Challenge.

The teaching staff at École Primaire de Saint-Imier wanted to modernise and simplify digital collaboration by bringing communication, teaching and teamwork together in a single, user-friendly environment. At the same time, the municipality wanted to continue using existing Microsoft credentials while ensuring seamless integration with Google Workspace. New users therefore needed to be created automatically in Google Workspace, and existing teachers had to be able to sign in without additional passwords. With around 110 users affected by the migration, the project also had to ensure that all data remained stored within Europe.

We were completely satisfied, particularly with the communication throughout the project. The Bechtle team was always approachable, quick to respond and easy to work with. We always knew where the project stood and what would happen next, and after every meeting we received a clear email summary of the current status. That level of transparency and collaboration was something we greatly appreciated.

Fabien Lavanchy, Head of IT, Municipalité de Saint-Imier

Solution.

Bechtle was able to build on the Municipalité de Saint-Imier’s existing Google tenant to create a Google Workspace environment for École Primaire de Saint-Imier. Working closely with the municipality, the team developed the new environment step by step, with particular focus on the integration between Microsoft Entra ID and Google Workspace. Following an analysis of the existing domain structure, which already contained a number of user accounts, it quickly became clear that automated provisioning would be a key part of the solution. New and existing users would be created automatically in Google Workspace, including Gmail accounts and the required user structure. Bechtle also reviewed existing accounts and naming conventions and integrated unmanaged Google accounts into the new environment. At the same time, mailboxes were migrated using Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Exchange. The result was a central digital workspace built around Google Classroom, Google Drive and Google Meet, providing teachers and students with a single environment for communication, organisation and collaboration. Once the MX records had been updated, email traffic was routed directly through Google Workspace. To complete the project, Bechtle carried out a final full synchronisation to ensure all content had been transferred correctly. Workshops, coordination meetings and a final review supported the rollout, and within just a few weeks all 110 users had been successfully migrated to Google Workspace.

Business benefits.

  • Secure communication: A range of applications that support secure communication while meeting the school's security requirements.
  • Centralised teaching environment: Google Classroom simplifies course management, assignment distribution and communication.
  • Flexible video conferencing: Google Meet supports virtual lessons, team meetings and parent-teacher consultations.
  • Versatile Google tools: Modern applications that help teachers deliver and organise digital learning.
  • Secure storage: Teaching materials are stored centrally and remain accessible to teachers and students regardless of location.
  • Everything in one place: All applications relevant to teaching are available within a single environment while complying with the school's security requirements.