Test

Category: Cloud & IT Infrastructure

  • Maximizing SharePoint Online: Solving Common Challenges for Professional Services Organizations

    Information overload is commonplace today, and work is no different. One of our customers shared that they had stored all their files in one folder hierarchy over the past 20 years. These were large engineering documents. Many of them were versions they no longer needed, but in the past, they just kept throwing more storage at the problem. It sometimes took days to find a file from an older project. But now expectations have shifted. Their clients expect searches to be hours, not days, and their old file server can’t meet that expectation.

    Another customer relayed that they did move to SharePoint from their file server three years ago. However, their team members with limited knowledge of SharePoint migrations completed the move. Now, their SharePoint online environment is their old file server and nothing more. They are not benefitting from SharePoint’s features.

    SharePoint Online is Microsoft’s file storage and intranet service in Microsoft 365. This blog post makes the case for making the most of SharePoint Online as part of your Microsoft 365 subscription. We’ll discuss why this is important today, provide tips for end users, and offer advice for administrators managing the SharePoint Online environment. If you have any questions or need assistance, we’d love to work with you—contact our team!

    Why SharePoint Online is Important Now

    SharePoint Online has been in the marketplace for a long time, but interest has increased significantly recently. So, what’s driving this interest now, and what should we keep in mind to take full advantage of SharePoint Online?

    Key Factors Driving Interest:

    • SharePoint Online allows teams to access and share files securely from anywhere while benefiting from the same security and compliance setup we already have with Microsoft 365.
    • Many organizations are consolidating their cloud solutions, moving from multiple third-party providers with various contract start and end dates to a single consolidated vendor like Microsoft 365.
    • The co-authoring feature in SharePoint Online has matured, enabling seamless collaboration on documents, even in real time.
    • Organizations often create SharePoint sites with their Microsoft Teams for document management. However, rapid growth in this area also brings its own challenges.

    Tips for End Users

    Most of our customers benefit from two key configuration areas: “Find it Fast” and “Stay on Top of Your Work.”

    Find It Fast:

    • Create links on site pages to frequently accessed libraries and sites.
    • Tag files with keywords for quick searchability.
    • Create custom lists and views to organize content, such as retired assets or open issues.
    • Modify search settings to make finding content easier.

    Stay on Top of Your Work:

    • Use co-authoring to collaborate on documents in real time during meetings.
    • Enable versioning in libraries to track changes and restore previous versions when needed.
    • Use the SharePoint mobile app to access documents on the go, even offline.

     

    Tips for Administrators: If you will be your company’s SharePoint administrator, here are seven tips for you:

    Security and Governance:

    • Control who can create permissions and share content. Implement role-based access controls.
    • Create site policies for lifecycle management, including archiving and deletion strategies.
    • Configure storage quotas. Although storage is not expensive, it is a preventable expense in many cases.
    • Use PowerShell scripts for bulk changes, complex permission setups, and standardization.

    Efficiency and Organization:

    • Standardize metadata and content types based on department and site requirements.
    • Automate document approval processes. Incorporate relevant file content into your workflow automation for efficient operations.
    • Regularly monitor SharePoint health, usage, and adoption.

    Are you considering moving to SharePoint online or improving your use? Our team is here to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make the most of SharePoint Online!

     

  • Moving Multi-User Applications to the Cloud

    Recently, our customers with hybrid cloud environments want to move their final on-prem servers to the cloud or replace them with SAAS applications. For example, file servers can be moved to SharePoint. Until now, legacy two and 3-tier applications, written on platforms developed in the 1980s and 1990s, remained on-premise. They have an application server, possibly a separate database server, and endpoint (Client) software. These “client-server” applications were complex to upgrade and often postponed during the initial “move to the cloud.” But now there is increased demand. Why is that? Various factors are at play, including versions of Windows Server and SQL server going out of support or a delay, but the publisher is to release a SAAS version of their app. Additionally, many teams are staying partially or fully remote, making it impractical to maintain on-premise infrastructure. As customers grow comfortable with SaaS and implement related security controls, they are now exploring how best to move these final vestiges of their on-prem environment to the cloud.

    Specific Scenarios: Multi-User Applications

    These applications often function like legacy 2-tier or 3-tier applications, with server services running application and database software and client software on endpoints connecting to the server. Examples include QuickBooks Enterprise and custom Microsoft Access applications, which are often critical for daily operations.

