GMU Case Study: Cloud and DevOps Transformation

DevOps

Introduction:

GetMyUni (GMU), in collaboration with CollegeDekho, is a premier institution, globally renowned for its modern technology, advanced research facilities and innovative teaching methods. To ensure that GMU's technology infrastructure lives up to its prestigious reputation, Goognu, a specialized cloud and DevOps consultancy service, was engaged to optimize and enhance its IT ecosystem.

The Issues:

Prior to Goognu's involvement, GMU faced several challenges that hindered its operational efficiency:

• Infrastructure limitations: GMU's reliance on DigitalOcean limited scalability and hindered performance.

• Development constraints: Short staging setup and resource allocation hinder rapid development cycles.

• Operational inefficiencies: Manual backup processes created risk, and the absence of cost optimization strategies led to unnecessary expenses.

• Technical constraints: The Rsyslog issue and the need for ELK setup demanded immediate attention.

The Solutions Implemented:

• Migration from DigitalOcean to AWS: Goognu planned a seamless migration of GMU's servers from DigitalOcean to AWS. This change ensured increased scalability, reliability and expanded functionality in line with the needs of GMU's evolving technological infrastructure.

• E-LMS Staging Setup: A strong staging environment was set up for the e-learning management system (e-LMS), ensuring a controlled space for testing and validation prior to deployment, thereby increasing system stability and performance.

• Automated Backup of AWS Services: Critical to data security and continuity, Goognu successfully deployed automated backup mechanisms for GMU on AWS, ensuring data resiliency and mitigating potential risks.

• Operating Cost Optimization: To ensure optimal resource utilization, we continuously control the infrastructure, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising performance, which is a recurring effort in line with GMU's growing needs.

• Troubleshooting New-LMS Rsyslog Issue: Addressing and resolving issues within the New-LMS Rsyslog system promoted system stability, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.

• Work on MBA College Site: The successful completion of works related to the MBA College site underlined our commitment to deliver results across various projects within the GMU ecosystem.

• Migration ImginXp website to PrepBytes AWS account: The seamless migration of the ImginXp website to PrepBytes' AWS account was executed flawlessly, ensuring continuity and stability of services.

• Script Automation for EKS Server: The development and implementation of scripts that automate resource release on EKS servers increased resource management and efficiency.

• Day-to-day tasks for multiple platforms: Goognu's continued support and active engagement in day-to-day operations on platforms such as CollegeDekho, GetMyUni, PrepBytes, MBACollege and ImagineXP underlines its extensive involvement in GMU's ecosystem.

• ELK Setup: The ongoing implementation of the ELK (ElasticSearch, Logstash, Kibana) setup promises advanced data analysis and visualization capabilities, further strengthening GMU's technical arsenal.

The Benefits:

• Increased Scalability: The transition to AWS boosted the scalability and flexibility of GMU's infrastructure.

• Better development cycles: A powerful staging environment accelerates the development and deployment processes.

• Streamlined operations: Automating backups and resource releases reduces manual effort and increases security.

• Cost Rationalization: Continuous optimisation techniques have resulted in lower operational expenses.

• Technical Stability: Resolution of technical issues ensures uninterrupted services to GMU.

• Expanded Online Presence: Successful completion of web development projects enhanced GMU's digital footprint.

Result:

After implementation, concrete improvements were observed in GMU:

• Increased server performance and scalability, leading to enhanced user experience.

• Streamlined development and deployment cycles result in accelerated time-to-market for new features.

• Reduced operating costs due to optimized resource usage and automated backups.

• Enhance technical stability and reliability while ensuring uninterrupted services to GMU and associated institutions.

Conclusion:

In summary, Goognu's strategic partnership and ongoing support in the AWS migration has significantly enhanced George Mason University's technological capabilities, paving the way for continued excellence in education and digital innovation.