Zurich Insurance

Zurich Insurance Group is a leading multi-line insurer serving global and local markets.

Needs

Zurich Insurance undertook a massive cloud migration of 2400 servers and 600 applications to AWS. They needed a clear strategy (6 R's) and defined patterns for migrating diverse workloads (PaaS, On-Premise, SaaS) while optimizing for cost, performance, and agility.

Solution A "6 R's" (Rehost, RePlatform, Refactor, Rebuild, Retain, Retire) migration strategy was implemented.

• Data Solution: Rationalized migration by creating standards for databases (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL to AWS RDS/Aurora), backups (AWS native/Commvault), and data transfer using AWS Storage Gateway, AWS DataSync, and AWS S3.

• Integration Solution: Utilized AWS Direct Connect for dedicated network connections during migration. Defined network patterns using AWS Transit Gateway (TGW) and AWS Network Firewall (NFW).

• Data Science Solution (FinOps & Optimization): Implemented FinOps practices as part of the migration standards. The patterns and standards developed would feed into analytics for cost optimization and performance monitoring on AWS.

Achievements

• Comprehensive Migration Strategy: Implemented a "6 R's" strategy for 2400 servers and 600 applications.

• Adaptable Migration Patterns: Created reusable patterns based on OS, database, integration, and application manifest.

• Data Migration Validation: Conducted PoCs using AWS Storage Gateway, Direct Connect, DataSync, and S3.

• Standardized Cloud Components: Established standards for AWS databases, backups, networking (TGW, NFW), OS, and FinOps.

Benefits

• Accelerated Migrations: Enabled faster and more predictable application migrations to AWS.

• Optimized Cloud Resource Utilization: Ensured cost-efficiency through rationalized approaches.

• Reduced Migration Risk: Mitigated risks via standardized patterns and PoCs.

• Improved Operational Consistency: Led to more manageable AWS environments.