Data Center Modernization

Keeping It Simple - Tackling A Monstrous Task

A major federal utility needed to make some IT improvements. It simply wanted to refine its IT infrastructure life-cycle management by completely re-engineering 15 legacy environments to work as 11 new environments each operating under new SLAs. Obviously, this was no simple task.

The $50 million program was set to modernize the utility’s IT systems making them simpler, driving down costs, increasing service and extending the life of existing data centers. It was a big project encompassing 15 teams with 50+ members each. But no matter how big the task, no matter how complex the road to success, it all comes down to people. And, in this case, people weren’t talking to each another. Many of the teams were missing project managers and, as a result, missing their goals and deliverables. With so much happening on so many different levels, it was clear that the project needed help getting back on track.

ACME initially worked to align teams with their goals, and to give them a clear, critical goal. This allowed the entire program to re-prioritize and refocus. Through planning and project definition, ACME turned one big, overwhelming project, into eight separate, more manageable projects. We then helped the client set up an overall program structure, reporting approach, sponsor teams, timelines and milestones. A more structured approach got things done on time and in order according the plan. We were even able to help the client make the case for more funding, bringing the project’s budget up to an appropriate level.

What was a failing project now had a reboot. With ACME’s project management, the effort resulted in a well-structured program, coordinating activities across the board and across a wide array of personnel. Through communication and clearly defined goals, two of the eight projects have already gone live and the rest are scheduled for on-time implementation. All with improved efficiency, cost savings, standardization and process streamlining in tow. It almost makes it sound simple.