Client Overview:
This Customer was established in 1847. One of the world's leading brewery groups. They are a global brewer, powered by strong local brands. They have more than 140 brands in our beer portfolio, which spans core beer brands, craft & specialty and alcohol-free brews.
Problem Statement:
The organization faces a critical challenge as all virtual machines within their infrastructure are running an outdated operating system that has reached its end of life and is no longer supported by the vendor. This situation poses significant risks to security, stability, and compliance, necessitating immediate attention and a comprehensive plan for migration to a supported and secure operating system to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and ensure ongoing system reliability.
Solution Provided:
To address the problem of having old operating systems on all virtual machines that are end of life and unsupported, we provide the solutions using our Microsoft Azure Consulting services and implement the following solution:
Assessment and Inventory: Conduct a thorough assessment of the virtual machines to identify the extent of the problem and create a detailed Microsoft Dynamics 365 Inventory management of all the systems running the outdated operating system.
Security Patching and Isolation: While preparing for the migration, isolate the virtual machines from external networks to minimize security risks. Apply any available critical security patches to the outdated operating systems to mitigate immediate vulnerabilities.
Migration Plan: Develop a comprehensive migration plan that outlines the steps to upgrade or replace each virtual machine with a supported operating system. This plan should prioritize critical systems and define a timeline for the entire migration process.
Backup and Data Transfer: Before starting the migration, back up all essential data and applications from the virtual machines to ensure no data loss during the transition.
Testing and Validation: Set up a test environment to validate the compatibility of the applications with the new operating system. Identify and address any issues that may arise during testing.
Gradual Migration: Depending on the size and complexity of the virtual machine infrastructure, consider a gradual migration approach. This allows for better control and reduces the chances of major disruptions during the process.
Employee Training and Support: Provide training to IT staff and end-users on the new operating system to ensure a smooth transition and minimize potential disruptions to daily operations.
Monitoring and Maintenance: Implement a robust monitoring system to keep track of the virtual machines' health and security status after migration. Regular maintenance and updates should be performed to maintain the system's security and performance.
Disposal of Old Systems: Once migration is complete, securely decommission and dispose of the old virtual machines to eliminate any lingering security risks.
Continuous Review and Upgrades: Implement a policy to regularly review the operating systems' lifecycle and proactively plan for future upgrades to avoid a similar situation in the future.
By following these steps, the organization can effectively address the challenges posed by running outdated and unsupported operating systems on their virtual machines, ensuring a secure and stable IT infrastructure.
Client Benefits:
Implementing the Microsoft Azure solution to client and they get several benefits to the organization:
Enhanced Security: By migrating to a supported operating system, the organization reduces the risk of security breaches and vulnerabilities associated with using an outdated and unsupported OS. Regular security updates and patches for the new OS help protect against emerging threats.
Improved Stability and Performance: A supported operating system provides better stability and performance, leading to increased reliability and reduced downtime for critical systems and applications.
Compliance and Auditing: The migration ensures the organization remains compliant with industry standards and regulations, as using an unsupported operating system might lead to compliance violations.
Reduced Business Risk: Mitigating security risks and system instability minimizes the chances of costly data breaches, potential legal liabilities, and negative impacts on the organization's reputation.
Long-term Cost Savings: Although the migration process might require an initial investment, using a supported operating system leads to reduced maintenance costs and better utilization of IT resources in the long run.
Increased Productivity: The new operating system's improved performance and stability result in a more efficient and productive workforce, as employees can focus on their tasks without interruptions caused by system issues.
Flexibility and Compatibility: A supported OS allows the organization to take advantage of new technologies and software updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest applications and hardware.
Easier Integration and Support: Vendors and third-party providers are more likely to offer support and assistance for systems running on a supported operating system, simplifying troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Future-Proofing: By adopting a continuous review and upgrade approach, the organization ensures its IT infrastructure remains up-to-date and prepared for future advancements in technology.
Positive Impact on Customers: A secure and stable IT environment instills confidence in customers and stakeholders, demonstrating the organization's commitment to data protection and reliable services.
Overall, the solution not only addresses the immediate risks associated with outdated operating systems but also lays the foundation for a more secure, efficient, and future-proofed IT infrastructure, contributing to the organization's long-term success and growth.
Copenhagen, Denmark Based Brewer Client Upgrade Their System with Our Microsoft Azure Service
