Virtual IT Group and Microsoft 365: Peter Sheppard’s Blueprint for Remote Success
Peter Sheppard, an Australian-owned women’s footwear retailer, partnered with Virtual IT Group to migrate from Remote Desktop to Microsoft 365. The rollout enabled secure work from anywhere, eliminated onsite servers, improved access to files and reports abroad, and delivered ongoing productivity gains across devices and teams.
Key Outcomes
| What | Scope | When | Where | Result |
| Microsoft 365 rollout | Migration from Remote Desktop; MS Teams enablement | Oct 2022 | Australia (national) | Efficient remote work; collaboration uplift |
| Anywhere access | Files/reports on laptop and iPhone for leadership abroad | Ongoing | Overseas + Australia | Leadership can review latest reports on the go |
| Server consolidation | Transition off onsite servers | 2022 → ongoing | Hybrid | Lower hardware cost; simpler upkeep |
| Day-to-day support | Virtual IT Group IT leadership + IT support model | Long-term | Retail operations | Focus stays on selling; no in-house IT required |
| Long-standing partnership | Among Virtual IT Group’s earliest clients | ~20 years | Australia | Confidence in continuity and advice |
Empowering retail operations through cloud migration
As one of Australia’s leading luxury footwear retailers, Peter Sheppard needed to modernise its IT systems to support mobility and remote access for its growing team. The business had relied on a Remote Desktop setup, which limited flexibility and accessibility – particularly for leadership travelling overseas.
“Chris Sheppard, our CEO and Merchandise Buyer, had many difficulties accessing reports and files when abroad buying shoes,” explained Erhan Baykur, General Manager at Peter Sheppard.
“With Office 365, he can now access the latest reports with ease and meet with the merchandising team remotely through Teams.” he added.
Virtual IT Group’s impact
Microsoft 365 migration and enablement
Virtual IT Group guided the move from legacy Remote Desktop to Microsoft 365, rolling out collaboration tools and secure access so staff can work efficiently across devices.
Anywhere access for leaders and teams
Executives travelling to buy stock now access current reports and files seamlessly, with Microsoft Teams supporting face-to-face meetings from laptop or iPhone.
Cost and complexity reduction
Eliminating onsite servers reduced hardware spend and maintenance, while updates from Microsoft keep the platform improving over time.
Long-term support model
As one of Virtual IT Group’s earliest clients, Peter Sheppard benefits from ongoing IT leadership and a dependable managed IT support model that lets the retailer focus on customers, not systems.
Results and ongoing success
“Our business now operates more efficiently and has more capability than ever,” said Baykur. “Long-term, this has saved the business money and time through efficiency and not having to invest in expensive hardware. Everyone loves the flexibility of Office 365 – the ability to work across different devices with access to all files and platforms in real time, no matter the location,” Baykur added.
Peter Sheppard has been partnered with Virtual IT Group for nearly two decades. What started with founder Peter Sheppard assigning Jacob Ohlson to manage the company’s IT needs has grown into one of Virtual IT Group’s longest client relationships.
“Virtual IT Group has great communication, understands our needs and industry, and is simply great to work with.” said Baykur.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the client?
Peter Sheppard is an Australian-owned women’s footwear retailer focused on fit, luxury and style.
Why move from Remote Desktop to Microsoft 365?
To enable secure, efficient remote work and modern collaboration across devices.
How did leadership benefit when travelling overseas?
Peter Sheppard can access the latest reports and files easily and meet via Microsoft Teams on the go.
Did the migration change infrastructure costs?
Yes. Removing onsite servers reduced hardware and maintenance overhead.
What is the ongoing IT support model?
Virtual IT Group provides continuing IT leadership and managed IT support; no in-house IT is needed.
When did this case publish?
October 2022.
