- Date: August 18, 2023
- Categories: AWS
Background:
A public sector client was facing challenges with efficiently scaling their IT infrastructure and ensuring high-level security across their management and regional networks. The existing infrastructure lacked the agility to cater to different administrative units while meeting their unique security demands.
Solution:
Hired as a Cloud Solutions Architect, we undertook a transformative journey to address these concerns and optimize the IT landscape. Here’s how:
1. Landing Zone Architecture:
Developed a robust architecture in AWS using the Transit Gateway as a central hub. This design facilitated the scalable connection of various administrative and regional networks, emphasizing the need for cryptographically secure connections beyond TLS1.2.
2. Application Architecture:
Crafted a flexible application architecture allowing tenants to utilize either shared or dedicated services. This dynamic design ensured that the individual security requirements of various units were met, in line with standards set by the BMI.
3. Infrastructure Automation:
Leveraged Terraform for the automated provisioning of infrastructure for different tenants. This encompassed setting up a Kubernetes cluster, deploying an Istio Service Mesh using Helm Charts, database instance provisions, and even streamlined the management of database user credentials within Kubernetes namespaces.
4. CI/CD Pipelines:
Integrated CI/CD pipelines through GitLab and Artifactory. This led to the efficient deployment of containerized applications built on Spring Boot into the Kubernetes cluster. With features like automated unit and integration tests, image scans with Aqua Trivy, and dedicated release pipelines, development cycles were optimized, and software quality was ensured.
5. Logging and Monitoring:
Implemented a holistic logging system with the ELK Stack and comprehensive monitoring using the Prometheus/Grafana stack. With autoscaling at both pod and node levels based on resource metrics, the system’s performance was consistently maintained at optimum levels. Crucial metrics, such as resource consumption and alarm thresholds, were constantly monitored, ensuring quick detection and resolution of potential issues.
Technologies Used:
Gitlab, Terraform, Kubernetes, Helm, Artifactory, Java Spring Boot, PostgreSQL, ElasticSearch, Kibana, Logstash, Prometheus, Grafana.
Outcome:
Thanks to these state-of-the-art solutions, the public sector client now benefits from a scalable, highly secure, and agile IT infrastructure. The flexibility of the new system means that various administrative units can operate seamlessly, with each unit’s unique requirements catered for. Automated processes have not only reduced manual intervention but have also significantly improved efficiency and reliability. With advanced logging and monitoring, system health is constantly under watch, reducing downtimes and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Feedback:
The client expressed immense satisfaction with the transformation. The agility, security, and efficiency brought by these changes have immensely benefited their operations. They acknowledged that the architectural decisions made were pivotal in meeting their unique needs and ensuring sustainable growth.