Case Study: Modernising IT – GEM to Microsoft 365, Windows 11 Upgrade & Secure Fleet Management
Client overview
Ecomed is a medical device supplier serving healthcare providers across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The company provides high quality diagnostic and clinical equipment backed by strong pre‑ and post‑sales support, and relies heavily on its internal systems for customer service, logistics and technical support.
As the business grew, Ecomed needed to modernise its legacy GEM environment, standardise endpoints, and improve security and cost efficiency without disrupting day‑to‑day operations in a highly regulated healthcare market.
Challenges
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Legacy GEM environment and fragmented tools
Key workloads, files and email were still running on a legacy GEM setup and on‑premises systems, limiting collaboration, mobility and integration with newer cloud services. -
Mixed Windows 10 fleet
A large mix of Windows 10 devices with varying configurations made updates, support and security management more complex and time‑consuming for the internal team. -
Security and compliance risks
The existing fleet did not consistently enforce modern security controls such as MFA, conditional access and advanced threat protection, increasing the risk of credential theft and data leakage. -
Rising IT costs with previous provider
Ecomed’s existing IT provider had a higher and less predictable cost model for support, licensing and projects, with limited transparency around where money was being spent. -
Need for seamless email migration
The business could not afford email downtime or data loss. Any transition off the GEM platform needed to be seamless for users, with mailboxes, calendars and contacts intact.
Our solution
Cloud Solution IT delivered a modern Microsoft 365 and endpoint strategy that moved Ecomed off legacy GEM services, standardised devices on Windows 11, and strengthened security across the entire fleet – all while reducing overall IT spend.
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GEM to Microsoft 365 migration
Planned and executed a structured migration from the GEM platform to Microsoft 365, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and OneDrive. Mailboxes, calendars, distribution lists and shared mailboxes were migrated with minimal disruption and full data integrity. -
Seamless email cutover
Performed a staged email migration with coexistence, thorough testing and clear change communication. Staff switched over to Outlook with Microsoft 365 mailboxes with no loss of historical email and only minimal, planned downtime outside of business hours. -
Windows 10 to Windows 11 uplift
Assessed the existing endpoint fleet and implemented a phased upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Standardised builds, policy baselines and application sets were deployed to ensure consistency, performance and supportability. -
Secure device and identity management
Implemented modern security controls including multi‑factor authentication (MFA), device compliance policies and conditional access across the fleet. Integrated Microsoft 365 security features to better protect identities, data and devices for staff working on‑site and remotely. -
Ongoing fleet management
Introduced centralised management of devices, updates and security posture (e.g. via Intune/Endpoint Manager and Microsoft 365 admin centres), giving Ecomed real‑time visibility and control over its environment. -
Cost‑effective managed services
Replaced the previous provider’s model with a predictable, cost‑effective managed service. Consolidated licensing, reduced infrastructure overheads and optimised support arrangements to lower total IT spend while improving service levels.
Client experience
“Moving away from our old GEM setup and upgrading our entire fleet sounded like a major disruption risk for the business. Cloud Solution IT guided us through every step, from planning to migration and post‑go‑live support. Our email migration to Microsoft 365 was seamless – staff kept all their mail and calendars and were able to keep working without interruption. The transition to Windows 11 and the new security controls, including MFA, has given us a much more secure and consistent environment, and we’re now paying less overall than we did with our previous IT provider.”
Operations & IT Manager, Ecomed
Outcomes
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Modern productivity platform
Ecomed now operates on Microsoft 365 for email, collaboration and file storage, providing a scalable and secure foundation for its distributed workforce across Australia and New Zealand. -
Standardised Windows 11 fleet
Devices have been uplifted to a consistent Windows 11 build, simplifying support, improving user experience and enabling access to the latest security and productivity features. -
Stronger security and compliance
MFA, improved identity protection and centrally enforced security policies have significantly reduced risk and aligned the environment with best practices for healthcare and medical device suppliers. -
Lower and more predictable IT costs
Consolidated licensing, reduced reliance on legacy infrastructure and a more transparent managed services model have delivered measurable cost savings compared to the previous IT provider. -
Minimal disruption to business operations
The GEM to Microsoft 365 migration and endpoint upgrades were completed with minimal downtime, allowing Ecomed’s teams to continue supporting healthcare customers without interruption.