Revolutionising AFM Services: A Journey to Cloud Excellence

AFM Services is a leading provider of accounting and financial services, catering to a diverse client base ranging from small businesses to large corporations. With a commitment to delivering exceptional service and maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance, AFM Services has built a reputation for reliability and expertise in the accounting industry.

Initial IT Infrastructure

Before the migration, AFM Services relied on an on-premise server solution that hosted Remote Desktop Server and MYOB Accountant's Office. This setup, while functional, presented several limitations and challenges:

• Restricted Remote Access: Employees faced difficulties accessing critical applications and data remotely, limiting their ability to work flexibly from various locations.

• Scalability Issues: As the firm grew, the existing infrastructure struggled to meet increasing demands, leading to performance bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Security Concerns: Ensuring the security of sensitive financial data was a constant challenge, with the on-premise setup lacking advanced security features and comprehensive monitoring.
• Maintenance Burden: The on-premise servers required regular maintenance and updates, consuming valuable IT resources and time.

Objectives

The primary objectives of AFM Services' digital transformation were to:

• Enhance remote work capabilities and flexibility.
• Improve collaboration and communication among staff and clients.
• Strengthen data security and compliance with ISO27001 standards.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Streamline operations and reduce IT maintenance overhead.

Strategic Partnership with Otaris 

To achieve these objectives, Otaris provided comprehensive consulting, planning and implementation services to ensure a smooth and successful migration.

The migration process was meticulously planned and executed in several stages:

1. Assessment and Planning

Otaris conducted a thorough assessment of AFM Services' existing IT infrastructure, applications, and workflows. This assessment identified key areas for improvement and informed the development of a detailed migration plan. The plan included timelines, resource allocation, risk management strategies, and contingency plans to address potential challenges.

2. Infrastructure Setup

The first step in the migration process was setting up the new cloud-based infrastructure. This involved configuring Microsoft 365 for collaboration and email, setting up Xero for accounting, and establishing secure access protocols. The infrastructure was designed to be scalable, ensuring it could accommodate future growth and evolving needs.

3. Data Migration

Migrating data from the on-premise servers to the cloud was a critical phase of the project. Otaris employed advanced data migration tools and techniques to ensure a seamless transition with minimal downtime. The migration included moving the onsite server file share documents to Microsoft Teams for enhanced collaboration and access from anywhere.

4. Security Enhancements

Ensuring the security of sensitive data was a top priority. Otaris implemented several advanced security measures, including:

• ThreatLocker Application Whitelisting: This solution prevented unauthorised applications from running, reducing the risk of malware and other security threats.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Zero Trust: These measures ensured secure access to corporate resources from mobile devices and enforced strict access controls.
• ISO27001 Compliance: The new infrastructure was designed to meet ISO27001 standards, ensuring robust data protection and compliance with industry regulations.
  

5. Collaboration and Communication Tools

Microsoft 365 was leveraged to enhance collaboration and communication within the organisation and with clients. Key tools included:

• Microsoft Teams: Facilitated seamless collaboration through chat, video conferencing, and file sharing, enabling staff to work together from any location.
• Outlook and Exchange: Provided reliable and secure email communication, ensuring staff could stay connected and informed.
• Video Conferencing Rooms: Enabled remote meetings with clients, enhancing communication and reducing the need for in-person interactions.