Portland Timbers Strengthen Microsoft 365 Security with Covenant and Acronis
Client Overview
- Industry: Professional Sports & Entertainment
- Size: 150+ staff across team operations, stadium management, and business offices
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Core Services: Major League Soccer (MLS) team operations, event management, fan engagement, and corporate partnerships
The Client
Founded in 1975, the Portland Timbers are a Major League Soccer team based in Portland, Oregon. Beyond the game, the Timbers are a cornerstone of the city’s culture—operating Providence Park, hosting community events, and driving fan engagement across digital platforms. With an expanding hybrid workforce and data-rich operations, the Timbers needed to modernize how they protect critical business and soccer operations data.
The Challenge: Protecting a Growing Digital Ecosystem
As the Timbers’ IT environment evolved, legacy backup and security tools could no longer keep pace with the demands of a professional sports organization that operates year-round.
| Challenge | Impact |
| Multiple, disconnected backup tools | Increased complexity and reporting delays |
| Microsoft 365 data unprotected under the shared responsibility model | Risk of accidental deletion and data loss |
| Hybrid work across stadium and remote teams | Security and access inconsistencies |
| Limited disaster recovery capabilities | Potential downtime during critical matchdays |
| Microsoft 365 data is unprotected under the shared responsibility model | Time-consuming processes and rising IT overhead |
The Solution: Unified Backup & Resilient Data Protection
Through the Acronis #TeamUp Program, the Portland Timbers partnered with Covenant Technology Solutions, a Microsoft-centered managed service provider based in Oregon, to consolidate and secure their IT operations.
Key Upgrades Implemented
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Centralized Data Protection
- Deployed Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud for unified backup across Microsoft 365, virtual servers, and on-premises environments.
- Enabled cloud-based disaster recovery with rapid failover capabilities.
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Microsoft 365 Hardening
- Implemented Fortify, Covenant’s cybersecurity framework, to strengthen Microsoft 365 environments against phishing and account compromise.
- Configured Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and identity governance aligned with Microsoft Zero Trust principles.
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Simplified Management & Reporting
- Consolidated all backups under a single dashboard, improving visibility and audit readiness.
- Automated compliance reporting for cybersecurity insurance and risk assessments.
The Results: A Secure, Streamlined, and Future-Ready Team
| Challenge | Solution | Outcome |
| Disconnected backup tools | Acronis unified platform | Simplified management and audit readiness |
| Microsoft 365 vulnerabilities | Fortify framework + MFA | Hardened M365 environment, improved cyber resilience |
| Limited disaster recovery | Cloud-based DR failover | Zero downtime during stadium operations |
| Manual compliance tasks | Automated reporting | Time saved, improved transparency |
| Rising IT overhead | Cloud optimization | More efficient use of IT resources |
Client Testimonial: A Strategic IT Partnership
This partnership has really allowed us to focus on our core projects around the stadium and with the team. We have a system in place that allows us to maintain data protection with very little effort on our part
— Robert Rice, VP of Technology, Portland Timbers
Looking Ahead: A Foundation for Digital Innovation
The Timbers’ partnership with Covenant and Acronis is only the beginning. As the organization looks to the future, new initiatives are underway to expand digital innovation and enhance collaboration:
- AI Readiness: Preparing Microsoft 365 environments for Copilot to boost productivity and fan engagement initiatives.
- Advanced Cybersecurity: Expanding Fortify to include endpoint protection and identity security monitoring.
- Cloud Modernization: Exploring Azure solutions and virtual desktop capabilities for secure, scalable operations.
Why the Portland Timbers Chose Covenant Technology Solutions
- Microsoft Expertise: Deep proficiency in securing and optimizing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
- Sports Industry Understanding: Local roots and experience supporting fast-paced, high-visibility organizations.
- Security-First Framework: Fortify combines protection, prevention, and resilience—customized for modern businesses.
- Collaborative Partnership: A trusted, Oregon-based MSP invested in helping the Timbers scale securely and efficiently.
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Are You Ready for Your Own Digital Transformation?
Learn how the Portland Timbers partnered with Covenant and Acronis to secure their Microsoft 365 environment and protect what matters most—data, performance, and fans.
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