Reply by Ben Smith from ClubIT on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 16:13

How many users, and what kind of bandwidth is available at the site would determine what type of cloud or hybrid solution you would implement. You can do everything in the cloud, including AD but again largely depends on user count and how big of pipe either end you got. If you go down the onsite route, you're running a full Windows Server Environment as SBS is no longer a thing, so it'll be a hypervisor with various roles, nothing wrong with that option but I wouldn't bother going down that route for example if you had 10 users or something, just depends on the situation. Rgds Ben ClubIT

Reply by Bryton Wishart from Entag on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 16:22

Hi, i would recommend leveraging Office 365 and Azure SQL, if you are using Windows 10 you can use Azure AD to join your PC's via workplace join. This can replace traditional Active Directory. Depending on how you are using these databases, you can integrate Azure SQL with a small VM to run the application and join that VM like a traditional domain to Azure Active Directory Domain Services. In terms of File storage, you can use SharePoint (they have improved it a lot since the early days - like a fixed Sync client etc), or Azure has a Fileserver as a Service which can be provide access using SMB over HTTPS. Even leverage Telstra Calling for Office 365 if you wanted to have a phone system solution which is fully cloud hosted too

Reply by Stuart Witt from Interintra Adelaide on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 16:25

Hi there, I would suggest engaging at least two IT providers to come in and give their recommendations. We'd be happy to throw our hat in the ring if that is of interest? Please feel free to reach us here at Interintra 08 8344 4733. Without digging too deeply, there are some really good donations available to not for profits some of which I am sure you already know about. What you may not know is that Microsoft currently offer a pretty generous donation to nfp's for their Azure cloud service so potentially you could shift all of your servers into the cloud, with little to no ongoing costs for the hosting side of things. Food for thought - all the best with whichever way you go. Cheers Brett

Reply by Chris Vine from Vinergy on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 16:35

Hi mcmc, Thanks for posting, we recommend staying in the Microsoft Cloud Stack. Our recommendation would be; 1. Migrating to Microsoft Office 365, there are free subscriptions available for NFP's. 2. Utilise Microsoft Azure, there is a $5,000 credit for NFP's which will allow you to cover the SQL Hosting Costs (depending on volume). 3. Synchronise your Small Business Server (AD) to Office 365 and then decommission your Small Business Server. We're a Microsoft Gold Partner, with extensive experience in the Microsoft Cloud Stack. Please feel free to reach out if you had any questions or anything we could assist with. Regards, Shaun Vinergy 1300 974 622

Reply by Amyn Zariwala from AZTA Group Pty LTD on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 17:27

Hello MCMC, I have reviewed your requirement. I will be happy to assist you with your journey. Firstly, it is totally depends on your long term strategy. also I would like to know the use of your SQL DB? More over here is my advise. however, this may change once you will confirm the use of SQL DB. Looking at your requirement Microsoft Domain, Active Directory are good to have and microsoft Office is your key requirement. (SQL is yet to discover) Similar to Google Suite you can avail free email services donated by Microsoft. This will also allow you to migrate your existing exchange mailboxes to O365 or move from Gsuite to O365 Basic. For professional version of O365 Microsoft is charging $4.10 per user includes O365 webapps, and desktop version it also includes: sharepoint online, 1TB of onedrive, Teams and skype for business with unlimited calls and Video Conferencing. It means you can revoke your Office 2010 licenses Further to this 1. Buy and provision a new server on-site. AZTA: Cloud services would be your best option. So don't think of having another new elephant in house. it will required capex cost as well as need ongoing maintenance and support. 2. Consolidate with GSuite (can it take on server functions like domain and active directory? Are these even relevant? What to do with SQL databases) AZTA: You can opt to consolidate Gsuite. However, Google GSuite can be integrated with Active Directory on-prem on in cloud. however, question is do you really need Active Directory? Also how many users you are managing on it? Alternate option use O365 with Azure AD 3. Move to a Microsoft hosted exchange and SQL and server sort of arrangement, with Office 365 AZTA: Certainly move Microsoft hosted exchange to Microsoft O365 information provided above and for SQL database i would like to know the use of it then I can recommend much better option. However, it will be cheaper if you would like to take your license to Microsoft Azure Cloud and host this SQL server there. Just keep in mind SQL Server 2012 support is ending in July 2022. At AZTA Group we do provide pro-bono service to Not for Profits, so if you like we can connect in-person or over the video conferencing. Myself and I will be delighted to assist you with you detailed plan as well as implementation. Look forward to hear from you Regards, Amyn Zariwala Co-Founder and Technology Lead P: 0499 888 223 E: amyn.zariwala@aztagroup.com

