Waltham Forest Housing Association

Challenges

WFHA had a functioning IT system, but realised the need for greater cyber security and a more streamlined, user-friendly approach to help promote efficient working. This need was compounded by the coronavirus pandemic in spring 2020, when staff were required to work remotely.

Systems were somewhat dated and machines connected to an on-premises server that hosted everything in one place: a ‘single point of failure’ that needed addressing.

Our Solution

Before beginning work, we conducted an investigation and onboarding exercise, so we could fully understand WFHA’s needs. We then produced a project plan for all services that required upgrade. WFHA also took on a managed support contract with Intersys, so we could provide ongoing assistance.

Our team migrated all of WFHA’s emails from an on-premises exchange to cloud-based Microsoft Exchange Online. This provided more robust security features, a user-friendly interface, and a faster connection for users, especially when Covid-19 brought forward this requirement to access systems remotely.

Using Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, we introduced features that made it easy to remotely collaborate on files (in real time if required), chat, and conduct conference calls with multiple participants.

Finally, we specified and installed an appropriately secure enterprise level firewall, bringing enhanced security features.

The improved systems were implemented all whilst carefully guiding WFHA’s team, to help ensure they get the most out of new features.  As well as multi-factor authentication and email encryption bringing greater security controls, future enhancements such as automatic file classification will help streamline WFHA’s workflow.