Modernizing applications to accelerate cloud adoption
Project overview
The organization entrusted us with building a centralized logging system that facilitated rapid cloud migration and integration with existing applications.
Leveraging the Cloud Orbit platform enabled us to maintain high reliability and compliance throughout the entire application modernization process.
Project goals
- Modernize applications and infrastructure while ensuring compliance and efficiency throughout the app modernization process.
- Speed up the cloud adoption for existing apps.
- Achieve compatibility with other systems in use.
Our approach to the project
By utilizing our low-touch software solution, Cloud Orbit, we were able to accelerate systems transition to a modern cloud platform, enhance operational efficiency and visibility, and mitigate compliance risks.
This proved to be the right approach, as we managed to empower the client to fully embrace cloud computing capabilities and succeed in reaching the project objectives.
Establishing a centralized logging system for an existing application
We used Graylog to build a centralized logging system hosted both on-premises and on the AWS cloud.
We leveraged the Kubernetes technology to improve resilience and the ability to scale the solution according to current and future needs.
Cloud Orbit dashboard was used to provide a unified view across both environments.
The dual setup ensured seamless compatibility with the client's existing applications and infrastructure.
Fluentd log collectors on virtual machines (VMs)
We deployed and configured Fluentd log collectors across over 400 virtual machines (VMs), utilizing the benefits of a hub-and-spoke architecture.
This modernization streamlined the log collection process, ensuring efficient aggregation and processing of logs from a variety of the organization's applications.
Kafka-based streaming for indexing
We implemented a scalable Kafka-based streaming solution to handle high-volume log data efficiently.
This future-proof setup enabled indexing with zero data loss even during peak operational hours, ensuring the integrity and availability of log data.
Proactive alerting and integration between systems
To improve overall security, we implemented a rules-based proactive alerting system that enables timely detection of potential issues.
The alerting system utilizes automation to swiftly inform appropriate specialists, thus accelerating issue resolution.
These tools were integrated into the organization's incident management framework and communication apps to facilitate real-time notifications and collaboration.
Benefits of a successful application modernization strategy
1. Successful application modernization
Modernizing applications by implementing a centralized logging system, providing a scalable new environment, and introducing new security tools resulted in enhancing operational insights, streamlining the process of achieving compliance, and enhancing the overall reliability of the client's cloud operations.
2. Achieving compliance in record time
The centralized logging system was implemented in a record timeframe, enabling the organization to achieve compliance with industry standards for maintaining centralized logs. This swift deployment not only met regulatory requirements but also minimized time-consuming disruptions to ongoing operations.
3. Improved performance visibility of mission-critical applications
The modernization effort resulted in a significant improvement in visibility into critical application performance. In turn, this enhanced insight contributed to maximizing system uptime, elevating its reliability from Four 9s (99.99%) to Five 9s (99.999%), constituting a significant leap in operational continuity and strengthening our client's competitive advantage.
4. Streamlined troubleshooting for software developers
The logging system modernization project facilitated fast and efficient troubleshooting processes for the software development team. After the modernization, developers can quickly identify, analyze, and address issues, which leads to reduced downtime of systems and more agile responses to any anomalies.
5. Easier maintenance with trend analysis
Trend charts, automatically generated from logging data, enable better planning and scheduling for systems maintenance and upgrades. Improved insight facilitates more proactive management of system health, security, and performance, ensuring operations optimization and reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues.
Contact us to discuss application modernization strategies
With most organizations already utilizing the cloud, application modernization projects for legacy apps are simply crucial to unlocking the benefits of modern infrastructure and improving the customer experience.
Want to turn your legacy applications into modern apps capable of integrating with public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions? Talk with our application modernization expert and discover what Maxima Consulting's services and tools can do for your business.
