Tag: Amazon CloudWatch

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AWs Storage Services Case Studies

Case Study | NSpira’s Data Revolution: Building a Resilient Student Data Management Platform with AWS and Oracle RAC

  • Post author By GoDgtl
  • Post date

NSpira, a prominent educational institution, encountered a pressing issue in effectively overseeing the expansion of its student data. The existing backup solution hosted on AWS struggled to cope with the rising requirements of their student database. In pursuit of a resilient and expandable remedy, NSpira collaborated with GoDgtl, a technology consulting firm, to initiate a transformative expedition.

The Challenge

NSpira encountered several pressing challenges in managing its student data:

  • Scaling for Growth: NSpira’s student population was rapidly expanding, pushing its existing platform beyond its capacity, and causing performance bottlenecks.
  • Degrading Performance: Slow response times were undermining NSpira’s commitment to provide seamless services to students and staff, negatively impacting their user experience.
  • Data Security and Backup: While the previous AWS backup solution provided data backup, it lacked comprehensive data integrity measures and a robust backup strategy to ensure availability in case of failure.

The Solution

Collaborating with NSpira, GoDgtl devised a comprehensive solution that addressed these challenges and positioned NSpira for future success. FlashGrid Cluster solves the network and storage requirements for running Oracle RAC on AWS while making it easy to deploy with a CloudFormation template.

  • Oracle RAC Deployment: GoDgtl recommended implementing Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) on AWS. This architecture provided the scalability and high availability of the database required to manage NSpira’s student data effectively.
  • FlashGrid Integration: FlashGrid, a software-defined storage solution, was chosen to simplify the deployment of Oracle RAC on AWS. This streamlined performance optimization and eased management complexities. It allows to deployment of infrastructure-as-a-code.
  • AWS Service Integration:
    1. AWS Key Management Service (KMS): To address data security concerns, AWS KMS was integrated to manage encryption keys, ensuring data protection both at rest and in transit.
    2. Amazon S3: Amazon S3 became the storage backbone, offering efficient, durable, and highly available data storage for student records and backups.
    3. Elastic Load Balancing (ELB): ELB was utilized to distribute incoming traffic among instances, enhancing the availability and fault tolerance of the platform.
    4. AWS Config: By incorporating AWS Config, NSpira gained insights into changes in resources and configurations, ensuring compliance and minimizing configuration drift risks.
    5. AWS RDS: The RDS service helped to automate database tasks and remove inefficient and time-consuming database administrative tasks.
    6. Amazon CloudWatch: CloudWatch was configured to continuously monitor performance metrics, enabling proactive identification and resolution of performance bottlenecks.
    7. AWS CloudTrail: AWS CloudTrail provided audit logs of all actions taken on the platform, bolstering security and accountability.
    8. Amazon Inspector: To strengthen security, Amazon Inspector automatically assessed vulnerabilities and recommended remediation actions.
      • Other AWS security services like KMS, Security Hub, and Guard Duty were used for continuous monitoring of the entire infrastructure.
    9. OpenVPN Implementation: GoDgtl implemented OpenVPN, a robust open-source VPN solution, to enhance security for remote access to NSpira’s websites, applications, and database systems. This ensured that authorized personnel could securely access the Oracle RAC cluster and other resources from external locations while maintaining data privacy.
    10. Amazon Route 53 Implementation: To ensure seamless and reliable access to the Oracle RAC cluster, GoDgtl set up Amazon Route 53 for DNS management. This allowed NSpira’s applications to dynamically resolve the database endpoints, ensuring high availability and efficient load distribution.
    11. AWS VPC Setup: The solution incorporated site to site AWS VPC to isolate and secure the Oracle RAC cluster within a virtual private network. VPC enabled NSpira to define network boundaries, control inbound and outbound traffic, and implement security measures like network ACLs and security groups.
    12. Amazon VPC and EC2: Amazon VPC provided a secure and isolated environment, while Amazon EC2 instances hosted the Oracle RAC architecture.
    13. AWS Directory Service: AWS Directory services was deployed to manage users, groups, and resources depending upon the Availability Zones.

Implementation:

NSpira’s student data was carefully migrated to the new Oracle RAC architecture. This architecture was hosted on Amazon EC2 instances within a secure Amazon VPC environment.

An advanced backup strategy was implemented, utilizing Amazon S3 for regular automated backups and incremental backups to ensure data availability in the event of failures.

AWS KMS was integrated to manage encryption keys, ensuring data remained secure throughout its lifecycle. Amazon Inspector conducted regular security assessments, identifying, and addressing vulnerabilities.

Amazon CloudWatch was set up to monitor performance metrics continuously, providing real-time insights for prompt identification and resolution of potential performance bottlenecks.

