Customer Snapshot
Facing rising costs and functionality gaps, an accounting services provider for nonprofits sought to right-size and secure its Microsoft 365 environment and associated workloads in order to protect sensitive data and maximize ROI.
The Challenge
The nationwide firm faced inefficiencies, data security risks, and high costs with their M365 licensing due to inexperience in managing the complex licensing structure in a way that could keep pace with growth.
The Solution
This firm collaborated with
Structured to optimize its M365 licensing and turn on key security features, resulting in proactive license management, a more secure and seamless cloud integration, and significant cost savings.
A Calculated Approach
to Maximize Dividends
To address these challenges, this Certified B Corporation turned to Structured’s top M365 experts, VP of Cloud Architecture Chris McDuffie and the Cloud Security team. With Structured’s deep expertise in optimizing Microsoft 365 licensing models and secure cloud migrations, we were the ideal partner to guide the customer through this critical transformation.
From the outset, the approach taken by McDuffie and the Cloud Security team was carefully planned for the long term. Instead of recommending a simple one-size-fits-all solution, McDuffie and the team worked carefully with the customer to assess their unique departmental and user requirements, identify inefficiencies, and tailor a licensing plan that would maximize value and meet the organization’s goals. We provided clear, actionable insights that helped the customer avoid unnecessary licenses and instead invest in the tools that truly supported their employees’ needs.
The partnership with Structured led to measurable results, including an immediate return on investment in both hard dollars and enhanced productivity. And, by working with an experienced Microsoft Solutions Partner, the client reduced its risk of incurring unwelcome and expensive penalties — including hefty fees for license noncompliance.
The Challenge:
Bad for the Bottom Line
When this large company tried to manage its M365 licenses in-house via Microsoft’s administrative portal, they quickly realized their approach was subtracting from the bottom line. Overspending was one problem. Another was providing diverse teams with the right access to applications and making sure their workloads were as secure as possible. With growing operational demands and a desire for cost-efficiency, they knew they needed a partner who could help optimize their licensing strategy without sacrificing essential tools or performance.
The Solution:
Customized for Diverse Needs
With employees ranging from administrative staff to board members, the licensing requirements were varied. In response, we worked closely with the client to create customized solutions that met the unique needs of each group, ensuring that everyone—from front-line staff to leadership—had the tools and services necessary for success. Stuctured’s expertise allowed the customer to build a M365 licensing strategy that perfectly matched their diverse requirements.
Security and Compliance
Security was a top priority, especially as the customer deals extensively with sensitive data. Recognizing this, the Structured team helped implement security measures within M365, including Entra ID MFA and Microsoft Conditional Access Policies, ensuring the customer met all compliance standards and protected its data. Our focus on security helped the customer manage its risk and safeguard against vulnerabilities.
Seamless Cloud Integration
Adopting and optimizing Microsoft 365 wasn’t just about selecting the right licenses—it also involved migrating workloads and integrating the platform with the existing IT environment. Here again, the Structured team’s expertise with both M365 licensing models and cloud security ensured the transition to the cloud was smooth, minimizing disruption and ensuring that data and services were properly managed.
“Choosing a Partner”
“When you choose a Microsoft partner, you’re choosing a business relationship that can help you solve the challenges of today and unlock greater growth tomorrow.”- Microsoft
Conclusion:
The Right Time, The Right Expertise
By partnering with Structured, a Microsoft Solution Provider with extensive experience navigating M365 licensing options and requirements, this accounting and bookkeeping services firm dedicated to serving nonprofits and advancing the greater good was able to bridge the gap in its M365 licensing strategy and achieve measurable savings.
What began as an inefficient and costly system was transformed into a streamlined, cost-effective solution. With Structured’s expert guidance, this customer:
- Saves more than $25,000 each year by right-sizing license spend.
- Benefits from improved productivity by matching end-user requirements with access to the right bundles.
- Lessens the IT department’s burden for provisioning licenses.
- Enjoys improved security and federal regulatory compliance for M365’s cloud-based apps and the firm’s data.
- Avoids costly fees arising from potential noncompliance violations with Microsoft.
The licensing solution implemented by Structured ensured that this company could focus on its core mission while feeling confident that its M365 licensing framework and associated data protection strategies were efficient, secure and cost-effective.
By stepping in at the right time with the right expertise, Structured’s strategic approach not only solved an immediate problem, but also paved the way for long-term organizational success.
Currently experiencing snarls with your M365 licensing strategy and snags in protecting your cloud-based workloads?
Take Action Today
If your organization faces similar challenges, contact Structured, today. Our team of experts is here to guide you toward the right solution. Let’s build a secure future together!