Case Study

Transforming IT Resilience: An Active Directory Case Study

When a nonprofit finance cooperative with over $34 billion in assets needed to modernize its outdated Active Directory (AD) environment, they turned to IPDS for a solution. With their IT backbone running on an end-of-life operating system, security vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies were becoming serious roadblocks. This case study outlines how IPDS delivered a tailored, strategic upgrade that aligned with their long-term goals.

The Challenge

A System at Risk

The client’s AD environment, built on Windows Server 2012 R2, was reaching the end of its support lifecycle. This created an urgent need to address:

  • Security Vulnerabilities: Unsupported systems left the organization exposed to potential cyberattacks and compliance risks.
  • Operational Inefficiencies: The AD infrastructure had accumulated unused accounts and legacy configurations, creating complexity.
  • Limited Resources: The in-house IT team lacked the bandwidth and expertise to tackle a project of this scope amidst competing priorities.

Timeline

Project Kick Off

Mid-January

80% Completion

End of March

60-day time period required

for iOS capture of company email addresses used for iOS devices

Project Completion

End of July for a total timeline of ~7 months

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The IPDS Solution

A Comprehensive Modernization

IPDS designed a tailored solution to address these challenges while ensuring minimal disruption to the client’s operations. Our approach combined technical expertise with a focus on business resilience and scalability.

1. Assessment and Strategic Planning

We began with a detailed evaluation of the existing AD environment, identifying vulnerabilities and inefficiencies that could hinder the upgrade. Based on this analysis, we developed a customized roadmap that aligned with the client’s operational needs and long-term IT strategy.

2. Infrastructure Modernization

To establish a strong foundation, IPDS:

  • Built new Windows Server 2019 domain controllers.
  • Recommended and implemented application mapping software to identify dependencies on AD.
  • Cleaned up legacy accounts and permissions to streamline the transition.

3. Seamless Migration and Security Enhancements

With the groundwork in place, we executed the migration to Active Directory Forest Level 2016. This included:

  • Decommissioning old infrastructure, including previously unidentified read-only domain controllers.
  • Implementing advanced security features to safeguard against future vulnerabilities.

4. Knowledge Transfer and Sustainability

IPDS prioritized equipping the client’s IT team with the knowledge and tools needed to manage and maintain the new system. Comprehensive documentation and training ensured long-term operational clarity.

Results

A Future-Ready IT Environment

In just five months, the project delivered transformative results:

  • Enhanced Security: Modern security features significantly reduced exposure to cyber threats.
  • Streamlined Operations: Cleanup efforts and infrastructure upgrades improved reliability and efficiency.
  • Scalability: The client now has a resilient AD environment capable of supporting future growth.
  • Empowered Teams: The IT staff is better prepared to proactively manage their environment.

Why This Matters to Business Leaders

For organizations like this nonprofit cooperative, an outdated AD is more than a technical issue—it’s a strategic vulnerability. Modernizing AD enhances security, reduces operational risks, and creates a foundation for growth.

Partner with IPDS for Strategic IT Modernization

At IPDS, we specialize in aligning IT solutions with your business goals. Whether it’s addressing security gaps, improving scalability, or empowering your team, we deliver results that matter.

Contact us today to learn how we can future-proof your Active Directory environment and drive your organization forward.

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IPDS Gives

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

About Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps individuals with their essential living expenses while they undergo treatment for cancer. Cancer patients are able to receive assistance from the Foundation for their non-medical bills, such as overdue rent, mortgage, utility bills and car payments. This financial assistance immediately impacts cancer patients and their families in communities throughout Florida, allowing them to focus on their recovery.

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Commvault

About our Partnership

When IPDS decided to team with Commvault, it was so we could help our customers detect, protect, and recover from ransomware attacks and other data breaches.

With Commvault’s technology and the engineering team at IPDS, we can help you rapidly recover data cost effectively and at scale whether you are on-prem or have journeyed into the cloud.

