Transforming Cloud Operations with DevOps and GitOps
Improved automation and security in AWS cloud operations
A global automotive leader partnered with valantic to implement a scalable DevOps solution using Amazon ECS and GitOps, enhancing automation, security, and compliance in AWS cloud operations.
The challenge
A global automotive leader needed a scalable DevOps solution to enhance automation, security, and compliance in their AWS cloud operations, addressing inefficiencies and manual processes.
Consulting approach
valantic implemented a GitOps-based DevOps framework using Amazon ECS, integrating automated testing, security scanning, and containerized deployments to streamline cloud operations.
Customer benefits and solution
The solution enabled the customer to achieve faster deployments, improved security, and reduced manual effort, while ensuring compliance and scalability in their AWS environment.
About the company
The customer is a global leader in the automotive industry, renowned for innovation, quality, and performance. With a rich history spanning over a century, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of engineering and technology to deliver cutting-edge vehicles and mobility solutions. Their commitment to excellence extends across their entire value chain, from research and development to manufacturing and customer experience. As a pioneer in the automotive sector, the company focuses on sustainability, digitalization, and electrification to shape the future of mobility. They invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring their products meet the highest standards of quality and performance. With a global presence and a diverse portfolio of brands, the company serves customers worldwide, driving progress and innovation in the automotive industry.
The challenge
A global automotive leader faced significant challenges in optimizing their AWS cloud operations. Their existing processes were manual and time-consuming, leading to inefficiencies and delays in software deployments. The company needed a scalable DevOps solution to enhance automation, security, and compliance while ensuring seamless integration across their cloud infrastructure.
Manual processes
Inefficient and error-prone manual deployment processes
Security concerns
Ensuring the highest levels of security and compliance in a dynamic cloud environment
Scalability
Building a solution that could scale with the company’s growing needs and complex infrastructure
Up to 4
per release cycle due to manual processes
5
reported vulnerabilities in the previous year
Over 50%
of deployment tasks were performed manually
Consulting approach
valantic adopted a structured and collaborative consulting approach to address the customer’s challenges and deliver a tailored solution. The approach included the following key steps:
-
1
Assessment and Planning
- Conducted a thorough assessment of the customer’s existing cloud infrastructure, processes, and requirements.
- Defined clear project goals, scope, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Developed a detailed project plan, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
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2
Solution Design
- Designed a GitOps-based DevOps framework using Amazon ECS, leveraging AWS services for automation and scalability.
- Integrated best-in-class tools for automated testing, security scanning, and containerized deployments.
- Ensured the solution aligned with the customer’s security, compliance, and scalability requirements.
-
3
Implementation
- Set up the CI/CD environment using GitLab for code management, automated testing, and security checks.
- Implemented GitLab Runners for code analysis, security scanning (with SonarQube and WIZ), and container image creation.
- Configured Argo CD and Kargo for managing updates across development, testing, and production environments on Amazon EKS.
- Established strict access controls and security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance.
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4
Testing and Validation
- Conducted rigorous testing of the deployment framework to ensure reliability, security, and performance.
- Validated the solution against defined success criteria and made necessary adjustments.
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5
Training and Knowledge Transfer
- Provided comprehensive training to the customer’s teams on the new deployment framework, tools, and processes.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer sessions to ensure the customer’s teams could independently manage and optimize the solution.
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6
Continuous Improvement
- Established a feedback loop to continuously monitor and improve the deployment framework.
- Provided ongoing support and optimization to ensure the solution remained aligned with the customer’s evolving needs.
Solution approach
The implementation of the GitOps-based DevOps framework using Amazon ECS enabled the customer to achieve significant improvements in their cloud operations. The primary goal was to enhance automation, security, and compliance in the customer’s AWS cloud operations while ensuring scalability and efficiency.
The project involved a team of 15 experts from valantic and the customer, including cloud architects, DevOps engineers, and security specialists.
Technologies Used
- CI/CD Environment: GitLab for code management, automated testing, and security checks.
- Containerization: GitLab Container Registry for storing container images.
- Security Scanning: SonarQube for code analysis and WIZ for vulnerability scanning.
- Deployment Management: Argo CD and Kargo for managing updates across development, testing, and production environments on Amazon EKS.
Benefits for the customer
Faster deployments
Reduced release cycles by 50%, from 4 weeks to 2 weeks.
Enhanced Security
Implemented vulnerability scanning with WIZ, reducing security incidents by 80%.
Reduced manual effort
Automated deployments decreased manual intervention by 70%, allowing teams to focus on innovation.
Improved compliance
Structured and consistent deployment processes ensured adherence to regulatory requirements.
Scalability
The solution provided a scalable foundation for future growth, enabling the customer to easily integrate new technologies and adapt to changing business needs
Your Contact
Dr. Robert Klimke
Director Advanced Cloud Solutions
valantic