Use Case
Exchange and Active Directory Infrastructure Revamp
Modernize. Secure. Scale.
— Future-Ready Messaging and Identity Platform
The Client
A regulated enterprise operating across multiple data centers and business units in Hong Kong. The organization required a strategic revamp of its legacy Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory (AD) infrastructure to support hybrid cloud adoption, improve operational resilience, and meet evolving compliance standards.
The Challenge
The client’s existing messaging and identity infrastructure was built on aging Exchange Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012/2016 environments. Key challenges included:
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Limited scalability and resilience across DEV, UAT, and production environments
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Compatibility issues with modern security and compliance tools
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Fragmented AD topology and outdated federation services
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Lack of hybrid readiness for Microsoft 365 integration
The goal was to modernize the Exchange and AD stack while ensuring seamless coexistence, business continuity, and future cloud migration readiness.
The Solution
Amidas delivered a comprehensive infrastructure revamp covering Exchange Server upgrade, AD modernization, and hybrid enablement.
Scope of Work
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Assessed existing Exchange and AD environments across DEV, UAT, and production
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Designed and deployed Exchange Server SE across multiple virtual machines in Database Availability Groups (DAG)
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Upgraded Windows Server to 2022 to support Exchange SE
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Enabled hybrid mode for Exchange Online integration
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Reconfigured AD Federation Services (ADFS) and domain controllers for resilience and cloud readiness
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Delivered full documentation, training, and post-deployment support
The Process
To ensure a seamless transition and maximum alignment with the client’s operational and compliance requirements, Amidas followed a structured, multi-phase engagement process:
01
Assessment
& Planning
Reviewed Exchange 2016 and AD topology, dependencies, and integration points.
02
Infrastrucuture
Design
Defined specifications for new Exchange and AD servers, including DAG clustering and hybrid mail flow.
03
Implementation
Deployed Exchange SE and Windows Server 2022 across six VMs in dual datacenter setup (e.g., Kwai Chung and Ap Lei Chau).
04
Hybrid
Enablement
Configured hybrid Exchange mode and AD federation for Microsoft 365 coexistence.
05
Enablement
& Support
Provided training, operational guides, and 30-day post-upgrade support.
The Result
01
Modernized messaging infrastructure with Exchange SE and Windows Server 2022
02
Improved resilience and scalability via DAG clustering and hybrid mail flow
03
Enhanced identity management with updated AD and ADFS configurations
04
Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and future cloud migration plans
05
Reduced operational risk through standardized documentation and training
The Impact
This infrastructure revamp positioned the client for long-term success in a hybrid cloud environment. By modernizing Exchange and AD, the organization achieved greater operational efficiency, security, and compliance — laying the foundation for future digital transformation initiatives.
Ready to modernize your messaging and identity infrastructure?
Discover how Amidas can help your organization enhance resilience, strengthen security, and accelerate hybrid cloud readiness through Exchange and Active Directory modernization.