Our latest addition, cloud-native ‘consigliere’ Matias Haapaniemi, joined Above IT’s ranks to strengthen our expertise in the core of Microsoft cloud endpoint management and security.
Cloud world native
Digital native? No, cloud native! Matias belongs to the generation of modern IT that has grown up directly in the midst of cloud technologies. He doesn’t compare new to old, but new to older – for him, the cloud is the default, not an option.
“I don’t compare cloud services to traditional systems, but I compare cloud services to each other.”
In his career, Matias has quickly progressed to versatile expert roles in endpoint management, security, and Microsoft 365 environments. He has implemented numerous cloud migrations – both from on-premises platforms and between clouds – and has been involved in comprehensively renewing organizations’ IT architectures.
He has gained extensive practical experience: from partner management, technical productization, security, training, and demanding implementations. The Microsoft 365 ecosystem is as familiar to him as the back of his hand – from audits to interfaces and maintenance automation.
Matias found his way to Above IT through shared history. Working with Above IT’s founders Juha and Mika was already familiar – and when the time was right, moving to the ‘consigliere’ team felt like a natural continuation.
Endpoint management and security expert
At Above IT, Matias is particularly responsible for endpoint management and security solutions. He manages Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, and guides clients’ environments in a controlled manner towards modern cloud usage – whether it’s Intune, Autopilot, or other Microsoft management tools.
In security, he doesn’t stay on the surface but delves deeply into endpoint events using forensic methods. This combination makes him a technically exceptionally strong consultant who brings security, manageability, and a clear direction for development to clients.
Certified multi-talent and trusted consultant
All Above IT’s ‘consiglieres’ are architect-level professionals and certified experts – and Matias is no exception. In fact, he is a true Microsoft cloud multi-talent: 17 active certifications cover security, endpoint management, and Azure environments.
His daily toolkit includes Microsoft Autopilot, Intune (formerly Endpoint Manager), Windows Update for Business, Entra ID, Conditional Access, as well as Defender for Business and Defender for Endpoint.
Matias believes that the most important thing is to find the right solution for the client. This solution-oriented and customer-centric approach has led many clients to follow him from project to project.
“In client circles, I’m said to be the person who knows everything about everything. Clients sometimes joke that they can’t ask anything that I wouldn’t somehow know the answer to.”
Cloud on the horizon
You could say this man has a long-term weather forecast in his hand. Matias is actively involved in Microsoft’s global community for partners, Microsoft’s Customer Connection Program, where he can influence product development at an early stage.
This is not just a one-way information channel, but an in-depth technical discussion forum where participants can influence the development direction of Microsoft’s cloud services.
“When I know that a client’s cloud environment will change in six months, I can say not to do it this way – and I know why.”
Matias is also dedicated to continuous learning and develops his skills weekly. He spends time studying new technologies and deepens his understanding of how cloud technologies work under the hood.
“In my work, it would basically be enough to know things at a high level, but I want to understand how things work under the hood. I try to spend about 10 hours a week learning new things – it’s self-evident to me.”
So if you’re pondering cloud matters, feel free to contact Matias and follow him on LinkedIn!
As trusted advisors to IT management, Above IT’s ‘consigliere’ friends are a resource for your IT administration, helping to ensure that your business thrives and flourishes, while elevating your IT people for their well-done work. Do you feel you could be our next ‘consigliere’? Send us a message at rekry@aboveit.fi with your CV, and let’s talk more!