Axminster Tools - Highway to the Landing Zone!

Cloud Adoption Journey

Axminster Tools is a UK-based retailer of woodworking and metalworking tools, machinery, and accessories. With an upcoming business transformation and the adoption of Dynamics 365, they wanted to modernize their IT infrastructure and increase their cloud adoption. To achieve this, they engaged Integy, a Microsoft Solutions Partner (Azure), with extensive experience in cloud adoption and Azure architecture.


Integy worked closely with Axminster Tools to create a cloud adoption strategy that aligned with the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF). The strategy included a thorough assessment of Axminster's current IT infrastructure, identifying which workloads were suitable for the cloud, and determining the optimal cloud deployment models and architecture.


In addition to an Azure landing zone implementation, the strategy included a roadmap for adopting further Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft 365 services of Intune, email, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Integy helped Axminster prioritize the implementation of these services based on their business objectives and readiness, and provided guidance on best practices for deployment and adoption.


An Azure landing zone is a multi-subscription, enterprise-grade Azure environment that provides a standardized, repeatable foundation for cloud workloads. It includes a set of best practices, templates, and policies for networking, security, identity, and governance, enabling organizations to deploy workloads quickly, securely, and consistently.


The benefits of deploying an Azure landing zone are numerous. Firstly, it provides a consistent foundation for all workloads, which increases agility and reduces the risk of configuration errors. Secondly, it enhances security by implementing industry-standard security controls and enabling centralized monitoring and logging. Thirdly, it improves compliance with regulatory requirements by enforcing policies and standards across all workloads.


By engaging Integy to implement an Azure landing zone, Axminster Tools was able to accelerate their cloud adoption journey while minimizing risk and maximizing security, governance, and compliance. They were also able to reduce their IT infrastructure costs and improve their agility, scalability, and resilience. In addition, the implementation of Microsoft 365 services provided Axminster with a unified platform for communication, collaboration, and productivity, enabling them to work more efficiently and effectively.


The first service deployed into the new Landing Zone environment was Identity, achieved by extending Axminster Tools internal Active Directory domain into a dedicated platform landing zone alongside enabling directory synchronisation of identities to Azure Active Directory. Having their corporate identities in Azure Active Directory immediately enabled Axminster Tools to utilise a suite of cloud services required for the the business transformation.


In summary, deploying an Azure landing zone is considered a best practice for organizations looking to adopt cloud technology, as it provides a secure, consistent, and repeatable foundation for cloud workloads, while reducing risk and enhancing governance and compliance. Integy helped Axminster Tools create a cloud adoption strategy aligned with the Microsoft CAF, implement an Azure landing zone, and adopt further Microsoft cloud services, enabling them to reap the benefits of the cloud quickly and securely in preparation for their upcoming business transformation and adoption of Dynamics 365.


Call us today on 01392 796525 or Email us at ask@integy.co.uk

December 16, 2024
At INTEGY, we’re passionate about enabling organisations to embrace the future of work, especially when innovation and agility are at the heart of their mission. Recently, we had the privilege of supporting a client whose business serves as a launchpad for startups, providing the technology and equipment needed to kickstart their journey.  The Challenge: Outdated IT for a Growing Organisation Our client’s IT infrastructure was a traditional setup, with user accounts and devices tightly bound to Active Directory. This configuration required devices to maintain network connectivity to on-premises servers, creating operational limitations. With the facility expanding to three separate locations, this approach no longer supported their need for flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Startups thrive on speed and adaptability, and their IT systems needed to reflect those principles. The reliance on traditional IT was slowing them down, creating unnecessary overhead, and limiting their ability to provide the seamless experience their customers expected. The Solution: A Cloud-Native Transformation We transformed their IT environment into a modern, cloud-native setup: Entra ID for Identity Management Every device is now joined to Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), shifting identity management to the cloud. This eliminates the need for on-premises servers, offering secure access from anywhere. Intune for Device Management Devices are now managed through Microsoft Intune, enabling streamlined policy enforcement, application deployment, and security updates, all delivered from the cloud. Enhanced Security with Zero Trust Principles We implemented a Zero Trust security model, ensuring that devices and users are authenticated and compliant before accessing resources. Defender for Endpoint provides enhanced threat protection and visibility across their environment. Simplified User Experience By decoupling devices from on-premises dependencies, we empowered their users to work from any location with a secure, seamless experience. Scalability and Agility With their new cloud-native IT framework, our client is no longer constrained by physical infrastructure. They can now scale operations effortlessly as they open new locations and onboard new startups. The Results: Flexibility, Efficiency, and Growth The move to a cloud-native configuration has been a game-changer for our client. They’ve gained: Operational Efficiency : IT management is simpler and faster, reducing administrative overhead. Improved User Experience : Users now enjoy consistent and reliable access to systems, regardless of location. Scalability : Expansion to new sites no longer requires complex IT overhauls. Security : Advanced cloud security tools ensure their data and devices remain protected. By embracing modern IT, our client is better positioned to serve their customers and focus on what matters most: empowering innovation for startups. Helping You Move Forward If your organisation is grappling with the limitations of traditional IT and looking to make the leap to a cloud-native future, we’re here to help. Let’s transform your IT and unlock your potential.
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