Protection From Ransomware

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About OUr Partnership

Unlock the full potential of your Microsoft solutions with IPDS’s comprehensive Microsoft Services. Our expert team provides tailored services to optimize your licensing, enhance your Azure environment, and support your Microsoft 365 and other Microsoft applications.

IPDS offers Microsoft consulting services designed to provide services related to planning, implementing, and adopting solutions that accelerate customer value derived from their Microsoft investments.

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VMware: Data center virtualization

Prinicipal PARTNER

About our Partnership

Our Master Services Competency is for Data Center Virtualization – expertise in VMware vSphere® environments and real-world environment solutions and services delivery. Achieving this competency validates a deep understanding of data center virtualization design principles and methodologies and leverages best practices that provide a scalable and reliable virtualization platform.
Each MSC requires advanced technical certifications and proof of high-level service capability and expertise validated by customers.

 

References – services delivery expertise must be demonstrated by providing customer references for recently completed projects that validates expertise in a specific VMware solution area

Business Modernization, Uninterrupted

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Vast

Data Partner

About Our Partnership

VAST and IPDS have partnered together to bring our customers simplicity at scale for enterprise storage.

Our VAST certified engineers can help you re-invent your scalable storage for savings, simplicity and choice.

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Cohesity

Preferred Partner

About our Partnership

Mitigating against ransomware doesn’t have to be stressful. IPDS knows cyber resiliency, and in partnering with Cohesity, we bring our customers the best next-generation data security and data management technology.

Along with the first and largest alliance of security vendors, Cohesity brings a fresh approach to cyber resiliency. Whether your data resides locally, at the edge or in the cloud, Cohesity and IPDS have your back.

Our very own David Sullivan has been named a Cohesity Ace! There are only 120 Cohesity Aces worldwide, 56 of which are in the US. This rare achievement means that IPDS has demonstrated a higher-level knowledge of the Cohesity platform with a commitment to continuous learning, so you can trust that you are in the best hands when working with IPDS and Cohesity together.

Cybersecurity For The Modern IT Ecosystem

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Nutanix

About our partnership

The IPDS Infrastructure Services team understands that apps need to be mobile. Whether hybrid, multi-cloud, public or private, Nutanix allows our customers this necessity. With hundreds of training hours, our engineers have the knowledge and experience to modernize your apps flawlessly.

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About Our Partnership

As a Cisco Select partner, IPDS is held to a very high standard for engineering and sales training. Our team is constantly pushing themselves to make sure we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers. For more than 13 years, many customers have turned to IPDS when they have a business to run and Cisco services to maintain.

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Company Can Rely On

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Titanium PARTNER

About Our Partnership

IPDS is a Dell Titanium Partner, one of very few regional partners to have earned this achievement. Over the last 15 years customers have used IPDS as their trusted advisor for a broad range of Dell products.

Our technical and sales teams hold more than 5x the number of certifications needed for Dell Technologies Titanium status. Our customers trust us to consult, design, and implement their most challenging IT projects knowing our teams have the expertise needed and beyond.

Dell Financial Services

As a consistently reliable and trusted DFS partner, IPDS was chosen to be highlighted in Dell’s Customer Success Stories Case Study library.

Titled, Enabling growth by increasing flexibility, you can explore the full story on Dell’s website.

Check out how IP DataSystems helps customers minimize capital outlays and avoid IT obsolescence by using Technology Rotation from Dell Financial Services below.

Best-In-Class IT Environment
Without the Obstacles

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IPDS’ Professional Services teams understand the complexity that can come with IT projects. Working with HPE, our engineers can streamline the process and bring a simpler, safer solution to your business.

Complexity Made Simple

CASE STUDY

Transforming IT Resilience: An Active Directory Case Study

Read More >

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IPDS is the fastest partner to ever reach the Pure Storage Elite level of partnership. Our technical and sales teams have an intricate understanding of the storage landscape thanks to decades in the field. The depth of our Pure Storage portfolio knowledge can help you uncomplicate your data storage forever.

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