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.
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