Agile and  Modern IT Solutions

Our client is undergoing a comprehensive infrastructure modernisation initiative to implement a cutting-edge security framework aligned with Zero Trust principles. By leveraging our expertise, the client is strategically aligning with the NIST Zero Trust maturity model, selecting top-tier products for seamless integration to fulfil the specific capability needs of each maturity model pillar. This strategic approach is poised to establish a state-of-the-art data centre and infrastructure fortified by robust zero-trust security protocols.

To address the needs of the users and device pillars, we strategically utilised key Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) for robust identity management and Microsoft InTune for efficient device management. Our approach also involved leveraging tools such as Gitlab, Microsoft Purview, and TrendMicro to enhance data and application management while ensuring top-notch security measures. Considering the client's substantial on-premises network infrastructure with a mix of cloud services, we integrated VMware NSX-T to implement effective east-west micro-segmentation. This decision enhances network security and optimizes overall network performance. Moreover, we meticulously configured a suite of cutting-edge tools to fulfil the Automation Orchestration pillar requirements, including Microsoft Sentinel, Ansible, Elastic, Gigamon, and Microsoft Defender. This comprehensive setup ensures seamless automation and orchestration and enhanced visibility and analytics across the network infrastructure.

A prominent shoe designer and manufacturer encountered the task of transitioning their IT service management system from ServiceNow to SolarWinds without compromising the functionality of critical use cases. With an impending deadline to retire ServiceNow, Toms required support to streamline the migration, improve workflow efficiency, and fully leverage the capabilities of SolarWinds in the process.

Our team worked closely with Toms to meticulously orchestrate a seamless transition from ServiceNow to SolarWinds. The project commenced with a comprehensive discovery phase, allowing us to delve into the current environment and thoroughly assess the existing ServiceNow setup. By pinpointing areas for enhancement and devising a detailed design and actionable strategy, we paved the way for a successful migration. A pivotal focus of the project was optimising workflow design. We thoroughly reviewed Toms' current workflows in ServiceNow, identifying opportunities for improvement and reshaping them to better align with SolarWinds functionalities. This involved refining severity/priority settings, SLAs, onboarding/offboarding procedures, and approval protocols, ensuring efficient operations within the new platform. Moreover, we tailored reports and dashboards in SolarWinds to cater to Toms' specific business requirements, offering valuable insights and bolstering decision-making capabilities. Implementation of notifications for prolonged or dormant tickets boosted overall efficiency and responsiveness. Data migration and integrations played integral roles in the project's success. We effectively transferred two years of incident records for reporting purposes, with additional historical data migrated as necessary. Seamless integrations with platforms like Microsoft Teams were established to foster enhanced collaboration and communication. Throughout the project lifecycle, we strongly emphasised training and knowledge transfer for the internal team. Collaboratively developing training materials and conducting hands-on sessions ensured the team was well-prepared to leverage SolarWinds to its full potential.

In our recent project, we faced the challenge of supporting the Client's Disaster Recovery Testing initiative for their IBM Storwize V5030 system. The task involved implementing a new IBM Storwize V5030E system in the Chicago, IL, data centre production environment while repurposing the old V5030 as a replication target. Our main challenge was to ensure seamless synchronisation between the V5030E (source) and V5030 (target) systems and conduct a simulated disaster recovery scenario to validate functionality.

To address the challenge, we meticulously implemented the new technology IBM Storwize V5030E system in the Chicago, IL, data centre. We established a robust plan to synchronise data between the V5030E and V5030 systems, ensuring data integrity and continuity. Rigorous testing procedures were implemented to simulate a disaster recovery scenario, guaranteeing that the systems could seamlessly switch over in case of an actual emergency. Our team monitored the process to mitigate risks and ensure a successful transition.