Transforming IT Infrastructure for a Large Retailer: A Davis Powers Success Story

Mar 05, 2025

Overview

In today's competitive retail landscape, a modern, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure is critical for business success. A major retailer recognized this necessity while navigating the complexities of growth and expansion through acquisitions, resulting in a fragmented environment with three separate Microsoft 365 tenants and multiple Azure and AWS cloud subscriptions. Facing the challenges of this disjointed infrastructure along with outdated systems and increasing security concerns, they partnered with Davis Powers to execute a complete digital transformation.

Our team successfully consolidated three separate Microsoft 365 tenants into a single unified environment while migrating over 300 users from legacy Active Directory and hybrid systems to cloud-first Microsoft 365 accounts with Intune-managed devices. We also transitioned on-premises headquarters servers to Azure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and implemented a sophisticated cloud-based networking solution connecting all 20 retail locations. This comprehensive transformation enhanced security, improved operational efficiency, and positioned the retailer for sustained future growth.

The Challenge

Legacy Infrastructure Limiting Business Potential

Prior to engaging our services, the retailer faced significant IT limitations that hindered their ability to scale operations and maintain competitive advantage:

The retailer recognized that these challenges required a strategic, comprehensive approach to IT modernization and turned to Davis Powers for a complete cloud transformation solution.

The Solution

End-to-End Cloud Migration and Infrastructure Modernization

Our team designed and executed a multi-phase cloud transformation strategy that addressed immediate pain points while building a foundation for future growth and innovation:

Microsoft 365 Tenant Consolidation and Cloud Migration

  • Successfully merged three separate Microsoft 365 tenants into a single unified environment
  • Preserved critical data, sharing permissions, and collaboration structures during the tenant consolidation
  • Migrated over 150 users from legacy Active Directory to Microsoft 365 cloud identity and 150 users from Microsoft cloud to Microsoft cloud
  • Transparently deployed Intune for modern device management across all endpoints, replacing traditional Group Policy
  • Implemented comprehensive security policies for all cloud-managed devices with enhanced endpoint detection and response protection
  • Established automated onboarding provisioning workflows for new devices and employees
  • Provided comprehensive training and change management support for employees adapting to the new environment

Azure Infrastructure Migration

  • Transitioned all headquarters on-premises servers to Azure Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Implemented Azure Site Recovery for robust business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities
  • Established comprehensive monitoring and management of the Azure environment
  • Migrated business-critical applications with minimal downtime during transition
  • Established Azure SQL Server for continuing M&A for CRM and ERP projects

Cloud-Based Networking Integration

  • Managing Cisco Meraki networking solutions across all retail locations
  • Implemented a hybrid cloud architecture leveraging both Azure and AWS resources where appropriate
  • Established secure VPN with Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Created a unified networking fabric connecting all locations with centralized NOC management
  • Implemented advanced security monitoring and threat protection across the network

Security Enhancements and Compliance

  • Deployed comprehensive Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all Microsoft 365 services and locations
  • Implemented Conditional Access policies for contextual security controls
  • Established vulnerability management across all endpoint devices
  • Setup enhanced endpoint protection with advanced threat detection and response capabilities
  • Aligning security policies with retail industry compliance requirements

Business Productivity and Collaboration Improvements

  • Standardized Microsoft Teams as the central collaboration platform across all locations
  • Optimized SharePoint architecture for retail-specific document management needs
  • Enabled secure mobile access to key business applications for store managers and executives

The Results

A Transformed Retail Technology Foundation

Following our comprehensive cloud transformation, the retailer experienced significant improvements across their business operations:

Enhanced Operational Agility

  • Unified Microsoft 365 environment and cloud-first infrastructure enables rapid adaptation to changing retail demands and scaling for seasonal peaks.

Connected Retail Ecosystem:

  • All locations now operate as a unified business with seamless communication and collaboration.

Strengthened Security Posture:

  • Modern security architecture with SSO, MFA, and advanced threat protection significantly reduced risk exposure.

Improved Employee Productivity:

  • Mobile-enabled workforce with modern collaboration tools increased efficiency and customer responsiveness

Reduced IT Complexity:

  • Consolidation of three Microsoft 365 tenants into one, along with centralized management of devices, infrastructure, and networking significantly simplified IT operations.

Business Continuity Assurance:

  • Cloud-based infrastructure provides enterprise-grade reliability and disaster recovery capabilities.

Optimized IT Spending

  • Shift from capital expenses to operational expenses with predictable cloud costs and reduced maintenance burden

Future-Ready Foundation:

  • Scalable architecture supports ongoing business growth and adoption of emerging retail technologies

By embracing a cloud-first strategy across identity, infrastructure, and networking, the retailer has positioned themselves for continued success in an increasingly digital retail landscape.

Conclusion

Partnering for Retail Technology Excellence

This successful transformation demonstrates how the right technology partner can help retailers leverage cloud technologies to overcome legacy limitations and build competitive advantage. Our comprehensive approach—consolidating three Microsoft 365 tenants into one unified environment while implementing Azure IaaS and advanced networking with Cisco Meraki, AWS, and secure VPN solutions—delivered a holistic modernization that addresses the unique challenges of multi-location retail operations with a complex acquisition history.

For retailers looking to enhance their technology capabilities and prepare for future growth, our MSP provides the expertise, experience, and execution needed to achieve similar transformative results. Contact us today to learn how we can help your retail business thrive with modern cloud technology.

About Davis Powers, Inc.

Davis Powers, Inc. stands at the forefront of digital transformation as a premier managed service provider. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner with specializations in Modern Work, Azure Infrastructure, and Data & AI Solutions, we bring unparalleled expertise to every client engagement. Our Cisco Select Partner status further enhances our capabilities in delivering enterprise-grade networking and security solutions. With a 20 year proven track record of executing complex IT solutions and infrastructure modernizations for organizations across multiple industries, Davis Powers consistently transforms technical challenges into business value for our clients. Our team of certified experts doesn't just implement technology—we architect comprehensive business solutions that drive measurable results. When excellence matters, leaders trust Davis Powers to deliver transformational IT outcomes that powers their success.