Migration to AWS Cloud Infrastructure
About the Client
The client is a leading provider of software solutions for the manufacturing industry. They operate multiple websites and required a modern, scalable, and resilient cloud infrastructure to support their growing business needs.
Industry: Manufacturing Software / Cloud Infrastructure
Core Objective: Transition existing 2-tier architecture websites to AWS for improved scalability, resilience, and cost-efficiency.
The Challenge
The client’s existing infrastructure lacked scalability and cost efficiency for growing demands.
Key problems included:
- Three separate websites on 2-tier architecture with multiple web servers
- SQL Server Standard edition databases requiring management
- Limited resilience and redundancy across servers
- High operational costs and manual infrastructure management
- Need for secure, scalable, and highly available cloud infrastructure
The client required a migration plan that would modernize their infrastructure while maintaining business continuity.
The Solution: AWS Cloud Migration
App Maisters devised a comprehensive strategy to migrate the client’s infrastructure to AWS. The solution included:
- Two web servers behind an Application Load Balancer (ALB) with all websites deployed on both servers
- Private subnet configuration for all servers except the RDP server
- Public subnet for load balancer and RDP servers to facilitate secure access
- File server mounted on web servers to manage deployments and user uploads
- SQL Server Standard license integrated within AWS cost structure
- Active Directory and DNS services implemented in High Availability (HA) mode across two Availability Zones (AZs)
- AWS S3 used for secure backup of data and logs
- Highly Available AWS Managed NAT Gateway added
- Automatic snapshots implemented post Proof of Concept (POC)
- Automated EBS hard disk size extension for cost management and data growth
- Monitoring via AWS CloudWatch and account activity tracking using AWS CloudTrail
Key Features
High Availability & Security
- Multi-AZ deployment for AD, DNS, and critical infrastructure
- Private subnets for secure server deployment
Scalability & Performance
- AWS Auto Scaling to manage high load scenarios
- Load balancer to distribute traffic across servers
Cost Optimization
- Strategic use of spot and reserved instances to save ~30% compared to on-demand instances
- Automated EBS management to optimize storage costs
Monitoring & Management
- CloudWatch for real-time performance monitoring
- CloudTrail for tracking account activity and security auditing
Business Impact
After migration, the client experienced:
- Robust, scalable, and highly available cloud infrastructure
- Streamlined operations with reduced manual overhead
- Cost savings of approximately 30% through instance optimization
- Minimal downtime during migration ensuring business continuity
- Enhanced ability to adapt quickly to evolving business requirements and future growth
Conclusion
The migration to AWS transformed the client’s infrastructure into a modern, resilient, and cost-effective cloud environment.
By combining high availability, scalability, and monitoring with strategic cost optimization, the platform empowers the client to:
- Maintain seamless operations during growth and peak loads
- Reduce infrastructure costs while increasing efficiency
- Ensure secure and reliable data management
- Adapt rapidly to changing business needs and future expansion
