Building a Safer, More Resilient IT Environment for Willow
Willow Domestic Abuse Services provides essential support to women and children affected by domestic abuse across Meath. Through refuge, advocacy, counselling and outreach services, its team supports people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Behind those services is technology that staff depend on every day.
As Willow continued to develop its services, its existing IT environment was becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Ageing devices, outdated systems and the way documents were being stored and shared meant the organisation needed a more secure, reliable and straightforward way of working.
Willow partnered with EVAD Technology Group to modernise its IT environment, improve cybersecurity and create a technology foundation that could support the organisation into the future.
The Challenge
Like many organisations that have grown over time, Willow’s technology had evolved alongside its needs.
However, this had resulted in a number of challenges.
Some end-user devices were still running Windows 10, while important organisational documents were being shared through OneDrive linked to a single user account.
While this approach had worked previously, it created potential risks around access, document management and business continuity. It also made collaboration more difficult and created a dependency on one individual account for access to shared organisational information.
Willow needed an IT environment that was easier to manage, more secure and better suited to collaboration between its staff and teams.
Creating a Modern Microsoft 365 Environment
EVAD worked with Willow to understand how its team was using technology day to day before modernising the environment.
One of the key changes was moving organisational document storage away from individual OneDrive-based sharing and into a structured Microsoft SharePoint Online environment.
Rather than documents being dependent on an individual user’s account, SharePoint provided Willow with a central location where organisational information could be securely stored, managed and accessed by authorised users.
EVAD structured the SharePoint environment to improve permissions, document management, version control and collaboration.
Alongside the SharePoint migration, EVAD replaced Willow’s Windows 10 devices and helped introduce modern workplace best practices across the organisation.
Throughout the migration, EVAD provided technical support and user guidance to help staff transition to the new way of working with minimal disruption.
A Simpler, Safer Way to Work
The result is a more secure and resilient IT environment that is easier for Willow’s team to use and manage.
Staff can now access organisational documents through a centralised SharePoint environment rather than relying on files shared from an individual OneDrive account.
This has improved collaboration while giving the organisation greater control over how information is stored, accessed and managed.
Modernising Willow’s devices has also reduced the organisation’s reliance on ageing technology and strengthened its overall cybersecurity position.
The project has delivered:
- Centralised and secure document management through Microsoft SharePoint Online
- Improved collaboration and information sharing between staff
- Better control over document access and permissions
- Improved document version control and data governance
- Reduced reliance on individual user accounts
- Modernised end-user devices and systems
- Reduced cybersecurity and operational risk
- A more reliable and productive working environment
- A scalable Microsoft 365 foundation that can grow alongside the organisation
Security Doesn’t Stop After the Migration
Modernising an IT environment is only part of the picture. Keeping it secure, monitored and supported is just as important.
Following the project, EVAD continues to provide Willow with Managed IT Services and Managed Cybersecurity Services, helping protect its users, devices, Microsoft 365 environment and organisational data.
Willow’s ongoing support includes Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Managed Detection and Response (MDR), anti-virus protection and Datto RMM for proactive device monitoring and management.
EVAD also provides Datto SaaS Protection, including backup monitoring and alerting, alongside ongoing Microsoft 365 security and compliance management and day-to-day technical support.
This proactive approach allows potential issues to be identified and managed while helping maintain a secure, reliable and compliant IT environment.
From Legacy IT to a More Resilient Digital Workplace
The project has transformed the way Willow manages its technology and organisational information.
What was previously dependent on ageing devices and individual OneDrive sharing is now supported by a modern Microsoft 365 and SharePoint environment, backed by ongoing managed IT and cybersecurity services.
Most importantly, technology is now better positioned to support Willow rather than create additional complexity for its team.
With a more secure and scalable IT foundation in place, Willow can continue developing its services while its staff focus on what matters most — supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Key Solutions Delivered
Microsoft 365 | SharePoint Online | SharePoint Migration | Managed IT Services | Managed Cybersecurity | EDR & MDR | Datto RMM | Datto SaaS Protection | Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance | Device Modernisation | Cloud Document Management
