure and resilient infrastructure.
- Streamlined Integration: Successful integration of Microsoft 365 with the application facilitated a more cohesive and efficient operational environment.
- Informed Decision-Making: CloudServus transparent communication and educational approach empowered the client’s team with a deeper understanding of the technical landscape.
- Moved to a new MSP Partner of CloudServus’: Forest Investment Associates moved to a new, trusted MSP partner of CloudServus. This new partner successfully resolved the remaining issues that had persisted in their previous MSP relationship.