Soft-ex

Business Objectives

Soft-ex needed to modernise their IT environment by moving away from ageing on-premises infrastructure and establishing a secure, scalable cloud platform capable of supporting future business growth. The organisation sought greater agility, improved resilience, enhanced security and a more cost-effective operating model, while ensuring business continuity throughout the migration.

Solutions deployed

  • ‍Migration to Microsoft Azure
    eir business delivered a full-scale migration from Soft-ex’s legacy data centre to Microsoft Azure, creating a modern cloud foundation aligned with Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework.
  • Secure, enterprise-grade cloud platform
    Designed and implemented an enterprise-scale Azure landing zone with hybrid networking, FortiGate perimeter security, Azure Policy enforcement and advanced security controls, including Web Application Firewall (WAF) and Azure Defender.
  • Optimised performance and cost efficiency
    Migrated Windows and SQL workloads to Azure while applying Azure Hybrid Use Benefit, Reserved Instances and cost management tools to improve operational efficiency and reduce ongoing infrastructure costs.

The Challenge:  

 Soft-ex's on-premises data centre had become increasingly difficult to manage, lacking the flexibility and resilience required to support evolving business needs. Key challenges included:

  • Limited scalability and agility to support growth. 
  • Rising costs and complexity in managing legacy infrastructure 
  • Inadequate disaster recovery and operational resilience  The need for a secure, cloud-first platform without disrupting ongoing operations.

The Solution:  

 eir business delivered a full-scale Azure migration project, aligned with Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework and tailored to Soft-ex’s specific requirements.  

Key components of the solution included:  

  • Enterprise-Scale Landing Zone: Designed and deployed with hybrid networking, FortiGate perimeter security, and Azure Policy enforcement. 
  • Rehosted Windows Workloads: Migrated application servers and infrastructure components using Azure Migrate. 
  • Rehosted SQL Workloads: Rehosted and reconfigured SQL Server instances using shared disks and proximity placement groups.
  • Security & Governance: Implemented Web Application Firewall (WAF), Azure Defender, and role-based access controls. 
  • Optimisation: Applied Azure Hybrid Use Benefit (AHUB), Reserved Instances, and cost management tools to reduce spend and improve efficiency. 

The Outcome: 

Soft-ex’s migration to Azure delivered measurable benefits across performance, security, and cost-efficiency:  

  • Seamless Migration: Multiple virtual machines successfully migrated with minimal downtime and no business disruption. 
  • Improved Agility: Scalable infrastructure now supports rapid deployment and innovation. 
  • Enhanced Security: Modern perimeter defenses and secure access controls aligned with compliance standards.
  • Cost Efficiency: Licensing optimisation and reserved capacity reduced operational costs, with additional savings through Microsoft’s Azure Migrate and Modernise (AMM) funding.  ‍
  • Operational Readiness: Fully documented environment and handover session ensured Soft-ex’s team is equipped for ongoing management

From first steps to advanced optimisation, our Azure team — including recognised MVPs — can help shape your cloud strategy and access exclusive Microsoft funding. As one of Ireland’s few Azure Expert MSPs, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver value through programs like Azure Migrate and Modernise, helping lower costs and accelerate results.  

To learn more about Soft-ex and their Digital Billing Communications & UC Analytics solutions, you can visit theirwebsite.