Modernizing Systems for a More Secure Future

The Situation

Aging Systems That Needed an Update

The organization was running on Exchange 2010. While day-to-day performance was steady, the system was outdated and unsupported. Microsoft no longer provided patches or updates, which left it vulnerable and exposed to security threats. It was also running on aging hardware, raising additional concerns about reliability.

Although the organization had no specific goal tied to the upgrade, the need was clear. They wanted to avoid relying on outdated systems and ensure their technology environment was more secure and easier to manage in the long term.

The Challenge

Two Systems That Didn’t Work Together

Beyond the hardware and security risks, the organization had already begun using Microsoft 365 for one of its domains. This overlap created confusion during onboarding and made managing users across Exchange and Microsoft 365 more complicated.

There were no major concerns about user adoption since both systems used Outlook. The most significant uncertainty was whether Exchange 2010 would cooperate with Microsoft 365 during migration and how smoothly the data could be transferred without disruption.

The Solution

Planning a Downtime-Free Migration

Before beginning the migration, ITonDemand conducted a full discovery process. That included reviewing domain configurations, mailbox sizes, email access controls, and account ownership to flag any issues early. This preparation ensured a clean and efficient transition.

The team used a hybrid environment to perform the migration. Email was moved in batches, with no disruption to service. Built-in Microsoft tools were used to manage the process without requiring third-party software. Thanks to the support of a tech-savvy internal lead, most questions and issues were resolved quickly, with backup support from ITonDemand’s help desk as needed.

The Result

A Seamless Move to Microsoft 365

The migration was smooth and completed on schedule. Because it was done in a hybrid environment, users had no downtime. Even with a more extensive user base, the project moved steadily without interrupting email access or staff productivity.

Since the switch, the organization has seen several benefits. Microsoft 365 improved their security, simplified user management, and helped their internal team maintain a more modern and reliable email environment. What started as a move away from aging hardware ultimately strengthened their IT foundation for the future.

Our Partner

About the Michigan Catholic Parish

This Michigan Catholic parish is dedicated to serving its community through faith, education, and outreach. With a vibrant church and school, the organization fosters spiritual development, academic excellence, and a strong sense of service rooted in Catholic values. Its programs support individuals and families at every stage of life, creating a welcoming environment grounded in faith and community.