Connections for Business

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Partner of Klasfeld & Company, PL

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Certified Public Accounting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Connections for Business to accomplish?

• Seamless AVD Deployment and Configuration - Ensure a smooth setup of the AVD environment, including virtual machines, networking, and identity management.
• Optimized Cyber Security and Compliance - Implement security best practices such as MFA, conditional access policies, encryption, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Performance and Reliability Enhancement - Ensure high availability, low latency, and optimal performance for accounting applications and workloads.
• Cost-Effective Resource Management – Optimize resource allocation to control Azure costs, leveraging autoscaling and reserved instances where applicable.
• User Experience and Productivity – Deliver a streamlined experience with fast login times, application responsiveness, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365.
• Standardized and Optimized Golden Image Creation – Develop a customized, pre-configured "golden image" with all necessary applications, security settings, and optimizations to ensure consistency, fast provisioning, and efficient updates across all virtual desktops.

SOLUTION

How did you find Connections for Business?

Referral

Why did you select Connections for Business over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Connections for Business were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Comprehensive design, deployment, testing, communication, and support of an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) solution to replace the traditional server environment, ensuring security, efficiency, and scalability.

Scope of Work Details:

1. Phase 1: Planning & Assessment
   Objective: Define requirements, evaluate existing infrastructure, and develop an AVD implementation strategy.
2. Phase 2: AVD Environment Design & Configuration
   Objective: Set up the AVD infrastructure based on best practices for security, performance, and scalability.
3. Phase 3: Application & Data Migration
   Objective: Migrate business-critical applications, data, and user profiles to the AVD environment without disruption.
4. Phase 4: Testing & Performance Optimization
   Objective: Ensure that the AVD environment meets security, performance, and user experience expectations.
5. Phase 5: End-User Communication & Training
   Objective: Provide clear communication, training, and documentation for a smooth transition.
6. Phase 6: Deployment & Go-Live Support
   Objective: Ensure a successful go-live with minimal disruption to operations.
7. Phase 7: Ongoing Management & Support
   Objective: Provide continuous monitoring, maintenance, and support for a seamless user experience.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Monitoring and Early Observations

While the measurable outcomes are still in the monitoring phase, initial observations indicate significant improvements in key areas.

1. System uptime and reliability have increased, ensuring users experience minimal disruptions.
2. Application performance and response times are faster, enhancing workflow efficiency.
3. Security and compliance enhancements—including MFA enforcement, conditional access policies, and role-based access controls—are strengthening data protection and regulatory compliance.
4. End-user satisfaction is notably higher, with employees reporting a smoother experience when accessing applications and data.
5. Additionally, seamless profile and application access through FSLogix ensures that users retain settings, files, and preferences across sessions, reducing frustration and IT support requests.

On the intangible and cultural front, the transition to cloud-based workflows is: 

1. Fostering a modern IT culture within the firm, shifting from reactive troubleshooting to proactive optimization and innovation.
2. Employees have greater confidence in IT systems, contributing to improved productivity, better remote work flexibility, and enhanced collaboration through Microsoft Teams and cloud-based tools.

This early success highlights the long-term potential of AVD to support scalability, efficiency, and digital transformation within the organization.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management provided by Connections for Business was exceptional throughout the entire Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) project. Every milestone was executed on time and within scope, with clear and proactive communication at every stage. Their collaboration exceeded our expectations, ensuring that our unique needs as a CPA firm were fully understood and prioritized.

What set Connections for Business apart was the strategic perspective they brought to the project. Our Technical Account Manager (TAM) and Project Engineer didn’t just focus on the technical buildout; they viewed the project through the lens of how we operate as a CPA firm—considering not only how AVD supports our infrastructure but also why and how we use each application and workflow. This level of understanding resulted in an environment that is not only technically sound but also optimized for our daily operations, enhancing efficiency across the board.

Additionally, their availability and reliability made them feel like a true partner, rather than just a vendor. They were accessible whenever needed, quick to resolve issues, and proactive in identifying potential challenges before they became problems. Their approach fostered a sense of trust and confidence, reinforcing the long-term value of this partnership.

A key factor in Connections for Business’ success is its exceptional leadership and ownership. The commitment to excellence and client success starts at the top and flows throughout the entire organization. Their leadership fosters a culture of accountability, expertise, and client-focused service, ensuring that every team member is aligned with the firm’s mission to deliver reliable, high-quality IT solutions. This top-down approach to service and execution was evident in every interaction, further solidifying our confidence in Connections for Business as a trusted IT partner, not just a vendor. The result was a seamless, high-performing AVD environment that meets our firm's needs today while being adaptable for the future.

What was your primary form of communication with Connections for Business?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

As our Managed IT Services Provider, Connections for Business has proven to be more than just a vendor—they are a trusted partner. Their deep understanding of our CPA firm’s workflows, combined with a tailored approach to IT solutions, has ensured a seamless and efficient AVD implementation.

Their strong leadership and proactive team set them apart, with a commitment to client success that flows from the top down. Our Technical Account Manager (TAM) and Project Engineer took the time to align IT with our business needs, anticipating challenges and optimizing performance.

What truly distinguishes them is their availability, responsiveness, and reliability. They have been accessible and solutions-driven, providing not just technical support but strategic guidance to ensure long-term efficiency and growth.

In short, Connections for Business has delivered exceptional service, strong collaboration, and a secure, high-performing IT environment, making them an invaluable partner in our firm’s success.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Connections for Business could have done differently?

None.