Insight
into what was needed for good IT foundation
SoftwareOne case study
Gro-up transitions to the cloud
To ensure a smooth transition to the cloud, a solid and stable foundation is essential. Therefore, SoftwareOne established an Azure Landing Zone for a seamless migration. In addition to laying this foundation for Gro-up, SoftwareOne also addressed other future IT policy challenges. These included security, backup, and software lifecycle management.
Large savings
due to receiving non-profit status
Software Lifecyle Management
in place to keeping environment up to date
- Client
- Gro-up
- Industry
- Nonprofit
- Platform
- Azure Cloud
- Services
- Cloud Services, Cloud Migration Services for Azure, Landing Zone for Azure, Microsoft CSP Services, Microsoft Advisory Services
- Country
- Netherlands
SoftwareOne understands the needs of the customer and has knowledge of both the market and the non-profit sector. They advised us on various aspects. The collaboration is flexible, transparent, and professional. And that is exactly what we need. In short, SoftwareOne is an important strategic partner for us.
Strategic IT Advisor
Gro-up
The challenge
Like every organisation, Gro-up has set several organisational goals for the coming years. “One of our goals is further digitalisation. However, for that to happen, their IT foundation must be in order and meet best practices. We also wanted to claim Microsoft non-profit status.”
For a thorough analysis of the environment and assistance in achieving that strategy, Gro-up needed a partner. They sat down with several parties, including SoftwareOne. “From past experiences, we were already familiar with their services and expertise. They made a good impression and came up with a clear plan. Following that, we quickly decided to collaborate.”
The goal for further digitalisation was not immediately achievable. “After SoftwareOne's analysis, we still had to tweak that foundation. So, we took a step back and set the goal to be fully ready in the first quarter of 2023. Besides that stable foundation, SoftwareOne also immediately looked at security and our long-term cloud needs and requirements.”
The solution
First, SoftwareOne conducted a thorough analysis using the Microsoft Advisory Services (MAS), which resulted in several recommendations. “To establish a solid foundation, we incorporated solutions from various vendors. However, we also realised achieved savings, particularly because we could claim non-profit status. SoftwareOne helped us obtain this status, after which the licences were transferred to SoftwareOne.” Next, the security requirements were carefully considered. Gro-up aims to move towards a security platform. “SoftwareOne explored various scenarios, which we reviewed extensively. Because SoftwareOne is vendor-neutral, they can recommend solutions that truly fit us best. We fully adopted their recommendations. Additionally, based on their advice, we chose Avepoint's backup solutions. This ensures our data is well protected.”
Future considerations were also taken into account. “To make the transition to the cloud, SoftwareOne advised us to choose an Azure Landing Zone. This provides a framework for a smooth and controlled transition. SoftwareOne has already prepared some of the licences for the cloud, with the remaining ones to be addressed in the coming months.” Gro-up utilised the Microsoft Advisory Services (MAS). From this service, a hybrid solution was chosen, with part of it placed in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) model and another part in an Enterprise Agreement (EA). This model also includes software lifecycle management, ensuring SoftwareOne keeps our licences continuously up-to-date. They monitor which licences are actually used, how they are used, and where we can optimise. They also keep us informed of trends, developments, and potential opportunities that might be of interest to us. This way, our IT environment remains optimally configured.”
Gro-up intends to continue this ongoing collaboration in the future. “SoftwareOne has now become a key strategic partner for us. From advisory projects toaudit projects and beyond, we can trust them to take care of everything. Issues are treated seriously and carefully, always within the deadline. I would also like to add that the support line is excellent. Any problems are immediately addressed, and communication is swift. This makes working with them extremely pleasant.”
The results
- Through the Microsoft Advisory Service (MAS) process, SoftwareOne conducted a thorough analysis of the current Microsoft environment, identified potential savings, and clarified what was needed to establish a solid IT foundation.
- With the help of SoftwareOne, Gro-up was granted non-profit status.
- Based on security needs and requirements, SoftwareOne developed various scenarios, from which the most suitable solutions were chosen.
- With their Software Lifecycle Management, SoftwareOne keeps Gro-up's environment continuously up-to-date.
- To ensure a smooth and worry-free transition to the cloud, Gro-up, on the advice of SoftwareOne, chose an Azure Landing Zone. The final part of the licences will be prepared for the cloud in the coming period.
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