Goal: Standardize 400 Systems and Strengthen Cybersecurity While Cutting Annual Costs
The Situation: High Costs and Aging Technology in Oakland
Our client, a large Oakland nonprofit, manages critical data for many employees and volunteers. Before our work, the organization struggled with legacy products, leading to higher costs and IT friction. Their mission-first mindset required a tech environment that was both cost-effective and secure.
The Challenge: Legacy Bloat and a Lack of Visibility
The primary obstacle was a fragmented infrastructure that hindered the maintenance of a consistent security posture. Specific challenges included:
Cybersecurity Gaps
Their existing setup failed to meet internal security standards, leaving devices vulnerable to modern threats.
Infrastructure Blind Spots
The client lacked endpoint detection and response (EDR) and visibility into its infrastructure. Manual processes made securing systems inefficient.
Cost Management
Using a patchwork of legacy products resulted in redundant expenses and increased technical debt.
The Strategy: Strategic Consolidation via Microsoft 365
We began with a full audit to find security gaps and an efficient path forward. Our plan centered on moving to a unified ecosystem in our Managed IT Services.
1. Migrating to a Unified Platform
To streamline operations and save costs, we replaced legacy systems with Microsoft 365. This created a single platform with built-in cybersecurity tools and enabled the retirement of multiple costly third-party licenses
2. Multi-Layered Security Deployment
As a Microsoft partner, we leveraged Microsoft Defender capabilities and integrated additional specialized tools to protect over 400 systems:
Microsoft Entra ID
Implemented for identity and access management, including secure single sign-on (SSO).
Kaseya EDR
Deployed to provide advanced endpoint detection and response across the organization.
Data Safeguards
Deployed security analytics, vulnerability scans, and Data Loss Prevention for email.
3. Training the Team
Since human error is a key risk, we trained the team on phishing awareness, helping them spot and respond to threats.
The Result: A Highly Secure and Scalable Environment
We moved the nonprofit from a reactive to a proactive, well-managed infrastructure.
Key Success Metrics:
400+ Systems Secured
Every device is now under continuous monitoring and protection.
Annual Cost Savings
A significant amount of budget was recovered by consolidating legacy tools onto a single Microsoft platform.
Operational Visibility
This client now has comprehensive cybersecurity health reporting and proactive alerting, enabling them to maintain total control over their environment.
Project Success Summary
Through this project, the organization achieved a 100% upgrade rate across its 400 systems. By merging security and operational efficiency into a single managed IT strategy, the nonprofit can now redirect significant annual savings back into its community programs.