Several companies, one site: a new network, new servers and the move to Microsoft 365

Several independent companies shared a network at the same site, with servers and mailboxes at a web host. What had been enough for one company was too tight for a growing group: no clear separation between the companies, email and files outside a shared platform, and a phone system with no future.

I first drew up a network concept with its own area for each company and only then started building: new servers with central user management, a firewall with separate zones per company, a new network and Wi-Fi. Mailboxes and files moved in waves from the web host to Microsoft 365, with protection against phishing and malware in front. I did the server move itself, including migrating every workstation into the new domain, on site in a single day, from half past eight in the morning to half past nine at night, so everyone could work normally the next morning. A cloud phone system connected to the Microsoft 365 address book and a backup server followed.

Each company now has its own clearly separated area on shared, modern infrastructure. Email, files and telephony hang together, the environment is documented and is being developed further under a multi-year support agreement.