Reply by Louis Hollander from Xtreme Productivity on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 17:37

Hi mcmc, We have many years of experience with not for profit solutions and we know of a lot of ways to decrease on-premise footprint and to enable location independence through the use of Microsoft Cloud infrastructure as a service, which is free by the way. I can provide a free 2-hour consultation and solution scoping session and provide a pathway based on previous solutions we have implemented. If you are keen, please contact me at engage@xtremep.net. Looking forward to helping you find the best possible solution. Regards, Louis

Reply by Amyn Zariwala from AZTA Group Pty LTD on Monday, 24 June, 2019 - 17:58

Hi MCMC, Thanks for your response. What function your SQL is performing? Is it replaceable by any other saas service.? If yes then choice board is open for you. Most of your saas subscriptions allow you to use google or Microsoft authentication as Single Sign On.

Reply by RAWEnergy on Tuesday, 25 June, 2019 - 05:16

Hello, the move to the cloud is much easier these days than it used to be but like baking a cake if someone does it on their own receipe you're going to end up with a slightly, or potentially very, different solution depending upon the knowledge and mindset of the IT provider. The feedback regarding the leveraging of Microsoft's Not For Profit donation and discount programs to migrate to Microsoft Azure and Office 365 is a good suggestion especially given your mobile workforce. MyCloud Services offers a Microsoft Azure cloud builder and management toolset which can be used by IT service providers (we are a channel only platform) to quickly and easily deploy a cloud desktop/server solution that can be accessed from any device any anywhere there is a reasonable internet connection. If you are interested in further information on this solution (or any other IT service provider reading this is) then you may call us on 02 6051 5666 or visit https://mycloudit.info. Best, Guy

Reply by Ryan Tregea from Biztactix on Tuesday, 25 June, 2019 - 06:34

Unfortunately still a few variables you haven't mentioned, Number of Staff, Location in Australia, Chances of going Multi Site if not already As many people are coming to us at the moment saying, Let's go cloud, Without all the facts it's impossible to say which would be the best option for you. Your best option would be to have a chat to a few local IT companies who have experience with NFPs and discuss your options from there... We just don't have all the relevant information to be able to say with 100% certainty cloud or local is your correct plan We're based in Melbourne and are a Microsoft Silver Partner with NBN Accreditation, Over 11 Years in business, If you're in the Melbourne area, I'd be happy to come have a chat to you - https://biztactix.com.au/book-a-coffee

Reply by Chris Vine from Vinergy on Wednesday, 26 June, 2019 - 13:45

Hi Mcmc. thanks for responding, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements further as we're confident we can assist. Shaun from Vinergy 1300 974 622

Reply by Amyn Zariwala from AZTA Group Pty LTD on Wednesday, 26 June, 2019 - 14:33

Hi MCMC, Thank you for sharing the use of your SQL. Lets, connect over the Phone/video conferencing and we can discuss this in detail. If you are based in Sydney then I can visit you in-person. My number is 0499 888 223. we can conduct "no-obligation" discovery workshop and provide you the High Level way forward plan. Look forward to hear from you. Regards Amyn

Reply by Nikolay Shmakov from Res-Q IT Services on Thursday, 18 July, 2019 - 13:17

Hi, Whereabouts are you based? Nick Shmakov Senior Architect | Director Direct: 6555 6532 Office: (08) 6555 6500 Unit 1 / 237 Stirling Hwy, Claremont. WA