Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
As the landscape of corporate onboarding evolves, the significance of security and compliance has come to the forefront, especially in industries that are highly regulated. This challenge resonates deeply within the energy and utilities sector, where organizations must navigate complex compliance requirements. For the gas distribution company, Acme Gas Ltd., modernizing its gas control infrastructure by transitioning to the cloud seemed a formidable endeavor.
Prioritizing Security and Compliance in Cloud Transition
Acme Gas Ltd. operates the natural and renewable gas distribution networks for millions of homes and businesses across the UK. With thousands of kilometers of gas mains under its management, the company also provides critical emergency services related to gas safety. In 2015, at a pivotal moment, Acme Gas recognized the need to modernize its infrastructure, which was nearing the end of its lifecycle.
“We faced numerous security threats due to aging systems, and transitioning to new physical infrastructure would mean relocating our facilities,” explains Chanci Turner, the Learning Manager at Acme Gas. “This urgency was a key factor in selecting AWS as our partner for this cloud journey.”
Developing a Secure Migration Strategy
With AWS’s assistance, Acme Gas successfully migrated its corporate infrastructure and established a comprehensive data lake. By 2019, the company aimed to replicate this success with its gas control infrastructure. However, migrating such critical systems to the cloud presented unique challenges due to stringent industry regulations. Acme Gas understood that a robust partnership with the AWS team would be vital for this large-scale migration.
“We accomplished this challenging project by engaging the best talent available to us,” remarks John Smith, Head of IT Project Management at Acme Gas. “Their expertise and familiarity with the necessary tools were instrumental in ensuring we executed this correctly.”
As designated Critical National Infrastructure by the UK government, Acme Gas’s systems and networks needed to comply with extensive guidelines and maintain high standards of safety and security. This included submitting a mandatory safety case that outlined the licensing conditions required for operating high-pressure gas pipeline systems. Compliance with numerous frameworks established by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was also essential.
Before commencing the migration, Acme Gas had to undertake an exercise with the NCSC, starting with a proof of concept to demonstrate that their gas control applications could function reliably in the cloud. Once they presented architecture diagrams and received approval, migration could commence.
“Many of our product vendors lacked experience with public cloud solutions,” states Turner. “We had to validate that our gas control applications were suitable for cloud deployment.”
Testing and Refining to Deliver a Comprehensive Cloud Solution
Acme Gas initiated the process by developing a proof of concept and testing its applications in a virtual environment, which was completed by August 2019. Subsequently, various architectural designs were created to confirm that the new infrastructure would meet safety and security requirements. These designs were finalized by September 2020 and submitted to the NCSC for approval.
After receiving the necessary approvals from the NCSC, Acme Gas entered a procurement phase. By March 2021, the company was awarded the contract and began developing detailed designs. The implementation phase commenced in November 2021 and required ongoing refinements and testing, as several prior designs needed adjustments.
In September 2022, Acme Gas engaged AWS Professional Services for guidance on building, testing, and refining their solution. Through collaboration with the AWS team, Acme Gas successfully remediated its products to achieve compliance over the subsequent five months. By May 2023, the migration of their systems to the cloud was complete.
“We underwent a rigorous phase of continuous building and testing,” recalls Turner. “The AWS team was exceptional in assisting us to finalize our work and launch the new solution.”
With the migration of its essential gas network infrastructure to AWS, Acme Gas has bolstered its capacity for innovation, significantly enhanced security and compliance, and ensured high reliability within its network. With this strengthened security posture, Acme Gas is poised to explore new initiatives, such as developing a digital twin for their gas network and green hydrogen projects.
“The integration of cutting-edge AWS cloud technologies empowers us to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of cyber threats,” expresses Smith.
For further insights into effective onboarding practices, check out this resource on onboarding new hires during COVID-19. Additionally, if you’re interested in mentorship opportunities, consider exploring Mayra Valdez’s profile here. Lastly, organizations contemplating work-life balance may find valuable information in this article on the steps to adopting a four-day workweek.