Modernising Infrastructure and Network Security with Fortinet and Microsoft

About the Client

Rockcote is a leading Australian manufacturer of environmentally responsible renders, paints, and textured coatings, supplying both commercial and residential markets. With headquarters in Yandina, Queensland, and trade hubs across the country, Rockcote has built a reputation for high-quality, sustainable building products and a commitment to craftsmanship.

Technology Challenges

As a national business with field teams, internal applications, and operational sites, Rockcote required a more stable, secure, and manageable IT environment—particularly after the departure of their long-term IT Manager. Their internal IT team focuses on application support and user experience, but had limited capacity to manage infrastructure, security, and system upgrades at scale.

The main challenges included:

Legacy wireless and firewall equipment from different vendors
Outdated VPN setup with no central management or MFA
High maintenance overhead for ageing physical and virtual servers
Backup and security policies in urgent need of review
A desire to reduce reliance on on-prem infrastructure by moving services to Microsoft Azure

At the same time, Rockcote needed to maintain business continuity across distributed sites while improving control over their network and endpoints.

The Solution: A Phased Modernisation Using Fortinet and Microsoft Technologies

A1 Technologies delivered a staged program of work focused on simplifying Rockcote’s infrastructure, improving resilience, and rolling out a consistent, secure network foundation using Fortinet and Microsoft platforms.

Infrastructure and File Access Overhaul

We began by auditing and reducing Rockcote’s virtual server footprint. Critical workloads were migrated to Microsoft Azure, including the deployment of a cloud-based domain controller for recovery and continuity.

Rockcote’s file system was also rebuilt using SharePoint and OneDrive. The migration was delivered in two stages, starting with the sales team, then expanding to the full business. Training and admin support were included to ensure staff could work confidently with the new tools.

The value of this shift became immediately clear when a major storm hit Brisbane. Rockcote’s main datacentre in Yandina had to be powered down—but because their files were already in SharePoint, staff were able to keep working without interruption, and without needing VPN access.

Network Security with Fortinet

We replaced Rockcote’s ageing firewalls and wireless infrastructure with FortiGate firewalls and FortiAPs, first at head office and then at other key hubs: Sunshine Coast and Melbourne.

Legacy VPNs were replaced with IPSEC tunnels, secured with Microsoft MFA

Web and DNS filtering was implemented across the network

All infrastructure was centralised and managed using FortiManager, giving A1 Technologies full control from a single interface

Firmware and patch management were automated and scheduled outside of business hours

This created a consistent, secure network environment that could be scaled or adjusted quickly when needed.

Device Management with Microsoft Intune

Using Microsoft Intune (Endpoint Manager), A1 Technologies deployed hardened security baselines across Rockcote’s devices. Where exceptions were needed, we collaborated with their internal team to make practical adjustments that preserved both usability and security.

Working with Rockcote

The SharePoint and cloud migration work was highly collaborative. We worked closely with Amanda to map out the structure, groups, access levels, and file destinations and designed a new Intranet site structure to improve security and team collaboration.

The networking components were delivered more independently, but we worked with Amanda and Tim to test VPNs, adjust Web/DNS filtering, and validate the user experience before rollout. Across the board, communication was clear, fast, and respectful, making it easy to get things done together.

“A1 have been an exceptional strategic partner—they listened, understood our business, responded quickly, and involved us in the right decisions along the way.” – Amanda Ripper, ICT Manager.

“Rockcote’s internal IT team have been very collaborative with us in planning and rolling out the changes. With the end result greatly improving security while reducing the reliance of the head office aging infrastructure ensuring business continuity risks are low.”

Clint Shiels

CTO, A1 Technologies

Results and Benefits : Secure, Simple, and Ready for Remote Work

Simplified Infrastructure

With approximately 75% reduction in on-premises server infrastructure and a transition to M365 Services first then core workloads shifted to Microsoft Azure, Rockcote’s internal IT team now has a cleaner, easier-to-maintain environment. The move away from VMware licensing also delivered direct cost savings.

Consistent Network Management

Firewalls, switches, and wireless access points for the updated sites are now managed through FortiManager, allowing for quicker updates, centralised policy control, and stronger overall visibility across the business.

Resilient Remote Access

The SharePoint cutover allowed staff to continue working during a datacentre shutdown caused by severe weather. Today, staff can access files securely from anywhere, without relying on VPN access or physical infrastructure.

Stronger Security

VPN access is now protected with IPSEC tunnels and Microsoft MFA, while all devices follow A1 Technologies’ Intune-based security baselines. Web and DNS filtering has also improved network control, allowing Rockcote to manage access across locations more effectively.

What Made This Project Stand Out

The success of this engagement came down to planning, communication, and timing. The fact that Rockcote’s SharePoint migration was completed just before a major storm event reinforced the value of shifting to cloud-based access.

This project also helped reveal the gaps and risks of relying on legacy VPNs and unmanaged wireless setups. By rolling out a network security solution with Fortinet at those key sites, Rockcote now has a consistent, secure, and centrally managed environment that supports how the business operates—today and in the future.

Why the Microsoft + Fortinet Combination Worked

This project succeeded not only because of strong planning and collaboration—but also because of the strategic pairing of Microsoft and Fortinet technologies. Microsoft provided the scalable cloud foundation, collaboration tools, and identity management that Rockcote needed to modernise and reduce reliance on on-prem infrastructure. Fortinet delivered the secure, consistent network layer that tied everything together, enabling centralised control, threat protection, and seamless remote access.

Together, these platforms created a future-ready environment that’s both resilient and secure—allowing Rockcote to operate with confidence, no matter where their teams are working from.

Why Choose A1 Technologies?

A1 Technologies is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and Fortinet specialist helping Australian businesses simplify IT, improve security, and reduce overhead. From cloud infrastructure and SharePoint to secure networking and device management, we work closely with our clients to deliver practical solutions that make their day-to-day easier.

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