Migration from vShape platform to Microsoft Azure

Challenge

The client, global vending and coffee services operator, needed to migrate critical systems from a Fujitsu vShape platform scheduled for shutdown to Azure Cloud, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Key challenges included:

• Tight deadlines and an evolving project scope.

• Coordination among multiple stakeholders, including application owners and third-party providers across locations.

• Limited customer involvement in assessing infrastructure and applications.

• Establishing a secure Azure environment for internet-accessible applications.

Solution

GDC Services managed the migration process by:

• Designing a flexible migration plan that adapted to changing requirements.

• Coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure smooth scheduling and execution.

• Providing expert remote support to answer customer questions and address concerns.

• Conducting extensive testing and refining processes to minimize migration time and disruptions.

• Offering proactive support that extended beyond the initial scope.

• Maintaining transparent communication and collaboration throughout the project.

• Workload assessment and Azure sizing
• Network connectivity design (ExpressRoute)
• Phased migration approach minimizing downtime
• Application testing and validation in Azure
• Operations handover and knowledge transfer

Results

GDC Services ensured a smooth, timely migration with maintained service quality and customer satisfaction, helping the client transition to a modern cloud environment with minimal business impact.

• Seamless Delivery: End-to-end migration by a single, dedicated team.

• Minimal Disruption: Critical systems stayed operational, with migrations conducted in planned time slots.

• Clear Communication: Transparent updates and collaboration built customer confidence.

• Customer Empowerment: Tailored support helped achieve goals within tight deadlines.

• Cost Clarity: Detailed cost overviews for each phase enabled informed decisions.

• All workloads migrated within agreed window
• Private cloud contract exited, reducing costs
• Azure environment certified ready for production