OpenEdges Technology gains confidence in Microsoft 365 security and cost-effectiveness through Microsoft Solution Assessments

Deliberating collaboration, security, and working methods amidst rapid growth

OpenEdges Technology continuously felt the need to enhance its business environment and security beyond semiconductor operations as its business expanded. To achieve greater growth, structured communication and collaboration were necessary, along with the reduction of unnecessary processes. Moreover, as intellectual property, including technology and patents, became the most critical assets, a new environment was required that would secure them while not imposing complex procedures on business operations for security reasons.

Microsoft 365 provided a swift solution to these challenges. Previously, OpenEdges Technology used cloud-based collaboration tools and messaging apps. Startups that initially start IT services at minimal cost often tend to use similar forms of business solutions. However, with separate collaboration tools and messengers, along with each individual's preference for document creation, concerns about management efficiency and security grew. The lack of consistency in document tools often led to frequent conversions and retransmissions of files when sharing documents immediately. The inconvenience of format disruption could not be ignored.

As semiconductor-related IP became the company's key asset, document management to device security gradually became crucial. There was a need to introduce a suitable system for overall security management and working methods.

Device management was also challenging. Managing permissions and policies for various devices such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android while processing tasks through multiple operating systems was difficult. Azure AD's directory service, which comprehensively manages all operating systems, was deemed appropriate, leading to communication with Microsoft Korea.

Hakyoung Kim, an IT infrastructure team engineer, met with Microsoft Korea with a need for services, but Microsoft Korea proposed a solution assessment that could assess the current business situation rather than just focusing on products. This raised expectations of solving problems from a completely different perspective.

"When considering service migration, I initially thought about the typical process of proposing solutions through sales and partners. However, Microsoft Korea proposed a new approach. It was not just a simple functional migration, but a Solution Assessment program that thoroughly examined how Microsoft's solutions could effectively impact various aspects of business operations. As a result, we were able to rethink not just service adoption but the entire business operational environment comprehensively."

Security-oriented business environment assessment

As security was paramount, OpenEdges Technology first underwent a Cloud Security Assessment. This program reviews the internal security systematically, covering individual PC management environments, unnecessary software, and security policies for endpoints that need to be organized. Consultants provided detailed explanations and appropriate answers to diagnostic items, and all information was provided in a detailed report.

"The vague security policies were established, and realistic methods that could be resolved through migration were provided. We became confident that the situation after adoption could be successful. It didn't just introduce a simple solution; it established standards for governance and compliance regarding security, such as password policies, ISMS, and ISO27001."

Dongjoon Kim, an IT infrastructure team engineer in charge of security, emphasized that the business environment, driven by growth, regained its foothold through security. Microsoft Intune, with Entra ID as the center, can manage various types of devices and operating systems uniformly.

Without separate third-party MDM solutions, comprehensive security policies were applied from device security to documents and emails, significantly reducing the burden of security on the entire operation. Just being able to remotely delete data and reset devices without a trace if lost or stolen changed the management landscape significantly.

"Beyond solution adoption and immediate response, the Microsoft Solution Assessment program provided a roadmap for specific implementation methods in the short, medium, and long term, allowing us to gain confidence as the framework for necessary features and security was established at each stage. With the adoption of Microsoft 365 Enterprise License E3 plan, security policies within the company were established, leading to the substantial migration of existing environments, such as emails and documents."

Migrating to Microsoft 365 was not just about introducing a simple solution but fundamentally changing how work was done, requiring appropriate procedures. Engineer Hakyoung Kim explained that documents were easily transitioned to Microsoft 365 using Microsoft's migration tools. It wasn't just a simple replication; directory settings and labeling were transferred intact, eliminating the need for searching or confusion when accessing documents. Especially, the typical organizational structure of domestic companies was easily integrated, reflecting organization management in Outlook and Teams practically.

Cost value generated by work efficiency, 'Business Value Assessment'

After the security assessment, OpenEdges Technology was able to confirm the direct business value resulting from the adoption of Microsoft 365 through a Business Value Assessment. This program follows the Cloud Security Assessment to assess the overall costs after service transition. The Business Value Assessment goes beyond simple cloud and service fee comparisons to accurately judge the value based on the overall business and work environment.

When transitioning solutions, cost changes also weigh heavily. However, internally, there are often abstract expressions of 'what improves' when talking about costs. The Business Value Assessment conducted a detailed check of existing solutions and work methods through interviews with professional consultants.

"The Business Value Assessment detailed which parts were transitioning through the selected Microsoft 365 pricing plans. It quantified the efficiency created by changes in work methods into operational costs, including average employee salaries. It went beyond simply saving ten minutes a day and quantified those ten minutes as a value of cost. We were confident that Microsoft 365 not only simplified the new security environment but also reflected efficiency, making it a solution that could create significant value for the entire company."

Engineer Hakyoung Kim noted that the Business Value Assessment provided confidence by examining whether the cost-effectiveness could generate more value than the initial adoption cost after one year. Especially, in a situation where strengthening security for endpoints such as PCs and smartphones was urgent, Microsoft 365 provided stability and an instantly complete environment without third-party solutions, creating value beyond costs for the rapidly growing OpenEdges Technology.

"The Microsoft Solution Assessment program instilled confidence in the face of anxiety and uncertainty during the adoption process. It made it easy to judge not only what services would provide what value but also anticipate future possibilities."

Engineer Hakyoung Kim explained that through the Solution Assessment program, the IT infrastructure team's goal of providing an environment that can increase productivity was concretized. While Microsoft 365 has numerous components, the Solution Assessment served as a basis for establishing a clear direction for adoption. Ultimately, engineers Hakyoung Kim and Dongjoon Kim, while not directly involved in designing semiconductors, could approach their goal of increasing productivity and creating a more enjoyable working environment for all employees through Microsoft 365 and the Solution Assessment program.