The Client
Auto Lenders is an independent, family-owned automotive company that has served customers since 1990. Customers can buy, sell or trade used vehicles, arrange financing and service vehicles at any of its locations. Founded in New Jersey, it continues to expand along the East Coast and must meet FTC compliance requirements.
The Challenge: Two Platforms, Not Enough Control
For years, Auto Lenders was split between Google Workspace and Microsoft. Some teams relied on Google, while others needed Microsoft tools for macros, reporting and server-based workflows. The split created inconsistent experiences across identity, email and file sharing.
Google Workspace also fell short on device management, endpoint protection and data governance. As Auto Lenders' Director of Cybersecurity put it: "We had a very aggressive need for an MDM solution that manages all of our devices centrally."
Licensing added friction. The previous provider had no licensing portal, so adding a single license meant calls and delays. When Google raised its prices, Auto Lenders decided to consolidate on Microsoft 365. Its biggest concern was employees who had used Gmail for nearly two decades.
The Solution: One Secure Microsoft Platform
The team ran a phased migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365, keeping users working throughout. Tenant hardening, identity and access controls, and data protection were put in place to Microsoft best practices.
With users split across two tenants and legacy systems still running, the team kept technical resources available at every step, including outside business hours. That let Auto Lenders focus on preparing and training its people.
The team also took over licensing. It worked directly with Microsoft to cancel unused licenses still under annual commitment, then right-sized licenses for each team. When a licensing discrepancy came up during the transition, the team absorbed the short-term cost.
The Results: More Security, Lower Cost
Sensitivity labels now classify and protect customer data across SharePoint and Teams, and admin controls stop users from oversharing it. Just-in-time admin access has replaced always-on admin privileges.
A Report Phishing button feeds data to Auto Lenders' SOC team and ties into its cybersecurity training. Third-party tools integrate more cleanly, and IT controls which applications can connect.
Teams has replaced Google Chat for internal collaboration, and licensing is self-service. Auto Lenders now has more capability across Microsoft 365 at a lower monthly cost, supported by ongoing licensing management and Monthly Operational Reviews.
Matthew Wible, Director of Cybersecurity at Auto Lenders, sums up one of the biggest changes: "Everybody has basic accounts and just-in-time access. That's another piece that's a giant win."
Auto Lenders is a trademark of its respective owner. The use of such trademarks, logos and brand names in this publication is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
