CET - Cloud Only Migration with Microsoft 365
CET - Cloud Only Migration with Microsoft 365
Section titled “CET - Cloud Only Migration with Microsoft 365”Customer Overview
Section titled “Customer Overview”| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer | Center for Educational Technology |
| Industry | Education |
| Organization Size | Medium (500–1,000 employees) |
| Country | Israel |
| Key Products | Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft 365 |
Project Background
Section titled “Project Background”In a strategic move to enhance security, streamline operations, and embrace modern cloud technologies, CET partnered with OnCloud to transition from a hybrid IT environment to a cloud-only infrastructure utilizing Microsoft 365.
Challenges
Section titled “Challenges”CET faced several critical challenges with its existing hybrid IT setup:
| Challenge | Impact | Business Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Complex Device Management | Managing devices through both SCCM and Microsoft Intune | Increased administrative overhead and inefficiencies |
| Outdated Security Policies | Redundant and unnecessary Group Policy Objects (GPOs) | Compromised security and compliance posture |
| Inefficient Authentication | Traditional password-based authentication methods | Security vulnerabilities and poor user experience |
| On-Premises Dependencies | Reliance on domain controllers | Limited scalability and operational flexibility |
Solution Implementation
Section titled “Solution Implementation”To address these challenges, Matach implemented a comprehensive modernization plan leveraging Microsoft 365 services:
Unified Device Management
Section titled “Unified Device Management”- Transitioned to exclusive use of Microsoft Intune for device management
- Eliminated SCCM dependencies to streamline operations
Security Enhancements
Section titled “Security Enhancements”- Cleaned up unnecessary GPOs to reduce security vulnerabilities
- Established security baselines for Windows, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Edge
- Deployed BitLocker policies for comprehensive disk encryption
Compliance and Access Control
Section titled “Compliance and Access Control”- Implemented compliance policies for all managed devices
- Set up Conditional Access policies including:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Device compliance requirements
- Session controls and risk assessments
- Security information registration
- Deployed Scappman for automated application updates
User Authentication Modernization
Section titled “User Authentication Modernization”- Enabled Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) with password writeback
- Introduced Windows Hello for Business with Kerberos trust for hybrid environments
- Reduced global administrators to approximately five with break-glass accounts and automation
- Implemented phishing-resistant MFA for administrators and passwordless authentication for new users
Infrastructure Modernization
Section titled “Infrastructure Modernization”- Decommissioned on-premises domain controllers
- Transitioned to cloud-only structure for enhanced scalability
Business Outcomes
Section titled “Business Outcomes”| Benefit | Description | Business Value |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Security | Modern authentication methods and streamlined policies | Reduced security risks and improved compliance |
| Operational Efficiency | Simplified device management and reduced overhead | Lower IT costs and improved productivity |
| Improved User Experience | Seamless and secure access for all users | Enhanced productivity and user satisfaction |
| Scalability and Flexibility | Cloud-only infrastructure aligned with growth | Future-ready IT environment for innovation |
Conclusion
Section titled “Conclusion”Key Takeaway: CET’s successful transition to a cloud-only environment with Microsoft 365 demonstrates the transformative impact of adopting modern cloud technologies. This strategic move not only addressed existing challenges but also positioned the organization for future growth and innovation in the educational technology sector.