Moving SKYVISITOR.COM to Azure Hosted - server migration

PLEASE ACT NOW

skyvisitor.com - hosted is undergoing a migration from ANS dedicated legacy servers to an Azure Hosted environment.
This is a 'lift and shift' exercise so that we can deploy to Azure with minimal impact to legacy users.

This has been communicated via email and will have a firm cut-off as of end June 2025.
Whilst the final deadline is the end of June 2025, we would really appreciate it if you could apply this change at your earliest convenience to help ensure a smooth transition.

• Some users only log in to the website, and will be entirely unaffected.
• For any of your users with installed Windows Apps -  typically Reception users [SKYVISITOR BOOKER, and any PC or Tablet using SKYTOUCH (self check in) you will need to white list 2 new IPS.
  This will also apply to any Paxton Net2 server you have connected to our SKYPAX webapp.

THE NEW IPS TO ALLOW ARE:   85.210.41.138   &    20.162.22.212

PORTS: Outbound access traffic through Port 1433.

It would also be wise to open ports 80-443 for web traffic.
Port 80, is only used to redirect traffic to port 443 as all web connections use HTTPS.

RULES:  On a stateless firewall, you need to allow both inbound and outbound traffic since TCP works with two-way communication. But with a stateful firewall, you only need to set an outbound rule, and the return traffic is allowed automatically.

Also, port 80 may not be needed, only 443 and 1433 in some cases - depending on your set up..

TESTING THE NEW CONNECTION:

1. Validate connectivity:

Connectivity can be tested using Windows PowerShell and the below commands.  
A quick video is linked here to show you how (in case you didn't already know ... )

UK South: 

Test-NetConnection uks-01.skyvisitor.cloud http 

Test-NetConnection uks-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 443 

Test-NetConnection uks-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 1433 

Test-NetConnection uks-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 45601 

 

UK West: 

Test-NetConnection ukw-01.skyvisitor.cloud http 

Test-NetConnection ukw-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 443 

Test-NetConnection ukw-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 1433 

Test-NetConnection ukw-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 45601 

 

Germany West: 

Test-NetConnection dew-01.skyvisitor.cloud http 

Test-NetConnection dew-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 443 

Test-NetConnection dew-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 1443 

 

Italy North: 

Test-NetConnection itn-01.skyvisitor.cloud http 

Test-NetConnection itn-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 443 

Test-NetConnection itn-01.skyvisitor.cloud -port 1433 

FURTHER CHANGES IN 2025

SKYVISITOR and its associated SAFEWORKS (Contractor Management module) will become fully web based, with a 'mobile 1st' approach.

Traditionally, the SKYVISITOR platform required Windows Apps for Front of House / Reception functionalities - whether 'manned' (Booker App) or 'unmanned/self-check in ~(SkyTouch) 

Currently a significant percentage of this functionality has already been replicated on line on SKYVISITOR.CLOUD as a fully web based VMS, however, as of Q2 2025, there is still some residual functionality which is Windows Apps only.

Your Account Manager will be able to help identify whether you can go entirely cloud based at this point, or still require windows apps.
All Windows App functionality is still 100% viable, however it is important to note that this is being fully written to cloud and the SKYVISITOR Windows Apps will be fully retired (target date end 2025). This will be a managed change and fully communicated.

Right now, we are deliberately offering a 2 phased approach to minimise impact on your users and demands on IT time - so lift & shift now will prepare you ready for .cloud later.

Amongst other new features and functions, SKYVISITOR.CLOUD offers SSO via LogTo and is where our new features, functionality and integrations is deployed.
If you wish to move straight to .cloud please refer to SKYVISITOR.CLOUD KBA & note that if you still use the SKYVISITOR Windows Apps*** with .cloud, we will also require your IPS to whitelist access to your database.
 
LOCAL WINDOWS APPS - LEGACY***
Currently 4 x Windows Apps are available for use with the cloud db.

• BADGE DESIGNER - easy to use, flexible unlimited badge design - Visitor Badges, Staff ID, Event Badges, Parking Permit, Wristbands and more..
• 'BOOKER' MANNED RECEPTION - Manned user interface, highly configurable for Gatehouse / Reception / FOH / Loading Bay Teams, includes Photo Capture, signature capture, 2nd screen support for Guest focussed input, Custom layouts, Badge Printing, QR Scanning, RFID Scanning. 
• SKYTOUCH' - SELF SERVICE / KIOSK MODE:  Highly configurable 'storyboards' per location / per visitor type to enable self service check in / Induction / NDA / Access granting etc. Also includes Photo Capture, signature capture, ole-tailored journeys, Multi layer branding, Custom layouts, Badge Printing, QR Scanning, RFID Scanning. 
• SKYPAX:  Local connection app from SKYVISITOR APPS to Net2 Access Control

SECURITY
FYI: Windows Apps users (SKYTOUCH |  SKYV BOOKER) can still connect their Windows (M365) login to the SKYVISITOR Apps for auto login linked to their profile.