Cloud Migration • Microsoft Entra ID • Infrastructure Modernization
Norsat International Inc
Full Decommissioning of On-Premises Infrastructure and Transition to Cloud-First Environment
Norsat International Inc.
Norsat International Inc. is a Canadian leader in satellite communication solutions, delivering advanced connectivity for remote, critical, and mission-driven applications worldwide.
The Opportunity
In early 2025, GDIT partnered with Norsat International Inc., a leader in satellite communications, to modernize their aging on-premises Active Directory infrastructure and eliminate dependencies on legacy servers.
Address hybrid identity challenges with synced Entra ID accounts.
Migrate critical networking services like DHCP and DNS off servers.
Integrate SSO for applications including WAPs, Wasabi, and Windchill.
Upgrade and Entra-join all workstations while implementing best-practice security measures.
Our Solution
GDIT deployed a dedicated team of systems engineers to execute a phased migration, leveraging Microsoft best practices for Entra ID and cloud services.
Infrastructure Decommissioning & Migration
Enabled staging mode and disabled directory synchronization via Microsoft Graph API.
Migrated users to cloud-only accounts without data loss.
Transitioned DHCP, DNS, IP helper, and relay services to the firewall gateway.
SSO & Application Integration
Configured SSO for wireless access points (WAPs).
Set up federated access for Wasabi cloud storage.
Implemented Shibboleth federation for Windchill, integrating with Entra ID.
Device Management & Security
Upgraded production machines to Windows 11 and joined them to Entra ID.
Deployed Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) using GDIT RMM tools for automated password rotation.
Resolved network issues including firewall configurations, distribution switches, and rogue devices.
Our Deliverables
Infrastructure Decommissioning & Migration
Full shutdown of on-prem servers
Domain controllers fully retired
Cloud-native identity architecture
Mailboxes, licenses & groups preserved
Firewall redesigned as primary gateway
SSO & Application Integration
Centralized SSO across key apps
WAPs, Wasabi & Windchill integrated
Entra ID as single identity source
Legacy domain dependencies removed
Azure servers Entra-managed
Device Management & Security
Workstations fully Entra-joined
Windows 11 standardization
LAPS enforced with strong rotation
Credentials backed up in Entra ID
Hardened access for managed devices
Results
The project delivered measurable enhancements to Norsat's IT environment, completed well ahead of schedule with zero downtime.
100% Cloud-First
Eliminated all on-prem dependencies
Enhanced Security
Automated LAPS password rotation
Improved Efficiency
Streamlined networking & SSO
Compliant
Microsoft modern best practices
Accelerated Timeline
Ahead of Q1/Q2 2026 target
Timeline
This timeline outlines the key milestones of the onboarding and transition process. The initiative remains in progress, with ongoing efforts to ensure a structured transition and the successful completion of all critical deliverables.
Onboarding Start Date
Formal commencement of the onboarding process.
Cutover to GDIT Support
Transition of operational support responsibilities to GDIT.
Onboarding & Critical Project Completion
Planned completion of onboarding activities and all associated critical projects.
Progress Update:
3 critical projects completed to date.
Testimonial
Thank you all for the tremendous effort and collaboration that made this milestone possible. Successfully decommissioning all on-premises servers and completing the transition to a fully cloud-first infrastructure—well ahead of the original Q1/Q2 2026 timeline—is a significant accomplishment. This reflects strong execution, careful planning, and a shared commitment to moving Norsat forward. I truly appreciate the dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail demonstrated throughout this initiative. Excellent work by the entire team.
