Firstly, we recommended hosting AD-FS for Seamless Single Sign-On (SSO) in Azure. It would deliver the reliability and security previously lacking. Next, with careful analysis, we figured out the most cost-effective migration route. Migrating mailboxes back into an on-premises Microsoft Exchange, before migrating to O365 would save both time and money.

Working out how to move complex and customised SharePoint sites also required detailed planning. Data volumes were another key consideration. For example, OneDrive for Business amounted to 220 GB of data alone. Our skilled experts identified the right tools to migrate large volumes of data with speed and accuracy.

By identifying tasks Oxford Instruments could undertake, we helped drive up cost-efficiency further. Our planned, test-and-learn approach for the migration was critical; for a global, round-the-clock organisation, downtime wasn’t an option.

By carefully writing, then testing different scripts we made sure data, licensing and user identities around the world were correctly mapped. Following a successful pilot, all Active Directory user accounts were synchronised between old and new tenants.

For employees this meant a seamless experience during and after the migration. (So, no logging on to discover all your emails or files have disappeared.)

Previously only a small number of employees had access to collaboration tools such as SharePoint Online, Yammer, OneDrive for Business and Skype for Business. Now, more and more of their global workforce will be able to take advantage of these key tools.

Improved security has been another key outcome. With a best-practice SSO in Azure the IT team has greater control over user access. And their global workforce now has the freedom to sign in to devices wherever they may be, secure in the knowledge that IP and data will be safe.