BrabantWonen’s sustainable living and IT efficiency is fueled by Microsoft Surface and Intune

Empowering lives with high-quality, sustainable housing

Based in the Netherlands, BrabantWonen is committed to providing affordable rental homes in North Brabant and surrounding areas, enhancing residents' quality of life through sustainable housing and community initiatives. The company manages new developments, renovations, and maintenance, focusing on sustainable construction, ecological practices, and social collaboration to create safe, pleasant, and livable neighborhoods that promote social cohesion and environmental responsibility.

Simplifying IT management and enhancing security

BrabantWonen works to ensure efficient communication and collaboration among departments, external organizations, and its residents while providing comprehensive support and accurate property data management but was facing significant IT issues. Security vulnerabilities, complex management, and poor device performance were hindering the productivity of its teams. Current devices didn’t meet stringent security requirements and had functional issues, such as poor camera quality and short battery life. The company also struggled with managing diverse original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices, complicating IT processes and deployment strategies.

To address these issues, BrabantWonen sought a solution that would provide robust security features, simplify IT management, and improve overall device performance. The company chose Microsoft Surface, including Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which offer advanced chip-to-cloud security and interoperate seamlessly with Microsoft Intune for centralized management. “The decision to go with Surface was driven by the combined security level of Microsoft products and the need to improve the user experience,” explains Dennis Meijer, Account Manager at Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program member IT First, which facilitated the deployment of Surface devices.

Aareon Cloud Services is BrabantWonen’s technology partner. Its Manager of Operations, Marcel Vrieling, adds, “We recommended Microsoft Surface because it fits perfectly within a fully Microsoft-focused environment. Our extensive experience with the Microsoft public cloud has shown that Surface devices interoperate seamlessly with these services, providing BrabantWonen with a consistent, reliable platform from endpoint to cloud.”

The deployment, enhanced by Windows Autopilot, facilitated a zero-touch setup, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing IT staff workload. “Zero-touch deployment with Windows Autopilot has streamlined our setup process, allowing new devices to be ready for use without manual intervention,” says Lesley van Maasdijk, Information Manager at BrabantWonen. “This has been a game-changer for us.”

The Surface Management Portal, combined with Intune, significantly simplifies and enhances device management, serving as a key differentiator compared to other OEMs and contributing to a more secure and efficient IT environment. Enhanced security is achieved through Windows Hello and comprehensive chip-to-cloud protection, safeguarding both internal operations and customer data. Additionally, the lightweight, high-performance Surface devices have improved the user experience, boosting productivity and satisfaction among employees.

Transforming obstacles into high-performance IT

By standardizing with Surface and using the capabilities of Windows Autopilot and Intune, BrabantWonen creates a more manageable and efficient IT environment. This transition addresses immediate concerns, increases productivity, and supports broader goals of sustainability and operational excellence. The Surface devices coupled with Microsoft productivity tools have optimized employee satisfaction, while the centralized management of Intune has reduced the manual workload for IT staff so they can focus on strategic initiatives.

This shift has not only improved device performance and user experience but also achieved zero-touch deployment, strengthened security, and simplified IT management. As a result, BrabantWonen has seen more robust security posture, streamlined device management, and increased employee empowerment. “The Surface devices we are working with now are very accessible and user-friendly,” says van Maasdijk. “The lightweight design and impressive battery life have made a significant difference for our colleagues.”

These technological advancements align with BrabantWonen’s commitment to sustainable development, efficient operations, and improving community living standards. By focusing on sustainable construction, ecological practices, and social collaborations, BrabantWonen continues to build a better future for all residents.