Challenge

The client needed to overhaul their e-commerce platform, which caters for a diverse array of products and facing limitations in the existing infrastructure. The system couldn't handle extreme peaks in loads caused by marketing campaigns driving traffic to the site over short periods.

The aim was to revamp the website, a crucial platform for transactions, document storage, and equipment manuals. The goal was to enhance scalability to handle surges in traffic during marketing and sales peaks, all while upholding a consistently high level of service for all users.

To address these challenges, the client sought expertise to design and construct a Platform as a Service (PaaS) User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment, hosted on Azure. This proposed environment needed to incorporate built-in scaling capabilities, allowing smooth expansion and the ability to onboard new apps with minimal effort, and proving out CDN & WAF functionality to achieve business outcomes.

BJSS has a long-standing relationship with Microsoft who were keen to recommend us for the project. This, coupled with our reputable standing and previous successful projects, influenced the decision to collaborate on this transformative project.

The specific requirements for the PaaS environment encompassed support for a React/Next.JS site, alongside .NET Core/Framework websites and microsites, all backed by a SQL backend. The goal was to reduce latency for customers and reduce the load from malicious bots scraping their infrastructure. Azure Frontdoor was identified as the technical solution to this problem by providing CDN & WAF capabilities.

With a clear timeline in mind, completion of this comprehensive project was set for September 2023. This timeboxed initiative underscored the urgency and efficiency required in implementing the necessary changes to meet the evolving needs of the client’s digital presence.

Solution

BJSS deployed a three-stage methodology to guarantee a comprehensive understanding of requirements, proficient design and construction of the necessary components, and a seamless handover of the completed PaaS environment.

In the week-long Discovery phase, BJSS delved into the project by understanding the requirements, evaluating existing environments, and collaboratively formulating a high-level plan for the subsequent design and build phases. A thorough kick-off session set the tone for the project, highlighting the importance of iterative work and collaboration. Subsequently, BJSS effectively fulfilled the designated requirements for the PaaS environment and documented the ways-of-working. The client streamlined the process by providing Azure access and permissions.

Throughout the four-week Design & Delivery phase, BJSS meticulously developed Terraform for the PaaS UAT environment, optimised the client’s Azure (ADO) pipelines, and conducted thorough testing of deployment plans. Additionally, BJSS streamlined the configuration of the PaaS UAT environment into a unified single subscription, handing over the source code and all associated artifacts in the process.

BJSS focused heavily on providing staff on the client side with comprehensive knowledge transfer (KT) and any outstanding handover documentation they required. Organised KT sessions, consisting of two sessions per week, were conducted consistently throughout the project to upskill and involve their engineers in the journey. These meetings significantly enhanced collaboration throughout the engagement, especially as BJSS was able to address and support the client’s efforts in making their apps cloud ready.

Outcome

BJSS not only met, but surpassed expectations, delivering valuable outcomes that not only addressed the immediate requirements of the project, but also sparked discussions about potential future projects—all completed by September 2023. By incorporating FinOps techniques, BJSS also ensured that the environment was value for money - and costs were easily visible to stakeholders.

The project's success was quantified by the integration of the application into the UAT environment. Weekly and final reports, demonstrating BJSS's commitment to transparency and accountability, served as tangible proof of the project's success. BJSS also meticulously provided client-side staff with comprehensive knowledge transfer and all necessary handover documentation, completing this phase with excellent efficiency.

The emphasis on iterative work and collaborative decision-making proved fruitful as the team showcased its expertise in strategic decision-making. Featuring two BJSS Academy graduates - one with a background in vehicle repair and the other holding a STEM degree - the team successfully resolved over 30 tickets within a 20-day timeframe, employing the selected iterative approach after deciding to adopt this methodology.

Fully immersed in the team, they were guided by the Team Lead, who provided mentoring and close support. Regular retrospectives ensured effective communication and continuous learning, allowing early client feedback to shape the team's approach, finding a balance between simplicity and value.

Acknowledging variations in skills and work hours, the team made a strategic decision to initially progress at a slower pace, granting autonomy to team members. This, combined with a focus on cost-effectiveness through leveraging graduates and academics, played a pivotal role in delivering value that surpassed cost expectations.