The migration to a remote desktop server environment with AWS required meticulous planning and execution. The project was divided into several key phases:
1. Assessment and Planning
A comprehensive assessment of NFPAS’s existing IT infrastructure was conducted to identify the gaps and requirements. This included evaluating the current hardware, software and network configurations, as well as understanding the workflows and specific needs of the staff. The project team, comprising IT experts from Otaris and representatives from NFPAS, developed a detailed project plan that outlined the migration steps, timelines and resource allocations.
2. Infrastructure Setup with AWS
AWS was selected as the platform of choice due to its robust, scalable and secure environment. The remote desktop server infrastructure was designed to leverage AWS’s vast array of services, ensuring high availability and redundancy. Key components included:
- Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances for virtual desktops
- Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) for secure data storage
- Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) for network isolation and security
- Amazon CloudWatch for monitoring and management
3. Migration to Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 was implemented to enhance collaboration and communication across NFPAS. The suite’s tools, including Outlook for email, Teams for messaging and video conferencing and SharePoint for document management, were integrated into the AWS environment. This allowed staff to access their work seamlessly from any location, fostering a culture of flexibility and remote productivity.
4. Security and Compliance
Adhering to ISO27001 standards was paramount throughout the project. Comprehensive security measures were put in place, including:
- ThreatLocker application whitelisting to control software execution
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) to secure and manage all mobile endpoints
- Zero Trust architecture to ensure that all access requests are continuously authenticated and validated
- Veeam backup solutions to protect Microsoft 365 data, ensuring that critical information is always recoverable
5. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
A robust business continuity plan was developed to ensure NFPAS could maintain operations in the event of a disruption. This included disaster recovery strategies leveraging AWS’s global infrastructure, ensuring rapid recovery times and minimal data loss.
6. Network Operations Centre (NOC)
A dedicated Network Operations Centre was established to monitor the entire IT environment. The NOC provided 24/7 oversight, detecting and responding to potential issues before they could impact operations. This proactive approach ensured the stability and reliability of the new infrastructure.
Implementation in Detail
The implementation phase involved several critical steps to ensure a seamless transition:
1. Data Migration
Data from the existing servers was carefully migrated to the new AWS environment. This process was conducted in stages to minimise disruption, with continuous backups ensuring data integrity throughout.
2. Testing and Validation
Extensive testing was conducted to validate the new infrastructure. This included performance testing, security assessments and user acceptance testing to ensure that all systems met the required standards and could handle the expected workloads.
3. Training and Support
Employee training was a crucial component of the project. Otaris provided comprehensive training sessions to familiarise NFPAS staff with the new tools and workflows. Ongoing support was also established to address any issues and ensure a smooth transition.
4. Go-Live and Monitoring
The final go-live phase was meticulously planned to minimise downtime. The NOC played a critical role in monitoring the environment during this phase, ensuring that any issues were promptly addressed.