The Modern Office With TorchLight M365
Microsoft 365 is more than just Email and Office Apps. Transform your business processes and free up technical staff to focus on projects instead of mundane IT management tasks.
Many businesses find themselves stuck in a situation where their technology feels disjointed, outdated, and difficult to maintain. Picture this: you’re using Microsoft 365 primarily for email and Office apps, but your team still depends on an on-premises file server, often with 1 to 8 terabytes of data. For off-site access, you’ve set up a hardware or software VPN, but despite knowing that Microsoft 365 offers online storage, you aren’t yet taking full advantage of it. You’re also aware that there are security risks tied to accessing work emails on personal devices, and you wonder if Microsoft 365 could help mitigate those concerns. On top of all that, navigating the complexity of M365’s licensing options can feel overwhelming.
Many businesses like the example above also still operate with legacy on-site servers to support essential business applications. These might include domain controllers, SQL servers, remote desktop servers, print servers, and backup or disaster recovery systems. While this setup is becoming less common as companies migrate to web-based apps, the reliance on these on-site systems still exists in some form. You know something has to change, but figuring out how to simplify and modernize your IT landscape is a daunting task.
First, you’re not interested in going through another cycle of refreshing on-premise servers. You’re looking to move away from physical hardware altogether, or at the very least, reduce your dependency on it as much as possible. You want to take full advantage of Microsoft 365, using SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams to handle your shared files, but you’re unsure about how to migrate everything seamlessly. The idea of integrating Microsoft InTune for device management has piqued your interest, but you don’t have the internal expertise to fully configure and manage the solution. Finally, you realize that even if your team could handle the transition to the cloud, you would still need ongoing support and guidance to keep everything running smoothly.
What does a solution look like?
With the right approach, we can help you adjust your Microsoft 365 licenses to better suit your needs, whether you choose Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 E5, or a combination of both, alongside Microsoft 365 F1 for mobile and kiosk workers. We’ll guide you through the migration process, ensuring that your shared files are moved seamlessly to Microsoft 365, with Teams and OneDrive making them easily accessible, even in the familiar environment of Windows File Explorer. Intune will be fully integrated, giving you the ability to deploy workstations and polices to manage your company’s devices while ensuring they stay compliant and up-to-date. This integration won’t just apply to desktops and laptops; it will extend to personal smartphones as well, securing company data and apps no matter where your employees are working!
In this new world, your end-user devices will no longer be tied to local domain controllers and firewall based VPNs. Instead, they will be integrated with Azure AD and Intune, making management simpler and more secure. Your antivirus, endpoint protection, and malware solutions will be replaced with Microsoft Defender XDR—the same security system Microsoft trusts for its own operations. Email security will be upgraded with Microsoft Defender for Office 365, ensuring your employees are protected from spam, viruses, phishing attempts, and other threats. If you still rely on print servers, we can help you transition to Microsoft’s Universal Print, while also potentially introducing advanced AI-driven security features to safeguard your data and business operations.
Once your systems are fully migrated, many of your legacy on-site infrastructure components can be decommissioned. Gone will be the need for on-prem file servers, domain controllers, backup systems, print servers, and utility servers. You’ll no longer need high-end firewalls, as the basic firewall in your Internet router will suffice. VPNs and third-party phone systems can also be retired, and your antivirus, email filters, and device management systems will be replaced with Microsoft’s integrated solutions.
Complexity Is Reduced
After making these changes, the only things you’ll need on-site are an Internet router with basic firewall protection, a WiFi access point, a switch for your wired devices, a network printer or scanner, phone system and endpoint security on workstations and phones. That’s it. Your IT infrastructure will be drastically simplified, yet more secure, flexible, and capable than ever before.
The real beauty of this approach is the complete business continuity it provides. Whether your business is hit by a fire, flood, natural disaster, or even a pandemic, your operations will be unaffected. Employees can continue working from home or anywhere in the world, with all of their files, email, and communication tools available remotely, as though they were sitting at their desks. Your IT security will be seamless, protecting employees no matter where they are—from the office, to home, to international travel. The security follows the devices, not the physical location.
Imagine moving your office into a new space, where the only thing you need to do is get the Internet set up, pick up your computer, and walk into the office. You’ll be able to start working right away, with full access to everything—files, email, and phone systems. All of this will work, as if nothing changed, because it’s all hosted and managed in the cloud. Plus, your systems will always be up-to-date. You’ll be running the latest version of Windows and Office, automatically receiving new features, updates, and security patches as soon as they’re available.
This is the power of the modern office with Microsoft 365: streamlined, secure, and ready for whatever comes next.
