Microsoft technology is already an important part of day-to-day working across the NHS, supporting everything from communication and collaboration to Cyber Security, data protection and device management.
As NHS organisations continue to develop their digital environments, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure provide access to an increasingly powerful range of cloud, security and management capabilities. But having the technology in place doesn't necessarily mean an organisation is getting everything it could from it.
The question NHS digital teams should be asking is:
Are we getting the security, control and value we should be getting from our Microsoft environment?
Getting more from the Microsoft technology you already have
When looking to strengthen a digital environment, investing in another piece of technology isn't always the first answer. There may already be Microsoft capabilities available within your NHS organisation that could be better configured, more widely adopted or used more effectively.
Microsoft Defender can strengthen protection across endpoints, email, identities and cloud applications, while Microsoft Entra ID can help organisations improve identity and access management. Microsoft Purview provides capabilities for protecting and governing sensitive information, and Microsoft Intune can help teams securely and consistently manage devices across the organisation.
For NHS organisations, having these technologies in place is only part of the picture. The real value comes from how effectively they are configured, managed and used across the organisation to support clinical and operational needs.
Building a stronger Microsoft Cloud environment
As the use of Microsoft Cloud grows, so does the importance of having the right foundations in place. Within Microsoft Azure, this can mean establishing appropriate security, governance and controls before the environment becomes increasingly complex. An Azure Landing Zone provides a structured foundation for future cloud adoption, helping organisations maintain greater consistency and control as their use of Azure develops.
NHS organisations also need clear oversight of their Microsoft environment, including who has access to systems, how sensitive information is protected, which devices are connecting and whether cloud applications are being used outside established IT processes. Having this visibility helps digital and Cyber Security teams identify potential risks, maintain appropriate controls and strengthen governance across the organisation.
Do you know where the gaps are?
Understanding the current position of your Microsoft environment can help identify where attention is needed and where improvements could have the greatest impact. Microsoft Secure Score provides useful insight into security posture across Microsoft 365 and Azure, helping to highlight potential risks, misconfigurations and areas for improvement.
A wider Microsoft Review and Gap Analysis can build on this by assessing areas including Defender, Intune, Purview, Entra ID and Azure. This gives NHS digital and Cyber Security teams a clearer view of their environment and a prioritised roadmap for addressing risks, strengthening controls and making better use of their existing Microsoft investment.
Technology is only part of the investment
Getting the most from Microsoft Cloud also relies on the people responsible for managing and developing the environment. As Microsoft technologies continue to evolve, maintaining the right knowledge and skills internally can help NHS teams manage their environments more effectively and make informed decisions about how the technology is used.
M8 Solutions provides training and knowledge transfer across Microsoft technologies including Intune, Purview, Defender, Azure virtual networking, SharePoint and Copilot, helping NHS teams develop their knowledge and build greater confidence in the platforms they work with.
Strengthening your Microsoft Cloud environment ?
The priorities will differ across NHS organisations depending on their existing Microsoft environment, digital strategy and areas of risk. This could mean strengthening identity and access controls, improving device management, protecting sensitive data, reviewing Azure security and governance, or identifying gaps across the wider Microsoft estate.
M8 Solutions provides Microsoft Cloud Services across Microsoft 365 and Azure, supporting NHS organisations with security, identity, data protection, device management, cloud governance, secure access, reviews and gap analysis, as well as training and knowledge transfer.
Our team can support a specific Microsoft requirement or work with you to understand where improvements could be made across your wider environment.
If you would like to discuss your Microsoft Cloud requirements, CLICK HERE to get in touch with our team.