Results

  • Scalability Achieved: The integration of AWS services with the Oracle RAC architecture enabled NSpira’s platform to scale seamlessly, accommodating the growing student database without compromising performance.
  • Enhanced Performance: The Oracle RAC architecture, coupled with performance monitoring using Amazon CloudWatch, led to significant improvements in response times, enhancing the overall user experience.
  • Security and Compliance Assured: The integration of AWS KMS, CloudTrail, and Inspector ensured robust data security, compliance with regulations, and proactive identification of vulnerabilities.
  • Reliable Backup and Recovery: The advanced backup strategy utilizing Amazon S3 facilitated secure data backup and rapid recovery, minimizing downtime risks and ensuring data availability.

About GoDgtl

GoDgtl by PruTech is an Advanced Consulting Partner of AWS. Through our innovative and customized cloud services, we help our customers to design, architect, build, migrate, and manage their workloads and applications on cloud, accelerating their journey to the cloud. We offer cost-effective and secure cloud solutions through the effective implementation of the latest cloud technologies and processes that are highly scalable and compatible with changing market demands.

Our cloud managed services are offered through a holistic approach to the cloud

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AWs Storage Services Case Studies

Case Study | Empowering Storage Solutions: VRetail’s Centralized Hub with AWS

  • Post author By GoDgtl
  • Post date

VRetail Pvt. Ltd. is a leading fashion and footwear brand having its stores spread across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

VRetail is spread across 30 stores in India. Before approaching GoDgtl they were facing major challenges in maintaining the data stored on their on-premises servers. They were looking for a reliable partner who can provide an efficient auto backup solution for their crucial data.

GoDgtl suggested Amazon Web Services to the client to migrate their legacy data from on-premises to AWS for their 30 stores across India.

The Challenge

VRetail boasts a significant presence with 30 operational stores spread across various regions in India. Nevertheless, the absence of a centralized repository proved to be a substantial hurdle in terms of information management. Vital data, integral to the company’s operations, was scattered across these numerous locations, resulting in a fragmented landscape that hindered efficient access and timely analysis.

The consequence of this fragmented data approach was evident in the allocation of valuable time and resources. The process of manually gathering and organizing the dispersed information demanded considerable effort from the team. This not only consumed precious resources but also delayed the availability of essential insights crucial for informed decision-making.

In essence, the lack of a centralized repository not only complicated data access but also had a tangible impact on the organization’s ability to respond swiftly and strategically. The accumulation of inefficiencies resulting from data fragmentation impeded the company’s potential to harness its data for proactive and informed decision-making.

The Solution

In the process of exploring suitable cloud solutions, VRetail embarked on a journey of consideration among several key players in the cloud market. It was during this phase that GoDgtl by Prutech proposed a strategic shift towards AWS services, introducing the concept of a centralized data repository.

The initial step involved migrating client data to Amazon S3, an acclaimed cloud storage service by Amazon. This migration brought to the forefront the scalability, data availability, performance enhancements, and an advanced layer of security through Amazon Maice for Data Loss Prevention.

To ensure a comprehensive approach to data management and security, an ingenious auto backup system was established for all 30 stores. This system seamlessly transfers data to the cloud through our internally crafted scripts, effectively minimizing costs while maximizing data security.

GoDgtl’s provision of nearly 1TB storage space paved the way for effortless scalability, effectively catering to the evolving needs of VRetail’s expanding operations. Amazon S3’s professional and efficient storage solution guarantees unhindered data accessibility and optimal data management, serving as a backbone for the organization’s data operations.

In the event of application or system failures, the implementation of Amazon S3 was further reinforced by Amazon EC2. This strategic move ensured not only scalability but also eliminated the necessity of investing in new hardware. By leveraging Amazon VPC, an isolated network was established, enabling enhanced security configuration and network management.

The inclusion of Amazon CloudWatch and CloudTrail played a pivotal role in logging and monitoring user activities and resource actions, providing comprehensive insights and facilitating resource tracking.

To facilitate seamless data transfer, AWS CLI (Command Line Interface) services were adeptly integrated, enabling the swift upload of large files to the cloud.

The cumulative implementation of these AWS Storage services culminated in the creation of a robust and dependable backup system for VRetail. This transformative transition ensures data integrity, accessibility, and resilience, amplifying VRetail’s operational strength in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Results & Benefits

GoDgtl orchestrated the seamless backup of data from the client’s 30 stores onto Amazon S3, facilitated by the strategic integration of the Amazon auto backup solution. Further expanding on this initiative, we successfully established a robust data backup mechanism, enabling seamless synchronization between AWS and their desktop systems.

