Strategic Cloud Modernization

Leveraging Our Microsoft Investment for a Secure & Efficient Future

Part 1: Foundational Cloud Migration

Centralized Identity (Entra ID): Move from fragmented on-premises accounts to a single, secure cloud identity for every user.
Enhanced Security: Implement modern protections like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access to safeguard our data.
Unified Device Management (Intune): Securely manage all devices—company-owned and personal—from a single cloud console, ensuring compliance and data protection anywhere.
Cost Efficiency: Maximize our existing Microsoft 365 Business Premium licenses, eliminating the need for separate security and management tools.

Cloud-First Data (OneDrive & SharePoint): Shift from on-premises file servers to a secure, accessible, and collaborative cloud environment.
Reduced Infrastructure Footprint: Decommission aging on-premises servers, reducing maintenance costs, physical security risks, and power consumption.
Simplified Business Continuity: Eliminate the need for complex, large-scale local backup solutions. Microsoft's resilient cloud infrastructure handles data protection and recovery.
Enhanced Productivity: Enable secure file access and real-time collaboration for our teams from any location and any device.

Consistent User Experience: Rolling out new, standardized laptops ensures every user has the same high-performance tools to do their job effectively.
Seamless Cloud Integration: Modern devices with features like biometric login (Windows Hello) integrate directly with Entra ID for faster, more secure access.
Zero-Touch Deployment: Leverage Intune Autopilot to deploy new devices directly to users, fully configured and secured, drastically reducing IT setup time.
Enhanced Reliability & Support: A uniform fleet simplifies IT support, reduces hardware-related issues, and streamlines the device lifecycle.

Our strategy is to execute a multi-phase project to accelerate our move to a secure, modern, cloud-native environment:

Foundation (Security & Data): Begin the concurrent implementation of Entra ID/Intune and the phased migration of data to SharePoint/OneDrive.
Empowerment (Device Refresh): Simultaneously, initiate the procurement and rollout of new standardized laptops using Intune Autopilot for a zero-touch deployment.

This integrated approach ensures we build a secure foundation, modernize our data, and empower users with the best tools simultaneously.

Integrated Threat Intelligence: Launch training simulations based on *actual threats* our organization is facing, making training more relevant and effective.
Unified Management: Manage training and response from the same security console our team already uses, streamlining operations.
Cost Savings & Vendor Consolidation: Retire our KnowBe4 subscription to reduce direct costs and the overhead of managing another vendor.
Path Forward: A phased transition beginning with a pilot program, ensuring a seamless switch.

Immediate Opportunity: We can use the built-in recording and transcription features in Teams at no additional cost.
Key Limitation: Functionality is controlled by the meeting organizer, which may not suit all use cases.
Alternative Option: Third-party AI note-taking tools offer more flexibility but require evaluation, security vetting, and new subscription costs.
Path Forward: Gather requirements from key departments to see if the Teams solution is sufficient before exploring paid alternatives.

✅ Secure users & devices with Entra ID & Intune.
✅ Modernize data with SharePoint & OneDrive, retiring legacy hardware.
✅ Empower users with new, standardized laptops for better performance & security.
✅ Enhance security training with Microsoft Defender for better ROI.
✅ Investigate meeting documentation needs to select the right tool.

We are seeking approval to proceed with this phased, strategic modernization.