Hallo Healthcare Group: A seamless cloud migration and security infrastructure overhaul

Our client, Hallo, partnered with Kocho to undergo a comprehensive cloud migration, security, and infrastructure overhaul.

This was triggered by an £8bn divestiture and separation of IT infrastructure from their parent company.

The challenge was to build a healthy and well-protected environment that would serve as the foundation for their 17,000 users and future digital transformation plans.

We provided a tailored solution leveraging Microsoft Azure and Microsoft security technologies, resulting in infrastructure consolidation, cost savings, enhanced cloud-first security, and improved productivity.

The results?

Read on to discover how this was all achieved.

Overcoming obstacles, embracing innovation: A paradigm shift in healthcare infrastructure

Hallo was undergoing a divestiture from their parent company and, as part of this process, they needed to completely separate and modernise their IT infrastructure.

They took advantage of this opportunity to establish a highly secure, cloud-first infrastructure that would provide a platform for long-term growth.

They aimed to enable digital transformation while consolidating their infrastructure, improving security, and optimising productivity.

However, the challenge lay in migrating numerous users, applications and services from various providers, ensuring robust security measures, and aligning with industry standards.

Discovering the power of Azure: A partnership that redefines possibilities

Hallo became aware of our solution through a referral from their private equity partner, due to our expertise as a Microsoft partner.

They considered other providers but selected us based on our proven track record and the comprehensive capabilities of the Microsoft Azure platform.

Our solution involved migrating their applications and services to Azure, implementing Azure Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and deploying a Microsoft Managed Desktop infrastructure.

These measures addressed their challenges by providing consolidated and secure cloud infrastructure, simplified device management, and enhanced endpoint security.

User migration and cloud transformation: An epic saga of deployment success

Hallo needed to migrate over 17,000 Azure AD users and 180+ applications and services from various providers into The Cloud.  Capitalising on Azure’s advanced security solutions at the same time.

Over the course of 12 months, our team worked closely with Hallo, deploying the following range of new technologies:

While the implementation introduced new challenges, such as ensuring seamless access governance and incorporating additional security controls, our team successfully navigated these obstacles.

Laying strong identity foundations

Prior to the secure cloud transformation, we focused on strengthening the foundation of Hallo’s security infrastructure – Identity Management.

The initial stages involved migrating 17,000 users from the parent company Azure AD to Hallo’s own Microsoft Entra ID tenant, configuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access, Privileged Access Management, and other solutions to safeguard identities at the same time.

Secure cloud transformation

Once the initial identity challenges were addressed, we supported Hallo in migrating their entire cloud infrastructure to Azure and Microsoft 365 for hosting and enhanced security across their 180+ cloud applications.

To ensure a secure transition, we developed a robust Azure Landing Zone that included multiple virtual networks, protected by Network Security Groups, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and WebApp gateways.

Secure and productive modern working

From an end-user device perspective, we assisted Hallo in implementing a Microsoft Managed Desktop solution. This encompassed Windows Defender AV, along with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Intune.

This transition enabled their internal IT team to simplify device management, enhance security, and reduce associated costs.

Our implementation incorporated additional security controls based on industry standards to further fortify endpoint security.

Solidifying the partnership with managed IT services

To deepen our partnership, we secured a 3-year Managed IT Service agreement. Providing comprehensive support for Hallo’s entire cloud infrastructure, including Microsoft solutions.

This dedicated support involved a team of managed service engineers recruited specifically for their account.

Continuing to enhance security, we are collaborating with Hallo on future plans to replace their existing SIEM solution with a fully managed and monitored Microsoft Sentinel solution.

This upgrade will deliver a holistic and managed security operations solution, perfectly aligned with their new Microsoft cloud infrastructure.

Robin Dargue, CIO at Hallo Healthcare Group, said “The strong partnership and trust between Hallo and Kocho allowed us to hit the extremely tight deadline we set for this rapid transformation project, and deepen our bond with a specially procured managed service solution and team.

I’ve done a few digital transformation projects in my time and the speed at which Kocho and the Hallo team were able to achieve this was truly exceptional.”

Unleashing the potential: A quantum leap in security, efficiency, and success

The project’s outcomes were both anecdotal and measurable, demonstrating the significant positive impact on the customer’s business and technology outcomes.

Conclusion

Through our cloud security and infrastructure overhaul, we have revolutionised the digital landscape for Hallo.

Leveraging Microsoft Azure and implementing a comprehensive suite of solutions, we consolidated infrastructure, enhanced security, and maximised productivity.

The results speak volumes.

Substantial cost savings, robust security measures, simplified device management, and fortified endpoint security.

Want to find out more? Our team of experts would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch today!