Microsoft Purview – compliance in a box

How to govern, protect, and manage your data estate

Microsoft Purview seems to be the new kid on the block. Everyone is talking about it – but what exactly is it, what can it do and, moreover, does your organisation need it? Marc Stephenson, Director here at Metataxis, takes a look and shares his thoughts on this Microsoft solution:

According to www.dictionary.com: Purview. Noun. The range of operation, authority, control, concern, etc. The range of vision, insight, or understanding.”

I think Microsoft has actually chosen a good name for the formally known as the “Compliance Center” product suite. (Please Microsoft can we try not to re-skin, re-factor or generally re-arrange this important area of functionality for a while now!)

At Metataxis, we are starting to find that getting to grips with Microsoft Purview is a growing demand.

What is Microsoft Purview?

Microsoft officially describes this tool as: “a unified data governance solution to help manage and govern your on-premises, multicloud, and software as a service (SaaS) data. Easily create a holistic, up-to-date map of your data landscape with automated data discovery, sensitive data classification, and end-to-end data lineage.”

Understand and govern data across your entire data estate

For years, organisations have recognised that they need to “do something” to get their compliance and records management ship in order. Today, with more sensitive data stored across apps, clouds, and devices, it’s never been harder to understand and govern sensitive information, identify data risks and manage regulatory requirements to remain compliant. And this is why only recently its has started to drive operational need.

And therein lies the key word: “operational.”

Many organisations already have compliance regimes in place, covering various levels of thoroughness, value, and application, but until they are actually in use, in other words, operational, it’s just good intentions, and maybe for some simply just box-ticking.

How Metataxis can help

Metataxis consultants are technical experts in all aspects of information risk, compliance, and records management, but crucially, we’ve spent many years implementing real-world Microsoft 365 systems for our clients. The art of this is the ability to translate the business need for compliance into a workable and scalable set of Microsoft 365 configuration settings.

Alas, this invariably involves some compromises, especially if you don’t have an E5 subscription, and only have an E1 subscription.

Thankfully, Metataxis has developed several approaches to leverage whatever Microsoft licence subscription you have and whatever compliance regime you have, into something that will work for your organisation. After all, your organisation’s “range of operation, authority, control, concern, …vision, insight, or understanding” is kind of important.

So, if you’re looking for governance, protection, and compliance solutions for your organisation’s data and assets across your environment – simply get in touch and we’d be happy to discuss how we can help you with Microsoft Purview.

Information Architecture framework supports Microsoft 365 implementation

19 May 23 – New information architecture framework and information governance framework for UK constabulary.

Metataxis is delighted to have delivered a comprehensive information architecture framework along with an information governance framework to ensure the successful roll out of Microsoft 365 for a large UK police force.

Having adopted Microsoft Teams during the pandemic to boost collaboration, this public sector organisation needed a clear Microsoft 365 governance and resourcing model to ensure the new platform is used appropriately and remains compliant.

The information architecture framework clearly presents the best ways to structure and manage information stored in Microsoft 365 applications across the organisation, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. We have also provided a set of clear recommendations and parameters for a successful information governance implementation, by defining roles and responsibilities within the organisation and looking at how the force managed compliance using Microsoft Purview.

Armed with these well-defined, compliant, information architecture and information governance frameworks, the police constabulary now has a solid base to start building their architecture and confidently kick start their Microsoft 365 journey.

Noeleen Schenk, Director at Metataxis concludes: “Bound by strict data compliance regulations and governance rules, many public sector organisations are challenged with meeting their information management requirements. With these new information architecture and information Governance frameworks, the force is now well placed to commence the successful implementation of their Microsoft 365 project, confident all governance and compliance regulations are met.”

The value of information management for Microsoft 365

Metataxis are experts in designing and delivering information management frameworks for Microsoft 365. We understand the value and importance of a well-structured, clear information architecture to support both private companies and public sector bodies effectively manage data security and meet all regulations.

Read more about our information architecture and information governance services or simply contact us to discuss how we can help your organisation today.

