On-premises Active Directory to Azure Active Directory transition

Azure Active Directory is a cloud-based service offering Identity as a Service (IDaaS), managing authorization and identity for both local and enterprise systems. Its robust access control features enhance security and cut operational expenses. Leveraging Microsoft's global reach and user-centric design, Azure AD integrates advanced machine learning into its Microsoft Security Intelligent Graph to pre-empt credential compromise.

This service facilitates seamless digital transformation, transitioning identity management from local Active Directory to Azure AD, circumventing migration pitfalls. It aims to bolster user and asset security while streamlining management, ultimately reducing support-  and operational costs.

IT Partner responsibilities 

In terms of IT Partner responsibilities, tasks include analyzing existing setups, assessing licensing needs, preparing for migration, configuring policies, transitioning from Group Policy Objects (GPO) to Intune, setting up user profiles and devices, conducting initial trials, shifting all users, aiding with device reconfiguration, demoting local domain controllers, and documenting project progress.

Upon completion, a comprehensive report detailing efforts and time allocation marks the project's finalization and acknowledgment.

Client responsibilities:

• Organize your team's time and resources.
• Choose someone to work closely with the IT Partner.
• Keep track of any outside assistance you might need.
• Set up and manage internet equipment.
• Check and agree on project tasks on time.
• Say yes to changes in your computer setup, if needed.
• Make sure everyone has the correct licenses to use Microsoft 365.
• Let the team access the servers, whether real or online.
• Allow entry to your office and computer systems as needed.
• Provide the computers needed for the project.
• Make any necessary changes to how internet addresses work.
• Buy any required subscriptions  before we start.
• Solve simple problems following the instructions provided.

Additional cost items not provided by this project:

• Assisting with computers not utilising Windows.
• Updating older Windows computers.
• Fixing problems with computer hardware or software.
• Assisting with programs manufactured by other companies.
• Teaching your team how to navigate the new system.
• Buying any additional items or services not previously mentioned..
• Moving of files to the new online storage.

We will provide you with a final report indicating the final status of the project, including any difficulties experienced,  as well as the final cost involved.

Computers will have to be restarted and users will have to log  in again.

Prerequisites:

• Ensure you are subscribed to Azure and Microsoft 365.
• Use Windows 10 Pro on all computers.
• Move all files to online storage (if it hasn’t been done already).
• Check whether programs used can work without requiring a special sign-in.
• If you have an older email system, we'll assist in moving it to the new system.

Plan: 

• We'll have a meeting to start things off.
• We'll look at what is already available.
• We'll design a clear plan for how everything will function.
• We'll set up a special system to keep track of which users can utilise appropriate systems.
• We'll integrate your old system with the new system and assess its functionality.
• If we detect any problems, we'll attempt to resolve it immediately.
• We'll switch all users over to the new system.
• We'll inspect everything again to ensure the system is functional.
• We'll dispose of the old system so everything runs smoothly.

Success Criteria:

• We'll assess how your old system compares to the new one.
• We'll ensure you have all the required licenses.
• We'll make sure the new system is ready to use.
• We'll first move a small group of users over to the new system and assess its functionality.
• We'll ensure everyone knows how to make use of the new system.
• We'll move all users over to the new system.
• Everyone should be able to log in and use their computers as usual.
• We'll assist with any changes to computers used by your team.