SIGVARIS GROUP, a global leader in medical compression solutions, launched a strategic initiative to modernize its IT operations processes by implementing Azure Arc and Azure Update Manager. The project’s goal was to replace existing SCCM processes, unify management across hybrid environments, and enhance security using Microsoft Defender and Azure Policy.
With the support of baseVISION AG, SIGVARIS GROUP successfully connected on-premises and cloud servers to the Azure control plane. This enabled centralized governance, automated patch management, and improved compliance. This transformation simplified operations and created a scalable foundation for future cloud-native services and digital innovations.
The result: a secure, flexible, and future-proof IT environment aligned with SIGVARIS GROUP’s vision of operational excellence and modernization.
«Bei dieser Initiative geht es darum, das Management zu vereinfachen, Wartungskonfigurationen an unsere aktuellen Standards anzupassen und Sicherheit durch die Integration von Microsoft Defender sicherzustellen. Wir wollen einen modernen, einheitlichen Ansatz für die Verwaltung unserer hybriden Infrastruktur.»
The Vision: Enabling innovation through unified governance and compliance
The vision behind this initiative is to create a secure, scalable, and future-oriented IT environment that empowers SIGVARIS GROUP to innovate without constraints. The focus is on:
- Unified management across the hybrid infrastructure
All servers, both on-premises and in the cloud, are brought under a unified governance model through Azure Arc to ensure transparency and visibility - Security and compliance as a fundamental principle
Implementation of Microsoft Security Benchmarks and Azure Policy to enforce compliance and proactively reduce risks. - Operational simplicity and agility
The use of automation optimizes patch management, monitoring, and identity management, significantly reducing manual effort.
The use of automation optimizes patch management, monitoring, and identity management, significantly reducing manual effort.
The transformation: From fragmented management to centralized control and future-ready IT
To address operational challenges and prepare for a cloud-first future, SIGVARIS GROUP initiated a strategic transformation of its hybrid IT environment.
Business Challenges
SIGVARIS GROUP faced several challenges in managing its infrastructure. Fragmented management tools for on-premises and cloud servers led to inconsistent governance and limited transparency. Ensuring timely patch compliance across distributed servers proved difficult, while the lack of centralized policy enforcement increased security risks. Additionally, dependencies on SCCM-based processes hindered modernization efforts and necessitated replacement with more agile solutions.
Solution Approach
To address these challenges, SIGVARIS GROUP connected Windows and Linux servers outside of Azure using the Azure Connected Machine Agent with the Azure Control Plane. This integration created a central overview (“Single Pane of Glass”) for inventory, monitoring, and policies. Additionally, the company implemented Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Azure Policy, and the Azure Update Manager to achieve unified governance. Centralized patch management was introduced, with maintenance configurations adapted to existing SCCM standards. Complemented by update groups and a clear tagging strategy, compliance across all servers was ensured.
Technical Implementation
The technical rollout began with activating the necessary resource providers and creating own subscriptions and resource groups. Azure RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) and Azure Policies were configured to ensure compliance. Test servers were integrated to verify connectivity, and monitoring notifications were set up to ensure operational readiness. In the future, SIGVARIS GROUP plans to introduce VM Applications for software distribution and activate Entra ID login to enable secure remote access via RDP.
Outcomes and Benefits
This transformation brought significant benefits. SIGVARIS GROUP achieved centralized oversight and governance across the entire hybrid infrastructure and ensured consistent application of security baselines through the integration of Defender. Operational efficiency improved as the manual effort for patching was reduced and compliance reporting was significantly simplified. Most importantly, the initiative created a scalable foundation for the future adoption of cloud-native services, reducing the on-premises footprint and enabling long-term innovation.
By modernizing its IT environment, SIGVARIS GROUP not only addressed immediate challenges but also positioned itself for sustainable growth and increased security in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
«Our goal with this project was to enable SIGVARIS GROUP to move from a fragmented management approach to a unified, cloud-driven strategy. By leveraging Azure Arc and Update Manager, we ensured secure, scalable, and automated operations across their hybrid infrastructure. This transformation not only simplifies IT management but also lays the foundation for future innovation and compliance.»
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