Simplifying Azure Onboarding for IT Teams
When a leading manufacturer with a strong IT infrastructure team decided to downsize their data center and move to Microsoft Azure, they encountered a familiar challenge: onboarding to Azure is rarely as straightforward as it seems. While their CIO and team were technically competent and familiar with Windows systems, the complexities of Azure’s architecture, pricing models, and hybrid cloud integration left them seeking expert guidance.
The Challenge
After committing to Azure via an Enterprise Agreement (EA), the team faced immediate pressure to transition workloads to the cloud through lift-and-shift activities—on a tight timeline of just a few days.
Goals
- Simplify and accelerate Azure onboarding for the client’s IT team.
- Educate the team on Azure architecture, terminology, and pricing models.
- Configure the first Azure workload for production within a few days.
- Establish a hybrid cloud environment for phased migration.
- Minimize disruptions while transitioning from on-premises to Azure.
The Work
Clear Function supported the client through every phase of onboarding, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption. Here’s how we helped:
- Navigating the Enterprise Portal: We educated the client on the Enterprise Portal, a critical benefit for EA customers, giving them full control over their Azure resources.
- Configuring the First Workload: Our team guided them through creating and configuring their first Azure Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) workload.
- Hybrid Cloud Environment Setup: We demonstrated how to establish a hybrid environment, allowing a phased migration from their on-premises data center to Azure.
- Terminology and Process Education: The client’s IT team learned the Azure equivalents of familiar Windows Server terms and processes to ease the transition.
- Pricing and Architecture Insights: We provided detailed explanations of Azure’s pricing models, helping them make cost-effective architectural decisions.
- Collaboration with Microsoft: Clear Function participated in onboarding calls with Microsoft to ensure seamless communication and implementation.
Outcomes
By the end of the engagement, the client had their first Azure workload in production and a clear understanding of Azure’s technical and financial responsibilities. Equipped with a hybrid cloud strategy and new expertise in Azure’s tools and processes, the manufacturer’s IT team was set up for long-term success in their cloud adoption journey.
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Our Work
Learn more about how we collaborated with our clients to deliver successful solutions.