    Considerations for Migration

    1. Login Handling: These applications typically have application-level security and are not integrated with Windows Server. We must consider how users log in and access their applications and Microsoft suite in the cloud.
    2. Connection Security: Previously secure on-prem connections need transport from endpoints to the cloud. Consider whether a VPN is necessary for secure connections.
    3. Data Security: Ensure data is encrypted at rest and in transit and meets compliance requirements like HIPAA, CMC, or GDPR.
    4. Endpoint Security: Secure the endpoint accessing the cloud-hosted app with appropriate defense software, firewalls, and patch strategies. Implement MFA and role-based access controls (RBAC).
    5. Compliance: Ensure all security measures meet compliance requirements.
    6. Shared Responsibility: Understand the shared responsibility model in the cloud.
    7. Securing the Azure cloud: Use tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud for security management and threat protection.
    8. Vendor Compliance: Some software publishers require certified hosting providers. Ensure vendor support is available for your chosen hosting environment.
    9. Licensing: Most software publishers are moving to subscription models. Ensure you have the necessary server and per-user licenses.
    10. Performance and Resource Allocation: Consider network latency, bandwidth, and dynamic resource provisioning to avoid performance bottlenecks.
    11. Hosting Options: Evaluate virtual desktops, Azure Virtual Desktop, and remote desktop services with VMs in the cloud. If necessary, consider third-party hosting.
    12. Hybrid Solutions: Plan for Azure AD integration and connection points between on-prem and cloud infrastructure.

    Common Issues in Migration

    1. Network Latency: Ensure sufficient bandwidth to avoid latency issues.
    2. Licensing Compliance: Ensure correct licensing, especially for remote desktop services.
    3. Security: Implement firewalls, MFA, and regular updates. Use monitoring and logging tools to detect unusual behavior.

    Resource Allocation

    Avoid under-provisioning resources to prevent performance issues. It’s often better to start with higher resources and scale down as needed.

    Cost Considerations

    Consider subscription costs for servers, software, and security services. Include support and maintenance costs, whether internal or external and consumption costs based on actual usage.

    Next Steps

    Moving multiuser desktop applications to the cloud is a significant decision that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some next steps:

    • Consult with Experts: Work with an experienced architect to design and deploy your cloud solution. For example, TechHouse can provide expert guidance and support throughout the migration process, ensuring a smooth transition.
    • Evaluate Options: Assess different hosting options and choose the one that best fits your needs. For instance, compare the benefits of using Azure Virtual Desktop versus a third-party hosting provider certified by your software vendor.
    • Plan for Security: Implement robust security measures to protect your data and applications. For example, use Microsoft Defender for Cloud to continuously assess your security posture and receive actionable recommendations.
    • Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor and adjust resources to ensure optimal performance. For instance, use Azure Monitor to track the performance of your cloud-hosted applications and make necessary adjustments to resource allocations.

  • Microsoft Dynamics GP: Time to Move to Business Central

    Microsoft Dynamics GP has been a solid on-site ERP tool for many years. However, as technology changes, businesses need to consider new options to stay ahead. Microsoft will stop supporting and updating Dynamics GP in September 2029, with security patches until April 2031. Now is the best time to switch to Dynamics 365 Business Central and use cloud technology.

    Why Pick Dynamics 365 Business Central?

    Dynamics 365 Business Central is the next step from Dynamics GP. It has new features for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). This cloud-based tool brings finance, sales, service, and operations into one easy-to-use platform. It helps businesses work better.

    Dynamics GP vs. Business Central

    As a Dynamics GP user, moving to the cloud might seem complicated, but think about these points:

    • Problem: Dynamics GP is old and has limited cloud features. Fix: Business Central is a cloud-first tool with new features to help you grow.
    • Problem: Keeping on-site servers and data safe can be expensive. Fix: Use your budget for a complete cloud solution instead of on-site upkeep.
    • Problem: On-site tools can limit remote work and teamwork. Fix: Business Central works with your current Microsoft tools, boosting work and teamwork from anywhere.

    Business Central is a leader in today’s business world. It automates tasks and lets staff focus on key jobs. With Microsoft’s push for cloud technology, now is a great time to switch to Business Central.

    Your Move to Business Central

    For Dynamics GP users, we promise to help you move to Business Central. We have worked with GP for years and understand the steps for a smooth transition. We aim to make your switch smooth and easy.

    How We Help

    As a certified Microsoft partner, we offer:

    • Practical and Expert Help: Our team will learn about your needs and make a plan that fits.
    • Full and Friendly Support: We help with data moves, setup, training, and ongoing help. We make sure your switch is smooth, and your team is ready.
    • Innovative Custom Solutions: Every business is unique. We offer custom solutions, such as extra integrations or apps, to meet your needs.

    We are here for your long-term success. We will keep working with you to improve your Business Central setup, whether it’s new features, solving problems, or finding new growth opportunities.

    Contact Us

    Book a free 30-minute talk today to learn how we can help with your move.