Media Archive for Central England MACE

Case Study
The Organisation

MACE Archive is a UK‑based cultural organisation responsible for preserving and providing access to moving image collections. The organisation operates from a single office and supports a small team with a mix of full‑time and part‑time staff. Reliable access to digital systems and secure handling of data are essential to its day‑to‑day operations.

The Challenge

MACE Archive required a structured and secure IT foundation to support its operations, having no incumbent IT provider and limited centralised systems in place. The organisation needed a modern Microsoft tenant configured correctly from the outset, alongside appropriate security controls to protect devices and data. With a small team of users working from a single location, it was important that the solution remained cost‑effective, simple to manage, and scalable for future growth.
In addition, the organisation required clarity around onboarding, device protection, and endpoint security, with a preference for native Microsoft tools rather than multiple third‑party products. As a grant‑funded organisation, careful consideration of licensing and long‑term sustainability was essential to ensure technology investment aligned with funding requirements and operational priorities.

The Approach

Qlic IT delivered a clean and structured onboarding process, establishing a Microsoft 365 tenant designed around best practice from day one. This ensured that identity, access, and security controls were correctly configured without the need to remediate legacy systems. Microsoft 365 Business Premium was selected to provide a balanced combination of productivity, security, and device management capabilities.
As part of the onboarding survey, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint was deployed across all user devices to deliver enterprise‑grade endpoint protection using built‑in Microsoft tooling. This removed the need for third‑party antivirus software while improving visibility and threat response. Secure remote support capabilities were implemented using ScreenConnect, enabling responsive assistance without disrupting day‑to‑day work.

The Results

MACE Archive now operates on a stable and secure Microsoft 365 platform, providing staff with reliable access to core services and a consistent user experience. The deployment of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has strengthened device security while reducing complexity and reliance on additional software. Centralised identity and access management has improved control and visibility across the environment.
The organisation benefits from a clear and well‑documented IT setup, making ongoing support simpler and more predictable. Remote support capabilities ensure issues can be resolved quickly, minimising disruption for a small team with limited internal IT capacity. Importantly, the solution provides a solid foundation for future development, enabling MACE Archive to scale its technology environment confidently as funding and operational requirements evolve.

Key Outcomes