Published: 24 May 2023
Powering Ahead In A Cloud World With Scalable Automated Azure Landing Zone
Genesis has built a scalable Azure landing zone meeting government regulations, including IRAP, ISO/ISM27001, NZISM standards by using automation
Genesis is a leader in the generation and sale of energy in New Zealand. Whether it is electricity, solar or gas, Genesis aims to provide customers with options which are affordable, simple to use and put customers in control of their home or business's energy use.
To give customers the best possible energy experience, Genesis confidently challenge the status quo and understand how technology can shape better customer experiences.
Although Genesis had transitioned to a hybrid cloud model with Azure six years ago, this was done in an ad hoc way over time and alongside ageing on-premises infrastructure. Genesis identified the need to move to a modern cloud platform to support the latest innovative cloud technology and run modern apps.
Over time this ad hoc approach resulted in chaos. We had no framework to scale from, a total reliance on an IT team for development, and security weaknesses. Costs were also spiraling, both in terms of maintaining our legacy environment, and not being able to reap the full efficiencies of being in the cloud.
Deakin Wilson — Cloud & Infrastructure Platform Owner, Genesis
Challenge
Genesis identified the need to build a modern Azure platform which could support its technology environment in a secure, scalable, and standardised way going forward.
To take this strategic step, Genesis opted for LAB3's expertise in using automation to build modern Azure landing zones which could quickly provide unified organisational structures, improved cyber security, overcome blockers to internal innovation, provide better experiences for people, and allow Genesis to value-add sooner.
"Our desire is to democratise technology for employees and empower our people to innovate themselves without relying on our IT team. Our Modern Cloud is designed to support modern applications and ultimately improve online services for customers," said Deakin Wilson, Genesis, Cloud & Infrastructure Platform Owner.
The vision of Genesis to modernise in Azure covers both its IT and OT environments.
Approach
A key feature of LAB3 cloud services is using automation to build landing zones. This enables rapid deployment which is extensive and secure. Our services use ready-made modular components which cater to the holistic nature of an enterprise grade Azure Platform. These modular components are not only technical but also include workshops, design documents, and how-to guides, all paired with our code.
Automation takes out complexity and enables a low barrier of entry to the benefits of cloud services. Landing zones are built and designed to scale through the automation, without sacrificing security controls. This means Genesis can easily modernise in the cloud as the need arises and only consume services as they are required.
Impact
Genesis's new landing zone is compliant with government requirements and include cyber security measures which are consistent with ISO/ISM27001 and NZISM standards.
"Our new landing zone puts Genesis in a prime position to use the latest cloud technology in operational environments. With IoT and data analytics we can improve sustainability in the generation and supply of power, and also with infrastructure management," said Deakin Wilson.
As part of the deployment, LAB3 worked in tandem with Genesis to ensure its team was given opportunities to upskill in Azure, automation, and DevOps. This helped drive uptake and innovation at every stage.
"Utilizing the LAB3 approach has enabled Genesis to achieve a scalable, standardised and secure cloud mindset across the team, and improve technology cost management across the business," says Deakin Wilson. "One of the first initiatives we embarked on in our new environment was to build a model and template for a new website. Having done it once, we were then able to build 3 more websites inside two weeks."
Our ability to move with so much speed is one of the real benefits of moving to a modern cloud environment and infrastructure as code approach. Once we have built models and templates for an existing use case, we can move incredibly fast to version this for new use cases. That's just gold.
Deakin Wilson — Cloud & Infrastructure Platform Owner, Genesis