First Property Group PLC and Syntax Case Study
Syntax created a Microsoft Modern Workplace migrating applications to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Teams for internal communication. Plus the development of a recommended security standards and designed and implemented structured shared data store using Microsoft SharePoint Online.
First Property Group PLC (Fprop) is an AIM listed (AIM:FPO), award-winning investment fund and asset investor, with offices in London, Poland and Romania.The company specialises in investing in high-yielding commercial property, and operates a ‘hands-on’ approach to managing and optimising commercial investments. Fprop currently manages over £619m in investment property, and its current market capitalisation is £37.53m.
Situation
The company were seeking a more robust remote working capability, based on the Microsoft Modern Workplace model. Fprop approached Syntax for assistance during the commencement of the coronavirus pandemic. The IT systems used by the group’s head office based in London had evolved organically and the company was looking to adopt a more robust remote working capability, specifically based on the Microsoft Modern Workplace model.
Syntax’s approach to creating
a robust remote working capability.
Key to Fprop’s strategy was the removal of the dependence on office based IT infrastructure, a ‘cloud-first’ policy, and ensuring staff communication and collaboration was maintained effectively whilst remote working was required during the lockdown restrictions.
File and Application Migration & Collaboration
Part of the strategy to move away from on-premise infrastructure was the requirement to move ‘file shares’ from the existing file server to the cloud. Syntax designed and implemented a structured shared data store using Microsoft SharePoint Online, allowing users to collaborate more efficiently and securely.
Most of the business applications were migrated to cloud systems, however one accounting system did not have a cloud-based version available from the vendor. Syntax migrated this application to Microsoft Azure, utilising Windows Virtual Desktop to provide easy and secure access to the application, regardless of location.
In addition to this, Fprop adopted Microsoft Teams for internal communication, conferencing, and instant messaging.
Security & Compliance
Fprop are FCA regulated, and consideration for data security and compliance needed to be ‘built in’ to each stage of the migration to the cloud. Syntax had developed recommended security standards for FCA regulated companies, and these were adopted and deployed throughout the migration project duration.
Microsoft Modern Workplace solutions can improve employee productivity and satisfaction, and create more seamless communication and collaboration across locations and platforms while maintaining the security and integrity of systems and data.
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