microdot
Case / 003 — Vesting Adviesgroep
A five-person professional office was paying hundreds of euros each month for a hosted Windows VPS. By examining what it actually did, microdot found a simpler way to support the business.Visit Vesting Adviesgroep ↗
The starting point
Staff remotely accessed a hosted Windows VPS containing their user accounts, shared data and the specialist software used for payroll administration and tax returns. Keeping it running cost hundreds of euros every month.
Rather than replacing the server like for like, microdot analysed each of its functions and considered where it belonged in a modern workplace.
The migration
The change was handled function by function. User management, email and shared data moved to Microsoft 365, while suitable supplier-hosted web applications replaced most of the standalone software.
Identify the user management, applications and data that depended on the server.
Replace the standalone payroll and tax applications with web-based alternatives provided by their suppliers.
Move users, email, shared mailboxes and data into Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.
Move the one application without a suitable web-based alternative to a dedicated machine in the office.
Result
The wider lesson
For Vesting Adviesgroep, the right answer was not a larger replacement system. It was to understand the existing dependencies, keep what remained useful and remove the cost and complexity that no longer served the business.
Client perspective
“microdot is knowledgeable and reliable, and quick to respond when technical problems arise. Issues are resolved professionally, with proactive thought given to practical and secure solutions.”John – Co-owner, Vesting Adviesgroep