Step Ahead
Modern and robust platform architecture for ERP and CRM applications
Industry: IT & Software Providers
Step Ahead develops ERP and CRM solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises and supports customers with a modular business platform for core business processes.
With increasing demands on stability, performance, security and scalability, Step Ahead required a modern and clearly structured infrastructure that would make the operation of its own application more reliable and support and complement internal resources. The aim was to create a future-proof platform that would simplify operations and ensure a consistent level of service.
Status quo
Step Ahead operated its environment on Microsoft Azure, connected via a Citrix infrastructure characterised by high operational and licensing complexity.
In particular, scaling requirements within the Citrix environment demanded increased operational effort and made the flexible further development of the platform increasingly challenging. At the same time, the multitude of technical dependencies led to a complex architecture, the operation, maintenance and scaling of which were only possible with a high level of coordination.
As the Citrix components could no longer be maintained or expanded internally, there was a need to re-architect the platform.
The aim of the modernisation was to free up resources previously tied up in the upkeep and maintenance of the hosting environment and to create a stable, clearly structured foundation for the future operation and further development of the ERP and CRM solutions.
The challenge
As part of the POC prior to the actual project, various migration strategies were evaluated jointly, including a traditional lift-and-shift approach.
Based on the architectural analysis, it was decided to structurally redesign the target platform in order to address existing dependencies in a sustainable manner and create a stable, scalable operational foundation.
In the course of the detailed technical analyses, it became apparent that individual components needed to be reassessed and properly coordinated. This led to an expansion of the scope and necessitated a clearly structured, redefined target architecture that ensures long-term stability and predictability.
The solution
CONVOTIS developed a completely new platform architecture that frees Step Ahead from its previous reliance on Citrix and brings about a lasting modernisation of its technical operations.
The infrastructure was completely rebuilt, including a new database cluster and a restructured domain architecture. Terminal servers and application servers were taken over following technical testing and integrated into the target system.
The entire environment was deployed in the CONVOTIS Cloud as a dedicated private cloud environment and operated completely independently. In addition to a dedicated FortiGate firewall, all existing customer systems are centrally monitored. Clear monitoring, incident and update processes ensure structured and transparent operations.
The structured re-deployment of the platform was implemented on a per-client basis. The technically necessary migration windows of 3 to 6 hours per client fell outside regular operating hours and did not result in any significant disruption to ongoing business operations.
This gives Step Ahead complete transparency and a clear separation of operational responsibility, independent of US-based hyperscaler models. The solution is operated in Germany and thus meets key requirements of German customers regarding data protection, control and regulatory frameworks. Operation, scaling and further development are clearly structured and can be planned for the long term.
The result
Step Ahead now operates on a clearly structured and stable platform without Citrix, with reduced licensing costs and significantly lower operational risk.
The modernised environment simplifies maintenance and scaling and creates a reliable foundation for secure, day-to-day operations. At the same time, server management and hosting have been successfully outsourced, allowing Step Ahead to focus in the long term on the further development of the ERP and CRM platforms as well as its own core business.
Step Ahead’s customers also benefit: applications respond more quickly, updates are carried out in a more controlled manner, and the overall stability of the solution has noticeably improved. At the same time, the burden on internal resources has been eased and technical dependencies significantly reduced. This has created the conditions for the targeted further development of the core business. The result is a future-proof platform that supports growth and service quality in the long term.
Technical
Highlights
Even complex projects can be summarised in clear technical terms. Key figures and distinctive features provide insight into the concrete implementation – measurable, tangible, and transparent.
- Replacement of the Citrix layer with a modern platform architecture
- Newly set up database cluster and central domain structure
- Terminal servers and application servers integrated into an optimised operating model
- Centralised management and update processes for simplified maintenance
- Comprehensive monitoring of all customer systems
- Clear network and security architecture
- Takeover of infrastructure operations under a managed service model
- Optimisation of licence and operating costs
The modernised cloud platform significantly streamlines our STEPS operations, reduces complexity and effort, and provides a reliable, future-proof technical foundation. For our customers, this means a more stable application, faster response times and a more consistent user experience overall.
Andreas Fresi, Managing Director of Step Ahead
Your IT Transformation starts here.
Let’s talk about your goals.
You’ve seen what’s possible – now let’s explore how we can make it happen for you. Whether you’re at the start of your digital journey or ready to take the next leap, our experts are here to help.