Future-proofing IT environment for cultural heritage organisation

21 April 2023 – Metataxis defines clear Microsoft 365 strategy to modernise IT for a cultural heritage organisation.

Metataxis is delighted to be helping another cultural heritage organisation design and deploy a modern and secure IT environment with Microsoft 365.

This national public sector organisation was seeking a consulting partner who could offer professional advice and present a business case with clear costs to support the deployment of a new Microsoft 365 environment.

Metataxis will be delivering a comprehensive strategy which will define the recommended roll-out process, as well as ongoing IT support for the new Microsoft 365 platform, and all associated costs.

Here at Metataxis, we understand that effective Microsoft 365 design is vital. Its breadth and depth of functionality, and its evergreen nature makes it difficult to configure effectively and deliver business value.

This new plan will validate, refine, and detail a clear Microsoft 365 deployment strategy, covering specifications for a high level, target information architecture, as well as a clear governance model and scaled IT support model. It will also include additional planning steps, so we can accurately cost up both the roll-out of the new Microsoft 365 environment and its continued support on an ongoing basis for all users on every site for the organisation.

Comments Noeleen Schenk, Director at Metataxis: “After a competitive tender, we are thrilled to have been selected as the consultancy partner of choice! We already have significant experience working with public heritage organisations and our tailored proposal, which culturally understood the specific requirements and unique circumstances of this client, secured the deal for us! We are really looking forward to working with the team to develop and successfully delivering this exciting Microsoft 365 project.”

The project will commence in May 2023.

Read more about our Microsoft 365 design services.

If you would like to learn more about how we help both public sector organisations and private businesses address the challenges of deploying Microsoft 365, simply contact us.

Mitigate risk with SharePoint records management training

10 Feb 2023 – Metataxis delivers Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Records Management training course in partnership with training experts, Leadership Through Data.

Once again, Metataxis is pleased be presenting the Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Records Management course, in partnership with Leadership Through Data.

Designed and delivered by Records Managers for Records Managers, this comprehensive training course explores the information governance features of Microsoft 365, including licencing and information architecture requirements to support information governance.

This “all you need to know” Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Records Management course is delivered by Metataxis Senior Consultant, Siobhan King. With her specialist background in records management and information governance, this course will help students to improve their SharePoint record management skills and strengthen information governance across their organisation.

Siobhan explains: “It’s always fun teaching this course because with Microsoft things never stay still for very long. This means there are always new things to teach and learn in every session! Upon course completion, students will know how to design, configure and implement Microsoft 365 to get the most of the features, mitigate risk and gain a better understanding how to protect the valuable information created and shared by colleagues on a daily basis.”

This virtual training course is delivered over 4 half days and all attendees will achieve 12 CPD credits. It’s a very popular course and is now fully booked, however it will available again in in April, June, September and November this year.

Learn more and book your place now! 

Metataxis achieves new G-Cloud 13 accreditation for Cloud Support

Oct 2022 – Metataxis successfully achieves new G-Cloud 13 accreditation for Cloud Support

Metataxis is delighted to announce our successful application to become an accredited supplier on the new G-Cloud 13 Framework.

 G-Cloud 13 replaces G-Cloud 12, a valuable digital marketplace offering cloud hosting and software services, together with associated support services to UK central government departments and other public sector bodies.

Metataxis will now be recognised on this new Government framework as a Cloud Support supplier, enabling us to offer a variety of our cloud support services including cloud migration planning and deployment, security services, quality assurance and performance testing, as well as training and on-going support.

Comments Noeleen Schenk, Director at Metataxis, “G-Cloud is a secure method of procurement for public sector buyers looking for compliant solutions in this highly regulated arena. As a recognised supplier on the new G-Cloud 13 Framework, we are looking forward to supporting public sector organisations, including schools, local authorities and government departments across the UK, set up, maintain and ultimately get the most out of their cloud investments.”

Metataxis provides cloud support services and information management solutions, such as Microsoft 365 design, information governance, cloud migration and data privacy services, to over 250 clients in the public, private and third sectors.

If you would like to learn more about our cloud services, simply contact us.