Company Background
Back in August 2019, Brio was approached for a VM migration project to move SAP workloads from the current cloud setup to a more agile and modern cloud platform.
The client was using Windows 2008 and SQL Server Enterprise 2008, which was nearing the end of support. End of support meant the client would no longer access latest improvements or security updates. The existing setup also included the management of nine servers with their own databases, another costly overhead.
Challenge
The client considered renewing the hosting contract with their earlier service provider but it was an expensive proposition with a long-term contract. Unwilling to make such a commitment for a solution that no longer felt the best-fit, the client contacted Brio for an alternative solution.
The client needed a cloud-based solution that offered flexibility as well as time and cost savings. They also wanted to simplify the management, from both an operational and financial aspect.
Solution
Brio initiated discussions to understand the client’s needs and concerns. The team studied the client’s existing infrastructure, requirements and constraints, and recommended migrating the SAP servers from the earlier cloud service provider to Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Apart from cloud migration, Brio also recommended database and OS upgrade for better security and application reliability.
The following upgrades were made: Windows 2008 to Windows 2012, SQL Server Enterprise 2008 to SQL Server Enterprise 2012, SAP environment database, and SAP kernel upgrades.
While the overall project duration was 45 days, the migration process was completed in 14 days with minimal disruption of everyday operations.
It began with the client’s team provisioning storage at the source VMs. Brio began work to create the Google Cloud Platform resources and configure a billing account for the client. This was followed by pre-migration validations that involved infra and SAP checks. The SAP application and database export was completed in 2 days.
On the 8th day, the SAP application and database import was started into GCP. Post migration checks and activities were conducted to iron out identified issues over the next few days. On the 14th day, the client’s team carried out post-migration validation and ERP testing successfully.
Outcome
The client could now securely access the SAP environments without the hassle of getting into long-term contracts. The move to a pay-as-you-go model gave them financial leeway to reallocate the operational budget. Furthermore, the new solution architecture led to a significant cost reduction of 30%.
With Brio managing the cloud migration and subsequent maintenance, the client was relieved of IT management and licensing hassles. Transparent communication, a proactive process-driven approach, and accessible support engendered comfort and trust in the partnership.
The migration to Google Cloud Platform has brought the client under the umbrella of a globally supported solution, with access to the latest and best security features.
While a complex project that involved cloud migration, database modernization and database migration across multiple servers, Brio’s technology team executed the project to the client’s satisfaction in 14 days.
