Unlocking Success: A London Based Zappit Company's Cloud Migration Use Case

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, businesses must adapt quickly to stay competitive. Cloud migration has become essential for enhancing operational efficiency and bolstering security. This blog post explores the cloud-to-cloud migration case of Zappit, a London-based company specialising in shopper marketing through digital coupons and cashback solutions. By addressing security concerns and redesigning their infrastructure, Zappit is steering towards innovation, better resource management, and improved security.

The Case for Migration: Identifying the Need

Zappit recognized a critical need for cloud-to-cloud migration due to growing security concerns. Managing sensitive information related to retail transactions, the company needed to enhance its security measures while improving operational capabilities. With increasing cyber threats—cybercrime is projected to cost businesses over $10 trillion annually by 2025—and evolving regulatory requirements, an infrastructure overhaul became necessary.

For example, the company faced challenges with data breaches and outdated security protocols, which could result in costly fines and lost customer trust. This realisation propelled Zappit on their migration journey toward a more secure and efficient digital landscape.

Architecting a Secure Cloud Platform

The migration project began with a thorough assessment of Zappit’s existing infrastructure. The goal was to re-architect their platform into a secure environment utilising cloud-native services. The focus was not only on security but also on enabling development teams to concentrate on innovation rather than infrastructure upkeep.

With careful planning, Zappit achieved a seamless migration that ensured zero downtime. This crucial step helped maintain user trust and ensured continuity in service during the transition.

A modern cloud server room with a focus on equipment

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

A key feature of Zappit’s migration was the implementation of Infrastructure as Code (IaC). This approach allowed for automated, repeatable deployment. As a result, teams could create and manage their infrastructure independently, fostering innovation.

For instance, with IaC, Zappit reported a 40% reduction in deployment errors. This efficiency meant faster rollouts for new features, improving the overall user experience.

Blue/Green CI/CD Deployments

To further improve their development pipelines, Zappit adopted blue/green deployments within their CI/CD process. This method allowed for smooth transitions between application versions without downtime. By directing user traffic to one environment at a time, Zappit could test new features safely before full deployment. This strategy not only streamlined their release process but also provided a safety net, enhancing system reliability.

Cost-Effective Scalability

One major advantage of cloud migration was the shift to auto-scaling microservices. Zappit's infrastructure was designed to adjust capabilities based on demand. This ability to scale ensures optimal performance without wasteful spending.

For example, during peak shopping periods like Black Friday, Zappit could increase resource allocation by 60%, ensuring a seamless user experience while avoiding unnecessary costs during quieter times.

Live Database Migration

Zappit utilised the Data Migration Service (DMS) for their live database migration, ensuring data replication without downtime. This allowed them to test implementing updates before their official rollout, greatly reducing risks. Thorough testing enabled Zappit to refine both features and performance metrics, paving the way for a smoother user experience upon launch.

Enhanced Security Controls

A significant milestone of Zappit's migration was the implementation of advanced security controls. Features such as encryption for data at rest and in transit, coupled with a robust identity and access management system, significantly bolstered Zappit’s security posture. Given the sensitive nature of their data, this enhanced security became a cornerstone of their operational framework.

Cost Optimisation Strategies

Post-migration, Zappit saw their operational costs optimize significantly through pay-as-you-go pricing models and serverless architectures. By aligning their infrastructure expenses with actual usage, Zappit enjoyed greater financial flexibility. The result was a 25% reduction in operational costs, allowing for more investment in innovative product development.

Comprehensive Disaster Recovery

Business continuity was another crucial area that Zappit addressed during migration. The company integrated automated backups and created multi-availability zone failover capabilities to maintain platform operations during unforeseen outages. This disaster recovery approach instilled confidence in partners and users, reassuring them of Zappit’s service reliability.

Building a Culture of Monitoring and Observability

In the post-migration phase, Zappit adopted cloud-native monitoring tools providing real-time insights into performance and user behaviour. The implementation of logging, metrics, and alerting systems equipped the team to proactively resolve issues and enhance offerings. Such robust observability has driven continuous improvement, streaming user experiences over time.

Post-Migration Support and Training

The end of the migration project marked the beginning of Zappit’s commitment to ongoing support. The team received comprehensive training sessions and detailed documentation, empowering them to manage and extend their new IaC-based infrastructure confidently. This foundational knowledge has set the stage for sustainable growth and ongoing improvement.

Final Thoughts

Zappit’s cloud migration journey exemplifies how a company can elevate security, optimise costs, and boost operational efficiency through strategic cloud services. The transition, characterised by zero downtime, robust security enhancements, and agile deployment mechanisms, highlights the benefits of adopting cloud-native architectures.

Zappit’s success underscores that with effective planning and execution, cloud migration can offer new possibilities, enabling businesses to concentrate on innovation rather than merely managing infrastructure. Their evolution not only addresses current needs but also positions them for future growth in the competitive retail landscape.