Discover how a Northeast US power utility achieved dramatic savings while enhancing operations.
When a leading power and gas utility in the Northeastern United States approached the Value Creed team, they were facing a significant technical challenge. Their Allegro system – a critical platform for their operations – was running on ageing on-premises infrastructure that was becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and difficult to scale. With over 35 users relying on this system daily and offshore IT support struggling to keep up, it was clear that a transformation was needed.
The migration challenges were substantial. The utility needed to integrate their system securely with both Azure and AWS cloud platforms while maintaining connections to essential systems like ZEMA and Oracle EBS. Adding to the complexity was the requirement to maintain strict SOX compliance throughout the migration process – a factor that typically increases project effort by 40-60%.
One of the most significant hurdles they encountered was the team’s limited experience with Allegro systems in cloud environments. This knowledge gap extended project timelines as team members required additional support and training. The distributed nature of the project team added another layer of complexity, making project management and troubleshooting considerably more challenging.
Performance testing also presented unique difficulties. Ensuring that the system would operate seamlessly in its new cloud home required extensive testing protocols that further delayed the project timeline and added pressure on the already stretched resource management team.
As this was the utility’s first major cloud deployment, they needed expert guidance to successfully navigate these challenges without disrupting their critical business operations.
The Value Creed approach began with a comprehensive assessment of the utility’s specific needs. They developed a tailored migration strategy that addressed both the technical and compliance requirements. The plan included:
This structured approach ensured that they could maintain system integrity while transitioning to a more efficient and cost-effective cloud environment.
The technical integration phase was perhaps the most critical element of the migration. They created a secure and scalable gateway that connected the client’s on-premise systems with Azure cloud services. This approach streamlined the integration of peripheral applications and eliminated the need for additional third-party connections, creating a more efficient system architecture.
Their managed cloud hosting services included implementing daily production database backups and round-the-clock application and server monitoring. They established proactive monitoring for server availability, storage capacity, and CPU utilisation to maintain optimal resource management and support the client’s performance requirements.
The results of the Value Creed cloud migration strategy exceeded expectations across multiple dimensions:
Perhaps the most striking outcome was the 60% reduction in operational costs. Value Creed achieved this through flexible pricing models, including pay-as-you-go and reserved plans, that allowed the client to optimise their cloud spending. The utility maintained full ownership of its cloud infrastructure while leveraging the scalability benefits of Azure for future growth.
The migration delivered a 25% performance uplift through optimised configurations that reduced latency and enhanced response times. This provided users with a faster and smoother experience, improving productivity and satisfaction.
Azure servers were right-sized and equipped with scale sets to handle increased loads, resulting in a 70% boost in scalability. This ensured the system could grow alongside the utility’s needs without additional hardware investments.
Security was another area of significant improvement. Value Creed implemented a fully SOX-compliant cloud environment, enhancing security protocols and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements – a critical factor for utility operations.
The work didn’t end with the migration. Value Creed established continuous monitoring of server availability, connectivity, and performance to ensure reliable operations. Automated alert systems for server patching, log cleanup, and scheduled SQL job monitoring significantly enhanced operational efficiency and reduced the need for manual intervention.
The client retained complete control of their infrastructure while benefiting from cloud scalability. This approach positioned them well for future growth while maintaining operational autonomy.
This case study demonstrates several key principles for successful cloud migration in the utilities sector:
Cloud migration, when properly executed, can transform legacy systems into agile, cost-effective platforms that support business growth while reducing operational expenses.
This article is proudly brought to you by the Digital Frontier Hub, where we explore tomorrow’s business solutions and cutting-edge technologies. Through our in-depth resources and expert insights, we’re dedicated to helping businesses navigate the evolving digital landscape across New Zealand and beyond. Explore our latest posts and stay informed with the best in Artificial Intelligence, E-commerce, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing & Analytics, Business Technology & Innovation, and Cloud Computing!
