A Media Company
Streamlining transition to cloud through effective sourcing
Objectives
The objectives were to update the infrastructure platform, leverage Cloud services for enhanced efficiency, and streamline the application portfolio by migrating its IT landscape to a new Datacenter and the Cloud.
Topics
Hybrid Cloud
Platform/SaaS
Portfolio Consolidation
Situation & IT Landscape
A high software-hardware integration of the broadcast application cluster and the lack of Cloud experience on high-resilience architectures.
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Portfolio included around 500 applications including 50 large systems at one location.
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Key requirement of guaranteed global high-accessibility of production and streaming applications.
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Heterogeneous stack with .net, java, Oracle, MS SQL, SAP and some industry specific languages.
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Two main datacenters across Europe and a global caching streaming service.
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Our Approach
A preliminary portfolio assessment served as the foundation for developing a hybrid-Cloud strategy. This strategy involved segregating various components of the organization's IT landscape into distinct Cloud environments based on their specific requirements. For instance, the SAP stack was designated to operate on the SAP Cloud, while broadcast functionalities were earmarked for a nearby data center. Additionally, streaming services were allocated to specific infrastructure within the organization's own facilities, while the remaining workload was consolidated on the AWS platform.
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A single platform approach was deemed unsuitable for the organisation's needs due to the complexity and associated costs of migration. Recognising the diverse nature of their applications and infrastructure, the organisation opted for a hybrid-Cloud model to achieve a balance between flexibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
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The migration process predominantly followed a lift-and-shift approach, especially for most applications, aiming for a swift transition with minimal disruption to operations. However, for complex and long-term clusters, a more intricate application transformation strategy was employed to ensure compatibility and optimize performance in the new Cloud environment.
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Critical to the success of the migration was the careful selection of Cloud providers and service partners. The organisation engaged with major Cloud providers in Europe to evaluate their offerings and determine the best fit for their requirements. Additionally, an independent IT service provider was chosen to oversee the migration, enablement, and ongoing platform operations. This decision was made to leverage the expertise and specialised skills of a dedicated partner, ensuring a smooth transition and effective management of the Cloud environment.
Our Impact
The implementation of the new Hybrid-Cloud platform and operating model resulted in notable operational streamlining and cost efficiencies for the organisation. By leveraging a combination of on-premises and Cloud-based infrastructure, the organisation was able to optimize its resources and achieve greater flexibility in managing its IT environment.
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As part of the migration initiative, high-performance technologies such as Oracle, which were not essential for the organisation's current needs, were replaced with more cost-effective Cloud-platform technologies. This strategic decision helped reduce licensing costs and operational overheads while ensuring that the organisation's IT infrastructure remained aligned with its evolving requirements.
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Sustainable total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions were realised through a combination of factors, including negotiated platform agreement discounts and a streamlined operating model. By consolidating and standardising its IT operations on the Hybrid-Cloud platform, the organization was able to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in delivering digital services, all at lower costs.
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Furthermore, the migration initiative played a crucial role in upskilling a significant portion of the organisation's staff on new platform technologies and functionalities. This investment in training and development not only enhanced the organisation's internal capabilities but also empowered employees to leverage the full potential of the Hybrid-Cloud platform, driving further innovation and efficiency gains.
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In summary, the adoption of the Hybrid-Cloud platform and operating model enabled the organization to achieve significant operational streamlining, cost efficiencies, and sustainable TCO reductions. By embracing Cloud technologies and investing in staff training, the organisation positioned itself for long-term success and continued digital transformation in an ever-evolving landscape.