IT-based business enabling solutions provider Square One Solutions Group has completed a full migration from an NT4 domain to Microsoft Windows server 2003 Active Directory as well as an upgrade from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003 for Grinaker-LTA Process Engineering at its Sunninghill headquarters.
The Active Directory architecture has enabled Grinaker-LTA Process Engineering to fully utilise the program's enhanced management functionality. This has been achieved in conjunction with the upgrade from Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2003, allowing Grinaker-LTA Process Engineering to use a single directory for authentication as well as messaging.
The Active Directory Architecture as designed and deployed by Square One Solutions has also enabled Grinaker-LTA Process Engineering to apply its IT policies and standards more effectively for authentication and rights.
"In implementing the solution, the focus has been on security and manageability with customised features to reflect the company's strategy, business model and aims and objectives," said James Starke, head of Square One's Microsoft consulting unit.
Grinaker-LTA Process Engineering needed to reduce its dependency on legacy operating systems and to re-architecture current authentication and messaging mechanisms in accordance with the company's business strategy.
IT manager Ian van der Merwe identified the advantages of moving to Microsoft Active Directory: "NT4 was nearing the end of its life with us and the move to Active Directory allows us to refine our current architecture. We saw the business benefits in the use of a single directory and the efficiencies enabled by Group Policies and Active Directory."
In executing the Microsoft AD solution for Grinaker-LTA Process Engineering, Square One first analysed the IT infrastructure and then decided upon a specific methodology for the implementation of the migration to Active Directory.
"Our experience with Active Directory has enabled us to evolve best practices for its implementation and management according to the needs of the end-user," said Starke. "The design is carried out with input and co-operation from the customer and a critical path implementation plan is set up and adhered to. The result is a scalable and reliable directory services and messaging solution."
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