Why Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
With more than a decade of AWS experience, the client saw AWS as the ideal platform to support its cloudfirst vision. AWS’s broad service portfolio, global reach, and cost-effective infrastructure aligned with the company’s goals of lean operations, rapid provisioning, minimal vendor reliance, and long-term scalability.
The Challenge
After the divestiture, the company’s IT leadership prioritized modernizing legacy systems and embracing cloud technologies to increase business agility. Key initiatives included migrating data platforms off-premises, re-platforming IT operations, modernizing global networking, and reducing vendor licensing dependencies.
AHEAD’s Solution
As a trusted AWS Partner, AHEAD worked closely with the client to execute a comprehensive modernization roadmap leveraging AWS best practices:
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Migration & Modernization
- Migrated data platforms — including data lakes and analytics — from on-premises to AWS
- Re-platformed IT operations management tools to SaaSbased solutions on AWS
- Modernized VMware environments by adopting cloud-native services like AWS Outposts
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Innovation Enablement
- Provisioned on-demand AWS resources to accelerate new workload development
- Reduced technical debt by decommissioning legacy systems
- Laid the foundation for future cloudnative development on AWS
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Cloud Operations
- Incorporated AWS security best practices into governance frameworks
- Designed resilient disaster recovery and high-availability architectures
- Implemented FinOps practices for cloud cost optimization
- Trained IT staff on AWS cloud operations processes
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Networking
- Modernized global networking with a software-defined approach leveraging the AWS backbone
- Used AWS networking services to enhance connectivity and traffic management
- Enabled secure workload mobility across AWS Regions and onpremises environments
The Benefits
By partnering with AHEAD on its AWS-driven transformation, the company has achieved significant benefits, including:
- Enhanced business agility to rapidly launch new digital initiatives
- Optimized IT costs by paying only for resources consumed
- Gained the ability to scale infrastructure up or down on demand
- Reduced technical debt and vendor lock-in
- Positioned for future innovation with AWS cloud-native services
With AHEAD’s guidance, the company is advancing its cloud journey and driving business innovation on AWS.
– IT Leadership, Global Food Manufacturer
Top Takeaways
This global food manufacturer is home to a portfolio of well-known consumer brands enjoyed worldwide. Following a corporate restructuring in 2023, the company emerged as an independent entity with a renewed focus on operational efficiency and innovation. AHEAD worked with the client to:
- Reduced technical debt by decommissioning legacy systems
- Enhanced business agility to rapidly launch new digital initiatives
- Streamlined IT operations focused on business-critical activities
