Greatland, a prominent provider of W-2 and 1099 solutions based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, sought to transition their customer-facing applications to the public cloud. This move was not just a technical upgrade but a strategic initiative aimed at reshaping their business. Known for serving small and mid-sized businesses, Greatland offers both printed and online tax forms through a SaaS model. The seasonal nature of tax forms presented a unique opportunity to improve scalability while reducing operational costs.
Selecting the right cloud provider for such a sensitive and crucial operation was not straightforward. Greatland’s technology stack was deeply entrenched in Microsoft technologies, yet the choice between Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS)—both giants with robust Windows solutions—required a careful, unbiased analysis to ensure the best fit.
To navigate this critical decision, Greatland engaged RightBrain Networks (RBN), renowned for their cloud expertise. RBN undertook a comprehensive analysis to compare cloud service providers meticulously, focusing on how each could meet Greatland’s specific needs regarding security, scalability, cost, and integration with existing tools.
The RBN team worked closely with Greatland's IT department, delving into the intricacies of their applications and aligning the evaluation criteria precisely with Greatland’s business objectives. This collaboration ensured that the chosen solution would not only support Greatland’s current operations but also pave the way for future growth and innovation.
RBN’s evaluation was thorough and detailed, assessing each provider’s scalability, cost-effectiveness, toolset integration, storage capabilities, and more. This rigorous process culminated in a detailed report that not only highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each option but also provided a clear recommendation based on Greatland’s unique requirements. The conclusion was definitive: Azure was the ideal choice for Greatland. Its competitive pricing, seamless integration with Microsoft tools, and superior hybrid cloud capabilities stood out as particularly advantageous for Greatland’s technical and business needs.
Armed with RBN’s insights and recommendations, Greatland embarked on a transformative cloud migration. The initial steps included addressing high-priority changes and establishing a robust disaster recovery environment on Azure. This setup, previously deemed cost-prohibitive, became viable thanks to Azure’s cost efficiencies and deep integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Today, Greatland’s collaboration with RBN continues as they further refactor their systems to harness cloud benefits more fully. With each step, Greatland not only secures its data and systems more effectively but also enhances its ability to serve its clients reliably during the crucial tax season.
This journey of strategic transformation with RightBrain Networks highlights Greatland’s commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that every customer interaction is backed by the most reliable and efficient technology solutions. As Greatland continues to evolve, its partnership with RBN remains a cornerstone of its technological and operational strategy, setting new benchmarks in the cloud for the tax preparation industry.
