From Overwhelmed to Empowered

DataTel engaged with a regional energy provider with approximately 60 employees. With a lean internal IT team of two, they were looking to modernize their infrastructure and enhance security—without compromising operational stability. 

Challenges: Limited Resources, High Expectations

When a newly hired Director of IT joined a community electric power co-op from outside the energy sector, he inherited a complex and unfamiliar environment. The company relied on outdated on-premises systems and lacked a cohesive strategy for modernization and security.

  • The Director was overwhelmed and unsure where to start, particularly with cloud migration and compliance.
  • Existing IT security vendor provided only log-based reporting with no real-time monitoring, leaving security gaps.
  • The co-op was under PCI compliance requirements and needed more robust, proactive security. 

The Solution: DataTel’s Security-First, Co-Managed IT Approach 

The company initially connected with DataTel through an online community, where Ernest, DataTel’s CISO offered free guidance, checklists, and support to help them navigate Microsoft Entra ID and InTune—critical tools for securing and managing a modern IT environment.
 
As trust grew, the company engaged DataTel to:

  • Lead the shift to cloud infrastructure, beginning with the implementation of Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) and InTune as replacements for legacy systems like Group Policy.
  • Provide direct support for on-premises servers that were still in use but needed oversight and stability.
  • Conduct a full risk assessment of the company’s existing security posture under their current provider, uncovering significant gaps in real-time monitoring and threat detection.
  • Step in as needed for front-line IT support, providing coverage during IT resources planned leave and ensuring business continuity. 

Key Contributions & Outcomes

Security and Compliance Leadership
  • Identified gaps in current provider’s approach—no real-time monitoring or proactive response.
  • Introduced compliance-minded tools and practices, including PCI-specific safeguards.
  • Established proactive threat detection and event response frameworks that replaced reactive, log-based systems.
Cloud-Forward Modernization
  • Guided full deployment of Entra ID and Microsoft InTune, setting the foundation for secure device management and identity-based access controls.
  • Strategized long-term transition away from on-prem infrastructure with minimal disruption. 
Flexible, Embedded Support
  • Provided hands-on, day-to-day IT support, seamlessly acting as an extension of the internal team during a critical staffing shortage.
  • Delivered strategic mentorship to the IT director while also executing key infrastructure upgrades. 

Results: Confidence in Every Connection 

  • The company transitioned from uncertainty to clarity with a clear cloud and security roadmap in place.
  • Gained a trusted, responsive IT partner capable of both leading and supporting operations.
  • Established foundational security controls and proactive monitoring to meet compliance needs and reduce operational risk. 

Client Testimonial

“When I started I had no idea where to begin. The DataTel team didn’t just tell me what to do—they showed me. They helped me modernize, secure, and manage our systems in a way that felt both practical and achievable. I genuinely don’t know how I would’ve done it without them.” 

Conclusion

DataTel’s partnership highlights the power of security-minded, flexible IT leadership. Whether mentoring internal staff or fully managing day-to-day operations, DataTel delivers strategic clarity, modern infrastructure, and trusted security practices. For organizations

If you would like to discuss your cybersecurity posture and growth strategy with our IT services experts, schedule a consultation at your convenience.