Case Study: Consolidating Multiple Legacy Environments into One Virtual Data Center

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, maintaining legacy systems can become a significant burden for organizations. Studies have shown that over 30% of an organization’s infrastructure often relies on these outdated systems, consuming 60-80% of IT budgets for maintenance alone. This reliance on legacy technology impedes business growth, hampers integration with modern technologies, and ultimately detracts from customer experience.

In this case study, we delve into a successful project undertaken by Stefanini Group and Stromasys, where we consolidated multiple legacy servers into a single virtual data center for a major European multisector company with a strong presence in Aerospace, Defense, and Security.

Project Overview

The project commenced with the challenge of migrating a diverse array of legacy servers, including SPARC, Solaris, RISC, and Alpha systems, which were scattered across various data centers in Italy. The primary objective was to consolidate these systems into a single data center, leveraging VMware technology, while also refreshing the aging hardware that had become unreliable.

Key Objectives:

1. Consolidate multiple legacy systems into one virtual data center.
2. Refresh outdated hardware to ensure reliability.
3. Implement a unified virtualized infrastructure using Stromasys Charon solutions.
4. Achieve seamless transition with enhanced performance and high client satisfaction.

Migration Journey

1. Initial Analysis
The first step involved gathering essential information about the legacy machines, which was carried out in collaboration with the end user. Custom scripts provided by Stromasys were employed to collect performance and configuration data, allowing the team to map the source machines and design the target Linux environment.

2. Environment Preparation
Based on the gathered data, configuration parameters for the new Linux VMs hosted on VMware were defined. The client was responsible for creating these VMs and providing necessary access for software installation, which set the stage for the migration.

3. Implementation and Migration
The core challenge of the project was the actual implementation and migration of the legacy systems. A detailed migration plan was developed to schedule downtime for the legacy machines, ensuring data consistency during the transfer. The use of standard operating system tools facilitated the transfer of data from the source machines to the virtualized environment.

Despite encountering issues such as inconsistent source systems and licensing complications, the team adeptly navigated these challenges. Adjustments to procedures and the use of third-party tools were instrumental in overcoming these hurdles, ensuring a successful migration.

4. Deployment
The transition from physical legacy machines to virtualized environments was marked by significant performance improvements. The flexibility of virtual resources allowed for better management and optimization of applications, while the ability to manage these systems remotely simplified operations.

Results

The migration resulted in:

• Enhanced performance due to upgraded hardware and optimized resources.
• Simplified management with the ability to use standard software tools for backups and maintenance.
• High client satisfaction stemming from improved operational efficiency and reduced risks associated with legacy systems.

The client was particularly pleased with the transition, noting that the consolidation of legacy systems had not only improved performance but also simplified management processes. The adoption of modern virtual infrastructure allowed them to eliminate outdated technologies while maintaining business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.

To learn more about this case study, additional details can be found in the webinar recorded by Stromasys where our experts deeper int delve o the project’s challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

Conclusion

This successful collaboration between Stefanini Group and Stromasys exemplifies the effectiveness of consolidating multiple legacy environments into a single virtual data center. By leveraging innovative emulation technology, the project not only revitalized outdated systems but also equipped the organization with a robust IT infrastructure poised for future growth.

Through this case study, we hope to impart valuable insights into the process of migrating legacy systems and the significant advantages that can be realized through such initiatives.