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HappyWired

Data Classification & Retention in Microsoft 365

Build Trust. Enable Compliance. Empower AI.

At HappyWired, we believe that data governance is the foundation of digital trust. Our approach to Data Classification & Retention ensures your organisation's information is protected, discoverable, and actionable—whether you're securing sensitive documents, enabling AI, or preparing for audits.

Our Approach

We help organisations design and implement a robust data classification framework that aligns with their regulatory, legal, and business requirements. Our approach includes:

  • Identifying and labelling sensitive information (e.g., OFFICIAL, OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE)

  • Mapping data flows across Microsoft 365 workloads

  • Applying lifecycle rules with retention policies and labels

  • Enabling secure collaboration with Microsoft Purview, SharePoint Syntex, and Azure Information Protection

  • Automating classification through Power Platform and Syntex workflows

Automation, Insight, Impact

We work closely with stakeholders to ensure that classification is not just a compliance checkbox—but a strategic enabler for productivity, automation, and insight.

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Why Data Classification Matters

Without structured classification and retention:

  • Sensitive content risks unauthorised access or data loss

  • AI tools like Microsoft Copilot lack the context to function effectively

  • Legal and compliance teams struggle to respond quickly

Without structured classification and retention:

But with a well-governed model in place:

  • Sensitive data is protected, auditable, and governed

  • Redundant content is removed, reducing storage costs and clutter

  • AI systems can surface smarter, more relevant insights

  • Legal holds, eDiscovery, and regulatory audits become seamless

But with a well-governed model in place:

Technology Stack We Use

Microsoft Purview

  • Apply sensitivity labels and retention policies
  • Gain visibility through governance dashboards
  • Ensure compliance across Microsoft 365

SharePoint Online

  • Organise content with metadata and document libraries
  • Enable AI-based tagging with Syntex
  • Support structured collaboration and findability

Microsoft Teams

  • Manage workspace lifecycles with clarity
  • Enable secure, role-based collaboration
  • Integrate seamlessly with SharePoint and Purview

Azure Information Protection

  • Encrypt content at rest and in transit
  • Enforce rights control and data protection
  • Support classification with Microsoft 365 labels

Power Platform

  • Automate classification and retention
  • Build low-code solutions for compliance tasks
  • Extend governance through Power Automate and Dataverse

Data Classification as a Foundation for AI

AI tools like Microsoft Copilot require structured, governed data. Without clear labelling and lifecycle management, Copilot can't distinguish between sensitive and public content—or deliver relevant insights.

Classification and retention are foundational — not optional — for any AI strategy. Talk to us today about why.

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Our Content and Collaboration Accelerator

Through our Content & Collaboration Accelerator, we help you plan for success

Tailored Classification Schema

Aligned to business objectives and regulatory requirements for clarity and compliance.

Retention Schedules & Policy Mapping

Coherent retention plans applied consistently across Microsoft 365 workloads.

Purview Labels & Retention Configurations

Deployment of Microsoft Purview for labelling, retention, and lifecycle control.

SharePoint Syntex Auto-Classification

Automated document classification using AI to improve tagging and metadata accuracy.

Governance Playbooks & Training Assets

Custom documentation and enablement materials to support long-term success.

AI Readiness & Copilot Roadmap

Strategic planning for integrating Copilot and preparing your information architecture for AI.

All outputs are designed to be actionable, scalable, and integrated into your Microsoft 365 tenant with minimal disruption.

Our latest work and insights

All Work•All Insights

Let's Take the First Step Together

Ready to improve your governance, unlock the value of AI, or reduce compliance risk? Contact us to discuss how we can help.