Case Study
From Legacy to Leading Edge
How Next Step helped MFAA modernise its IT foundations for a secure, cloud-first future.

MFAA’s technology environment had supported the organisation for many years, but its needs had evolved.
With staff relying on server-based access, mapped drives and VPN connections, MFAA saw an opportunity to create a more secure, flexible and cloud-first foundation.
Next Step worked with MFAA to define the future-state environment, reduce reliance on legacy infrastructure and support a more modern way of working.
This case study explores how MFAA strengthened its IT foundations, improved staff experience and created a more reliable platform for the future.
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“If you do not have the IT operations and foundations in place and working well, it becomes much harder to focus on broader organisational priorities.
The value for MFAA is that we now have a more secure, reliable and modern technology environment, and we have confidence that Next Step is managing those foundations effectively.”
Evan Thomas,
COO, MFAA
Explore How Next Step Supported MFAA’s Technology Transformation
The Situation
MFAA’s technology environment was largely built around on-premises infrastructure. Staff relied on server-based access, mapped drives and VPN connections, creating operational friction and highlighting the need for a more modern foundation.
The Need for Change
As MFAA continued to evolve, the organisation wanted an IT environment that could better support productivity, flexibility, security and operational resilience. The goal was not simply to replace older technology, but to modernise the way MFAA operated.
Enter Next Step
MFAA needed a managed IT partner with the breadth, depth and maturity to support the next stage of its technology journey. Next Step brought technical capability, responsiveness and a structured approach to managed IT services.
Defining the Future State
The first step was to understand MFAA’s existing environment, identify limitations and agree on the desired future state. Next Step worked with MFAA to translate those priorities into a practical roadmap for change.
Moving from On-Premise to Cloud
Next Step helped MFAA transition away from legacy on-premises infrastructure and move toward a cloud-first model. By migrating files and data into SharePoint, staff could access the systems and information they needed without relying on VPNs or mapped drives.
Standardising the User Environment
MFAA worked with Next Step to create a more consistent technology experience for staff. With a standard operating environment supported by tools such as Microsoft Intune and Autopilot, devices became easier to deploy, manage and secure.
Strengthening Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity was a central consideration throughout the transformation. Next Step helped MFAA improve endpoint controls, cloud identity management, password security, patching processes and alignment with the Essential Eight framework.
Introducing Mature IT Service Management
Next Step introduced a more structured IT service management model, giving MFAA access to a professional service desk, clear support channels, ticket logging, escalation processes and structured change management.
Supporting the Office Move
MFAA’s office relocation became an opportunity to simplify its environment. Rather than moving legacy infrastructure into a new workplace, MFAA used the relocation to reduce physical infrastructure and complete the transition to a more cloud-first operating model.
The Outcomes
MFAA now has a more secure, reliable and modern technology environment. The transformation improved access to systems and information, reduced reliance on legacy infrastructure, strengthened cybersecurity and created a more structured support model for staff.
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