Customer Background
BG Phoenics GmbH is an IT service provider specializing in statutory accident insurance. They serve as the digitalization and IT partner for professional associations and accident insurance funds in Germany. Established in 2000, BG Phoenics has grown to over 650 employees and offers a comprehensive range of IT services. These services include digital workplaces, application development, and high-performance data center operations. Their clients include notable organizations such as BG BAU, BGN, BG RCI, and the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance).
Challenges
BG Phoenics faced significant challenges due to the high license fees associated with their IBM DB2 database systems. They managed 500 databases, with some reaching up to 2.5TB in size, and their mission-critical systems required high availability. Additionally, the licensing framework caused a lack of flexibility in their architecture, leading to complicated and lengthy deployment processes. These factors collectively contributed to a high total cost of ownership and operational inefficiencies.
Solutions
To address these issues, we proposed a migration to PostgreSQL, an open-source database system that would significantly reduce their total cost of ownership. The migration process was meticulously planned and executed in three phases: Analysis, Test, and Rollout. During the Analysis phase, BG Phoenics checked the required features and performed benchmarks to ensure PostgreSQL met their needs. In the Test phase, all mission-critical features, including core functionalities, high availability, backup, performance, and deployment, were rigorously tested. Finally, in the Rollout phase, the target systems were configured, the deployment was automated, a DevOps pipeline was created, the team was trained, and the systems were optimized for peak performance.
Implementation
The implementation process was a collaborative effort that involved high management attention and the expertise of a team of very experienced PostgreSQL specialists. The careful and thorough analysis ensured that all requirements were met, while detailed testing of all critical features guaranteed the reliability and performance of the new system. The agile and DevOps team collaboration facilitated a smooth transition and quick resolution of any issues that arose during the migration.
Results
The results of the migration were impressive. BG Phoenics experienced a substantial reduction in their database license fees, achieving an 80% cost reduction. The migration to PostgreSQL provided them with a cost-effective and scalable solution, allowing them to maintain high availability for their mission-critical systems and ensuring business continuity. The project also resulted in increased automation and the introduction of a cloud-ready architecture with containers and S3. This new setup enabled BG Phoenics to perform new database deployments in hours instead of weeks, significantly improving their operational efficiency.
Critical Success Factors
Several factors contributed to the success of this project. High management attention ensured that the project received the necessary support and resources. The careful and thorough analysis phase helped identify and address potential issues early on. The involvement of a team of very experienced PostgreSQL experts ensured that the migration was executed with precision. Detailed testing of all critical features guaranteed the reliability and performance of the new system. Finally, the agile and DevOps team collaboration facilitated a smooth and efficient implementation process.
Customer Feedback
BG Phoenics was extremely satisfied with the results, noting that the project exceeded all their expectations. The successful migration to PostgreSQL not only reduced their costs but also enhanced their operational flexibility and efficiency.