Non-Profit Architecture Overhaul

Breaking Down the IT Transformation: MIKID’s Network Overhaul

At MIKID, ensuring a stable and secure IT infrastructure is vital for supporting the organization’s mission. Recently, a major overhaul of the network architecture was completed, addressing systemic failures and improving operational resilience. The before-and-after Visio diagrams clearly illustrate this transformation.

Here’s a breakdown of the major changes and why they matter.

The Problem: A Failing Network

Before

The original network architecture suffered from several critical issues, as highlighted in the “Before” diagram:

  • Widespread Outages: Entire segments of the network were labeled “NOT WORKING,” indicating major connectivity failures.
  • Cloud Environment Failures: Microsoft services, remote access, and other cloud-based resources were inaccessible.
  • Decentralized & Isolated Networks: Various sites (e.g., Pueblo, Sierra Vista, and Bullhead City) were suffering from network segmentation issues, preventing seamless communication between locations.
  • Single Points of Failure: With key infrastructure components failing, the entire system suffered from cascading failures.

Without immediate intervention, the organization’s IT operations risked prolonged downtime, data access issues, and security vulnerabilities.

The Solution: A Fully Integrated, Resilient Network

After

The new architecture represents a complete transformation, bringing several crucial improvements:

  1. Full Network Restoration

    • Every segment of the infrastructure is now operational.
    • No more red “NOT WORKING” indicators—the new system provides seamless connectivity.

  2. Cloud Integration & Security Enhancements

    • Azure Cloud is now properly integrated, providing centralized authentication, file storage, and remote work capabilities.
    • A Zero Trust security model has been implemented, ensuring secure access to critical systems.

  3. Redundant & Scalable Infrastructure

    • Each location has been fortified with backup network pathways to reduce the risk of single points of failure.
    • Firewalls, switches, and access points have been optimized to support scalability and higher performance.

  4. Optimized Site-to-Site Connectivity

    • Remote offices (Casa Grande, Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and others) now have consistent connectivity with the main data center.
    • Improved routing and VPN tunnels provide secure communication between locations.

  5. Revamped Microsoft Environment

    • The entire Microsoft 365 suite (Exchange, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint) is fully functional.
    • Enhanced Active Directory synchronization ensures seamless user authentication across multiple locations.

  6. Automated Monitoring & Failover Systems

    • The new setup includes real-time network monitoring to detect issues before they escalate.
    • Redundant failover mechanisms ensure minimal disruption in case of hardware failures.

The Impact: A Future-Ready IT Infrastructure

This transformation represents a major leap forward for MIKID’s IT operations. By addressing previous network failures and implementing a scalable, secure, and resilient system, the organization is now better equipped to support its mission.

  • Reliability: No more systemic outages disrupting daily operations.
  • Security: A Zero Trust approach and cloud integration enhance data protection.
  • Scalability: The infrastructure is future-proofed for growth and expansion.

This project showcases the power of proactive IT management—transforming a failing network into a robust and efficient system that serves the needs of the organization.

Looking to the future, these upgrades lay the foundation for even greater technological advancements, ensuring that MIKID can continue making a difference without IT disruptions.

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