Success Story: Durena AG

IT innovation for sustainable energy solutions

Durena AG is an engineering company with offices in Zurich and Lenzburg that specializes in energy technology solutions. With around 40 highly qualified employees, Durena offers customized engineering and consulting services that reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions and increase plant availability.

Challenges of Durena AG

  • Missing IT partner: Durena was looking for a partner for the entire IT infrastructure, including the network, workplace solutions, security and integration of modern technologies.
  • Rigid IT infrastructure: The local IT environment could not keep pace with the company's growth and changing market requirements.
  • Insufficient cloud security: The M365 Business Standard license offered too little protection, especially for mobile devices, and increased the risk of ransomware.
  • No server redundancy: Local servers and backups were not redundant, which increased the risk of outages and data loss.
  • Difficult cross-location collaboration: The tools were not optimally designed for cross-location collaboration.
  • Storage problems due to large documentsThe processing and storage of large documents led to bottlenecks, which slowed down work processes.
  • Compatibility of CAD programsSome of the CAD programs used for processing technical drawings were not cloud-enabled.

 

Joint solution with itnetX

  • Migration of local servers to the Azure Cloud
  • IT management taken over by itnetX with Managed Workplace OneX
  • Switch to cloud backup to ensure redundancy of productive systems and backup servers
  • Integration of telephony in Microsoft Teams for a central communication solution
  • Organization and structure of document management in SharePoint
  • Implementation of cloud printing and integration into the existing cloud solution
  • Implementation of AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) for applications that are not yet cloud-ready
  • Conducting training for employees on the new cloud workplace
 

Technologies used

Azure, Microsoft 365, Sharepoint Online, OneDrive, Exchange Online, AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop), Teams telephony, cloud printing

Added value for Durena AG

"Thanks to our collaboration with itnetX, we now have an IT infrastructure that is perfectly tailored to our needs. The flexibility of the cloud solutions allows us to react quickly to changes and start new projects without delay. With IT support from itnetX, we have the security of knowing that our systems are always running optimally, are up-to-date and our data is comprehensively protected. This allows us to concentrate fully on our core business. The collaboration has given us a clear competitive advantage and increased our productivity."

René Nijsen, Management Board, Durena AG

A customized IT transformation

itnetX developed a comprehensive IT strategy for Durena AG. The first step was to migrate the local servers in Zurich and Lenzburg to the Azure Cloud. This modernization provides Durena with a flexible, scalable IT infrastructure that allows IT resources to be used exactly as needed - a crucial foundation for the company's continued growth.

 

Efficient IT solutions for complex projects

Through the transformation, itnetX has created the basis for Durena to efficiently plan and implement demanding energy projects. This includes the planning and implementation of energy systems with more than a dozen external project participants, the development of CO₂-optimized energy concepts and the creation and monetization of funding applications.

The new IT infrastructure enables Durena to handle all project phases seamlessly - from the initial analysis through to the implementation of complex, customized energy solutions. It not only supports Durena in the efficient management of large volumes of data, but also improves collaboration with internal teams and external partners. The solution offers decisive advantages, particularly when coordinating with authorities or due diligence reviews: fast, secure access to up-to-date data and analyses ensures greater efficiency and transparency in critical processes.

 

Seamless integration of industry-specific tools with Azure Virtual Desktop

A particular highlight of the new IT solution is the integration of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). This technology enables Durena to access industry-specific applications such as CAD programs or databases that were not developed directly for the cloud. These programs are essential for processing technical drawings and the detailed planning of energy projects.

The AVD creates a virtual working environment that enables employees to use these demanding applications securely and with high performance - regardless of where they work. The advantages at a glance:

  • Access to performance-intensive applications: CAD programs require considerable computing capacity. With AVD, these resources are available via the cloud without the need for local high-performance computers.
  • Seamless integration: Employees can access the CAD programs directly from their usual workstation without the need for additional installations or complicated workarounds.
  • Security at the highest level: The AVD ensures that all data remains in the Azure Cloud and is protected against unauthorized access. Even with external access, sensitive project information remains secure.
  • Flexibility and scalability: AVD enables Durena to flexibly adapt the required resources according to project size and requirements. This means that new projects can be started quickly without having to purchase additional hardware. 

Thanks to the integration of the Azure Virtual Desktop, Durena can take full advantage of modern cloud technologies while ensuring that important industry-specific applications function optimally. This solution makes a significant contribution to increasing efficiency and flexibility in the implementation of complex energy projects.

 

Complete IT solution: worry-free and secure IT with Managed Workplace OneX

With the Managed Workplace OneX itnetX takes over the complete IT support for Durena. This includes not only the provision and maintenance, but also the ongoing operation and optimization of the cloud environment. The introduction of a cloud-based backup system has also created an additional layer of security that guarantees reliability and protection against data loss.

Thanks to this all-round support, Durena can concentrate fully on its core business - the planning and implementation of sophisticated energy projects - without having to worry about the IT infrastructure.

 

Uncomplicated user administration: efficiency and flexibility for Durena

A key advantage of the Azure environment is the simple and efficient administration of users. New employees can be integrated quickly and flexibly with cloud-only accounts using itnetX, without the need for complex local configurations.

By using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), user accounts are managed centrally by itnetX, which optimizes the entire user management process:

  • Quick setup: New employees receive access to all relevant resources, such as e-mails, files and industry-specific applications, within a few minutes.
  • Automation: Standardized processes such as assigning authorizations or group policies can be automated, which reduces errors and saves time.
  • Security optimization: Functions such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access control ensure that only authorized persons can access (sensitive) data.
  • Scalability: Regardless of whether new employees are added, departments grow or project teams are temporarily expanded - administration remains simple and flexible.
 

A strategic partnership with a view to the future

Even after the transformation has been completed, itnetX will remain a key partner for Durena. With the Managed Workplace OneX itnetX ensures that the IT environment is always up to date and functions optimally. Regular updates and proactive support enable Durena to react flexibly to new challenges and requirements.

Thanks to the strategic partnership, Durena can continue to focus on innovative energy solutions, while itnetX ensures that the IT meets the company's high standards.

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