Microsoft Azure (Microsoft) Case Studies American Council of the Blind Enhances Accessibility with Microsoft Azure and Office 365

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	American Council of the Blind Enhances Accessibility with Microsoft Azure and Office 365 Microsoft Azure (Microsoft)

American Council of the Blind Enhances Accessibility with Microsoft Azure and Office 365

Microsoft Azure (Microsoft)

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Computer Vision Software Networks & Connectivity - Routers & Bridges
Applicable Industries	Construction & Infrastructure Transportation
Use Cases	Construction Management Infrastructure Inspection
Services	Training
Challenge	The American Council of the Blind (ACB), a nonprofit organization advocating for the blind and visually impaired, was facing significant challenges with its technology infrastructure. The organization's on-premises servers were unreliable, frequently going down and causing disruptions to staff and members. The servers, which housed over 20 years of institutional records, were also experiencing data loss due to corruption issues. This shaky IT foundation was hindering the organization's ability to fulfill its mission and adapt to the needs of the people it serves. The ACB realized that it needed to invest in technology and integrate it into its long-term strategic goals to ensure up-to-date, secure, and efficient operations. Read More
About Customer	The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to supporting and advocating for all people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization is made up of approximately 70 state chapters and affiliate organizations. ACB works towards increasing the independence and quality of life of people who are blind or visually impaired. It partners with local, state, and federal government, transportation departments, educators and rehabilitation specialists, technology companies, and many more to guide its advocacy efforts. The organization provides a wide range of content, including updates on its advocacy efforts, streamed stand-up comedy and music performed by artists who are blind, cooking shows, and more. Read More
Solution	In response to these challenges, ACB chose Microsoft Azure to modernize its infrastructure. The organization was aware of Microsoft's technology offers for nonprofits, which included discounted and donated technology. This, combined with ACB's decades-long relationship with Microsoft, made Azure a natural fit for a cloud-based technology solution. The transition to Azure was completed in June 2020. The organization also uses Microsoft Office 365 on Microsoft Surface Pro, which has helped it maintain high productivity levels, especially during the transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Azure provides a more sustainable and reliable infrastructure, allowing ACB to protect its data and ensure redundancy in its backup strategy. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Computer Vision Software

Networks & Connectivity - Routers & Bridges

Applicable Industries

Construction & Infrastructure

Transportation

Use Cases

Construction Management

Infrastructure Inspection

Services

Training

Challenge

The American Council of the Blind (ACB), a nonprofit organization advocating for the blind and visually impaired, was facing significant challenges with its technology infrastructure. The organization's on-premises servers were unreliable, frequently going down and causing disruptions to staff and members. The servers, which housed over 20 years of institutional records, were also experiencing data loss due to corruption issues. This shaky IT foundation was hindering the organization's ability to fulfill its mission and adapt to the needs of the people it serves. The ACB realized that it needed to invest in technology and integrate it into its long-term strategic goals to ensure up-to-date, secure, and efficient operations.

About Customer

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to supporting and advocating for all people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization is made up of approximately 70 state chapters and affiliate organizations. ACB works towards increasing the independence and quality of life of people who are blind or visually impaired. It partners with local, state, and federal government, transportation departments, educators and rehabilitation specialists, technology companies, and many more to guide its advocacy efforts. The organization provides a wide range of content, including updates on its advocacy efforts, streamed stand-up comedy and music performed by artists who are blind, cooking shows, and more.

Solution

In response to these challenges, ACB chose Microsoft Azure to modernize its infrastructure. The organization was aware of Microsoft's technology offers for nonprofits, which included discounted and donated technology. This, combined with ACB's decades-long relationship with Microsoft, made Azure a natural fit for a cloud-based technology solution. The transition to Azure was completed in June 2020. The organization also uses Microsoft Office 365 on Microsoft Surface Pro, which has helped it maintain high productivity levels, especially during the transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Azure provides a more sustainable and reliable infrastructure, allowing ACB to protect its data and ensure redundancy in its backup strategy.

Impact #1	The transition to Microsoft Azure and Office 365 has significantly improved ACB's operations. The organization now has a reliable and secure technology infrastructure that supports its mission and serves more people. The modernized infrastructure has not only enhanced the organization's web presence but also its ability to consistently share content with its audience. The new environment's unparalleled uptime ensures that ACB stays reachable, which is particularly important as it is an 'email list–heavy org'. The organization is now better equipped to communicate with its growing audience and deliver on its mission. Furthermore, the use of Microsoft Office 365 on Microsoft Surface Pro has enabled the nonprofit team to maintain a high level of productivity, even during the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact #1

The transition to Microsoft Azure and Office 365 has significantly improved ACB's operations. The organization now has a reliable and secure technology infrastructure that supports its mission and serves more people. The modernized infrastructure has not only enhanced the organization's web presence but also its ability to consistently share content with its audience. The new environment's unparalleled uptime ensures that ACB stays reachable, which is particularly important as it is an 'email list–heavy org'. The organization is now better equipped to communicate with its growing audience and deliver on its mission. Furthermore, the use of Microsoft Office 365 on Microsoft Surface Pro has enabled the nonprofit team to maintain a high level of productivity, even during the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Benefit #1	ACB's transition to Azure resulted in no downtime after fine-tuning.
Benefit #2	The performance infrastructure became 'lightning-fast', handling 10,000 pieces of digital content downloads throughout a week-long conference.
Benefit #3	The server maintained quick download times, even under high demand.

Benefit #1

ACB's transition to Azure resulted in no downtime after fine-tuning.

Benefit #2

The performance infrastructure became 'lightning-fast', handling 10,000 pieces of digital content downloads throughout a week-long conference.

Benefit #3

The server maintained quick download times, even under high demand.

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Overview

American Council of the Blind Enhances Accessibility with Microsoft Azure and Office 365

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit