Exchange to Microsoft 365, with MFA and data loss prevention built in

The challenge

The utility’s Exchange servers were close to the end of support, and leadership wanted a platform that suited a hybrid workforce.

Identity sync, mailbox architecture, file shares, Citrix configurations, and compliance all had to be understood before anything moved.

What we did

1. 01Assess:Assessment and blueprint

   We examined identity sync, Exchange 2013, SharePoint and file shares, endpoints and Citrix, the network, and existing IT policies. The result was a Microsoft 365 architecture blueprint with group-based licensing and security controls.

2. 02Develop:Lab and pilot

   We set up Microsoft Entra Connect with single sign-on, confirmed that the old and new systems worked side by side, ran test migrations and a Teams pilot, and wrote the mailbox migration playbook.

3. 03Implement:Full migration

   We moved the user, shared, and resource mailboxes and turned on MFA, conditional access, and data loss prevention. We deployed Teams with usage policies, configured SharePoint Online and OneDrive, and trained users and administrators.

4. 04Optimize:After cutover

   We tuned retention and litigation hold, delivered the documentation, and provided Tier 3 support until the environment was stable.

Results

• Security designed in

  Threat protection added alongside the sign-in and data loss controls.

• One place to work

  Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive for a hybrid workforce, with mobile access.

• Legacy servers retired

  The Exchange servers were decommissioned, and administration now happens in the cloud.

Read about the service: Exchange and Microsoft 365 Migration, Microsoft 365 Governance and Licensing, Identity and Access, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, Data Security and Compliance