Cloud303 Empowers Innovative Microsystems with AWS WorkSpaces

DevOps

Digital Workplace

Migration

  • 25 October 2023
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AWS Funding Secured by Cloud303
  • Well-Architected Framework Review

About the Customer

Innovative Microsystems Consulting, Inc. (IMC) is a technology solutions provider specializing in delivering comprehensive IT strategies to small and medium-sized businesses as well as non-profit organizations.

Executive Summary

Innovative Microsystems needed a scalable, secure, and cost-effective solution to provide their clients with access to their proprietary software, Quote Writer. By leveraging AWS WorkSpaces, Cloud303 delivered a transformative workspace solution that not only met but exceeded the client's requirements—resulting in enhanced client engagement and a 20% reduction in operational costs.

The Challenge

Innovative Microsystems needed a way to securely and cost-effectively distribute their Quote Writer software to clients. Traditional software distribution models were proving to be cumbersome and lacked the scalability the company needed. There was also the need for a robust backend that could handle the sensitive data processed by Quote Writer while ensuring 24/7 availability.

Why Cloud303?

  • Automation Expertise Cloud303 excels in automating tedious and complex tasks, making development and operations more efficient. Our expertise in CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, containerization and automated testing ensures a faster time-to-market and more robust DevOps strategy.
  • Scalability and Performance With a deep understanding of microservices, containerization, and orchestration, Cloud303 provides scalable solutions that can handle varying workloads without sacrificing performance, ensuring that your systems can handle future demands.
  • Collaboration and Culture Recognizing that DevOps is as much about people and culture as it is about tools and processes, Cloud303 helps foster a culture of collaboration between development and operations teams to facilitate better teamwork and collective ownership of projects.
  • Proven Track Record Cloud303 has a strong history of successful partnerships within the Microsoft industry. Our commitment to excellence, reliability, and client-focused solutions have made us a trusted partner.

Engagement Overview

Cloud303's engagements follow a streamlined five-phase lifecycle: Requirements, Design, Implementation, Testing, and Maintenance. Initially, a comprehensive assessment is conducted through a Well-Architected Review to identify client needs. This is followed by a scoping call to fine-tune the architectural design, upon which a Statement of Work (SoW) is agreed and signed.

The implementation phase kicks in next, closely adhering to the approved designs. Rigorous testing ensures that all components meet the client's specifications and industry standards. Finally, clients have the option to either manage the deployed solutions themselves or to enroll in Cloud303's Managed Services for ongoing maintenance, an option many choose due to their high satisfaction with the services provided.

The Solution

Cloud303 worked closely with the team at Innovative Microsystems to chart out a comprehensive solution. The primary goal was to transition Quote Writer to AWS WorkSpaces, with secondary objectives that included high availability, secure data storage, and seamless user experience.

Building the Foundation: Cloud303 deployed two Windows 2022 Active Directory Domain Controllers in separate AWS Availability Zones, ensuring high availability and failover capabilities.

Constructing the Storage Tower: Next on the list was storage—enter the Windows 2022 File Server. Configured with state-of-the-art security protocols, this server acted as the impenetrable vault for Quote Writer's backend database. Folder permissions were meticulously set up, guarded like the crown jewels.

The WorkSpace Metropolis: With the backend firmly in place, it was time to focus on the frontend. WorkSpaces were customized and fitted with Quote Writer, offering clients a virtual desktop experience that was both smooth and secure. Each WorkSpace was a boutique apartment in the cloud, ready to welcome its new tenant.

The Gatekeepers: To tie it all together, Cloud303 implemented a SAML-based Active Directory to regulate access. Now, the realm was secure; only those with the right credentials could enter.

Engineer Quote

This project was more than just another deployment; it was about enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and securely in a digital landscape. And we nailed it!

Mark Williams EUC Engineer, Cloud303

Outcomes

Moving to AWS WorkSpaces provided Innovative Microsystems with a scalable and cost-effective way to securely offer their Quote Writer software to clients. This has fortified their market position and opened avenues for additional revenue streams.

The project's success was marked by the seamless provision of Quote Writer via WorkSpaces to Innovative Microsystems' clients, fulfilling all pre-established criteria and objectives.

Cost Savings: Achieved a 20% reduction in operational costs by moving to a cloud-based workspace solution.

Successful Migration: Successfully onboarded 100% of Innovative Microsystems' clients to the new WorkSpaces environment within the first month.

Enhanced Security: Zero security incidents reported since deployment, confirming the robustness of the implemented security measures.

High Availability: Ensured 99.9% uptime, a crucial factor in maintaining high client satisfaction levels.

Moving to AWS WorkSpaces provided Innovative Microsystems with a scalable and cost-effective way to securely offer their Quote Writer software to clients.