The resultant benefits of this endeavor are noteworthy:

  • Holistic Data Migration: The entire transition of on-premise data to the AWS cloud was meticulously executed, ensuring a comprehensive migration process.
  • Centralized Repository: By successfully implementing these strategies, a centralized repository was established, bringing all dispersed data under a single, cohesive umbrella.
  • Scalability Empowered: The AWS cloud environment provided a dynamic platform for scaling operations, accommodating the client’s growing needs without constraints.
  • Security Fortified with DLP: The application of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) techniques fortified data security, assuring stringent safeguards against potential breaches.
  • Enhanced Performance and Data Management: Effective data management strategies were deployed, resulting in heightened data performance and streamlined operations.
  • Optimized Costs: The implementation yielded not only data management optimization but also considerable cost savings.

This concerted effort by GoDgtl marks a significant milestone in fortifying the client’s data ecosystem, ultimately driving efficiency, security, and strategic growth.

About GoDgtl

GoDgtl by PruTech is an Advanced Consulting Partner of AWS. Through our innovative and customized cloud services, we help our customers to design, architect, build, migrate, and manage their workloads and applications on cloud, accelerating their journey to the cloud. We offer cost-effective and secure cloud solutions through the effective implementation of the latest cloud technologies and processes that are highly scalable and compatible with changing market demands.

Our cloud managed services are offered through a holistic approach to the cloud

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AWS Web Application Firewall Blog

Keep a check on Vulnerabilities in your system through AWS WAF

In today’s era of rapid digitalization, ensuring the protection of digital assets has become paramount. To counter the escalating threats, organizations must establish a formidable defense mechanism. AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF) stands as a robust arsenal, shielding web applications from prevalent vulnerabilities and exploits.

Understanding AWS WAF:

AWS WAF serves as a web application firewall, shielding applications and APIs from a broad spectrum of attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Applications often serve as the gateway to valuable data and thus are a prime target for breaches. AWS WAF empowers users to define rules that scrutinize and filter incoming HTTP and HTTPS requests. It seamlessly integrates with CloudFront, API Gateway, AppSync, and the Application Load Balancer (ALB) services, which deliver content for websites and applications. AWS WAF offers managed rules, pre-configured to shield applications against OWASP, bots, and common vulnerabilities.

Implementing AWS WAF for Vulnerability Checks:

  • Create a Web ACL: Begin by crafting a Web Access Control (Web ACL) within the AWS WAF console. This container houses rules dictating how AWS filters incoming requests to the web application.
  • Enable AWS Managed Rules: AWS WAF furnishes an array of pre-configured managed rules that safeguard applications from prevalent vulnerabilities. Enable pertinent managed rules aligned with your specific requirements. These rules, designed and maintained by security experts, receive regular updates to address emerging threats, enhancing security without manual intervention.
  • Custom Rule Creation: In addition to AWS Managed rules, users can devise custom rules tailored to their application’s distinct demands. These rules allow the definition of specific conditions and actions for request filtering.
  • Logging and Monitoring: Vital to enable logging and monitoring within the AWS WAF account to maintain a comprehensive overview of potential vulnerabilities. Capturing detailed request information—allowed, blocked, or counted—can be sent to Amazon CloudWatch or an Amazon S3 bucket for analysis and monitoring.
  • Integration with AWS Services: AWS WAF seamlessly merges with other AWS services, empowering users to further fortify their security stance. When combined with Amazon CloudFront, a global content delivery network, AWS WAF guards web applications against DDoS attacks and SQL injections. Integration with AWS Lambda facilitates automated response actions based on predefined conditions, such as request blocking or notifications.
  • Regular Updates: AWS WAF offers notifications and advisories to keep users informed about new threats and rule updates. Regularly reviewing and updating AWS WAF rules allows adherence to evolving security best practices. Monitoring traffic and analyzing logs identifies potential vulnerabilities, upholding an effective defense.
  • Test and Validate: Post AWS WAF implementation, rigorously test and validate its efficacy. Employ penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to uncover potential weaknesses and ensure the desired protection.

Conclusion:

Following the aforementioned steps enables effective implementation of AWS WAF for vulnerability checks, safeguarding web applications against common threats. Protecting web applications remains an ongoing endeavor, and AWS WAF provides a comprehensive solution to bolster defenses. Through AWS WAF’s managed and custom rules, coupled with logging, monitoring, and integration with AWS services, organizations can maintain robust security and vigilance over potential vulnerabilities.

GoDgtl by Prutech, an AWS Advanced Consulting partner, extends tailored AWS WAF services worldwide. Our expert services ensure cloud and application security, upholding data integrity and compliance.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive in the cloud era. Contact 24/7 – GoDgtl (go-dgtl.in).