From on-premises to Azure: A structured cloud transformation
Key outcomes
Business Finland has transitioned from early O365 adoption to a broad Azure‑based environment over 14 years, driven by Cloud First thinking and continuous exploration of new cloud capabilities.
Information security and correct data classification have been central from the beginning, enabling secure automation and strengthening overall data protection.
A long‑term partnership with Context& has supported governance, service evaluation, and the introduction of new Azure services through consistent advisory collaboration.
The challenge
Business Finland needed to unify digital services across operations in 55 countries. The old on‑premises setup created delays and could not support the organisation’s need for consistent, global access to email, intranet and document management. The broader cloud transition required strong focus on security, regulatory compliance and precise data classification to ensure safe and scalable cloud adoption. As services expanded, the organisation needed a structured way to evaluate and introduce new cloud capabilities without compromising security or operational stability.
“I have learned a lot working with Context&”
“Context& has many patient and skilled consultants whose teaching skills are incomparable and who are able to explain things in a popular way”
“The role of a professional and competent partner cannot be overemphasized. For us, Context& is a seamless extension of the IT unit, and the consultants’ capabilities and huge amount of prior knowledge are very important to us”
The Solution
Business Finland began its cloud journey by moving email, intranet and document management to SharePoint Online. As Azure matured, the organization expanded its environment with support from Context&, adopting new services as they became relevant for operations. Azure’s flexibility allowed Business Finland to scale capacity based on demand, supporting both performance and cost‑effectiveness.
Security remained a core focus throughout. The organization implemented Microsoft’s most comprehensive license to add security features and automation, enabling processes like preventing personal identity codes from being sent via email. Together with Context&, Business Finland established a governance model and adopted the Evergreen operating model to evaluate new services in a controlled and structured manner. Context&’s consultants, familiar with the environment, provided ongoing reviews and recommendations for new capabilities.
About Business Finland
Business Finland is an organisation with global operations that began its cloud journey more than a decade ago to unify services, improve collaboration and strengthen information security across its international footprint.
The result
Business Finland now operates a secure, flexible and scalable Azure‑based environment. Information security has strengthened significantly, supported by correct data classification and automated protections. Governance ensures that new services are introduced methodically and responsibly. The close partnership with Context& continues to support cloud development, with consultants acting as an extension of the IT unit and contributing deep knowledge across a wide spectrum of Azure services.
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