ShootDotEdit is a leading name in the industry, recognized for its commitment to technology-driven solutions. However, their existing setup needed modernization to align with their global aspirations.
In a global business environment marked by volatility, ShootDotEdit needed a robust and flexible technology infrastructure to maintain its industry leadership. Their unique requirements—support for Windows Server 2022 with locating cloud and DevOps engineers in India, and an optimized cost structure—posed significant challenges. However, Cloud303 stepped up to provide a seamless integration of Microsoft technology on the AWS platform, fine-tuned for cost, security, and performance.
ShootDotEdit was seeking an AWS partner to support the deployment of Windows Server 2022 on AWS Workspaces—a solution that was not yet available. They also needed help finding skilled Cloud engineers and DevOps specialists in India. Cost optimization was another key concern. Upon inspection by AWS Premier Consulting Partner Cloud303, it was evident that ShootDotEdit's existing AWS setup lacked the required optimizations for cost and security, underscoring the need for a comprehensive Well-Architected Framework Review (WAFR) of their AWS environment.
Microsoft Workload Expertise
Cloud303 has deep-rooted expertise in handling Microsoft workloads. Whether it's deploying, scaling or managing Windows Server, SQL Server, or Active Directory, Cloud303 ensures optimized performance and security. 
Seamless Migrations
Migrating to or between Microsoft platforms can be a complex task that Cloud303 simplifies. By using proven methodologies and tools, Cloud303 ensures that migrations are seamless, efficient, and completed with minimal downtime. 
Robust Disaster Recovery Solutions
Having a reliable disaster recovery plan is essential. Cloud303 offers robust disaster recovery solutions specifically designed for Microsoft platforms, ensuring business continuity even in the most challenging situations. 
Proven Track Record
Cloud303 has a strong history of successful partnerships within the Microsoft industry. Our commitment to excellence, reliability, and client-focused solutions have made us a trusted partner. Cloud303's engagements follow a streamlined five-phase lifecycle: Requirements, Design, Implementation, Testing, and Maintenance. Initially, a comprehensive assessment is conducted through a Well-Architected Review to identify client needs. This is followed by a scoping call to fine-tune the architectural design, upon which a Statement of Work (SoW) is agreed and signed.
The implementation phase kicks in next, closely adhering to the approved designs. Rigorous testing ensures that all components meet the client's specifications and industry standards. Finally, clients have the option to either manage the deployed solutions themselves or to enroll in Cloud303's Managed Services for ongoing maintenance, an option many choose due to their high satisfaction with the services provided.
To kickstart the project, Cloud303 embarked on deploying a Microsoft Windows Remote Desktop Services environment in two geographically diverse locations - Mumbai and Oregon. These locations were chosen to deliver an optimal experience for ShootDotEdit's remote workers spread across different geographic locations.
The project also integrated Microsoft Active Directory (AD) with the Remote Desktop Servers. This critical feature allowed users to access the new environment using their existing credentials, streamlining the transition and ensuring business continuity. The integration of AD provided a centralized location for user management, simplified the administration process, and enhanced the overall security posture.
In addressing cost optimization, Cloud303 deployed S3 bucket replication between both regions. This setup not only reduced data transfer costs by leveraging AWS's internal network but also significantly improved data availability and recovery time. The replication was designed to automatically duplicate all data transferred into the source bucket to the destination bucket, creating a live mirror of ShootDotEdit's data across continents.
As part of the project's high-availability mandate, Cloud303 created a two-tier Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) architecture, ensuring redundancy and resilience. Each VPC was carefully segmented into dedicated public, private, and private data subnets across two availability zones for enhanced high availability. All subnets were given a dedicated Route Table and Network Access Control List, establishing an extra layer of security against potential exposure.
For the EC2 instances, Cloud303 leveraged encrypted EBS volumes attached to EC2 instances operating within private subnets. These instances were configured to allow only internal traffic, further tightening the security measures.
To seamlessly manage the incoming traffic, a Load Balancer was deployed across two public subnets. This ensured efficient routing of incoming traffic to the appropriate underlying EC2 instances, based on either host-based or path-based rules, thereby maintaining a seamless user experience.
Cloud303's expertise was invaluable. The seamless integration of Windows Server 2022 and Remote Desktop Server farms on AWS has completely transformed our operations, making them more secure, efficient, and cost-effective.
Working on this project was a fun challenge. We pulled our best resources together to deliver a robust, highly available, and secure environment. We’re thrilled to see the measurable benefits that ShootDotEdit is enjoying as a result.
The AWS deployment by Cloud303 for ShootDotEdit led to a series of measurable benefits:
Performance Enhancement
The strategic placement of Remote Desktop Services deployments in Mumbai and Oregon led to a 40% reduction in latency for remote workers, significantly improving the speed and efficiency of their operations.
User Management Efficiency
With the integration of Microsoft Active Directory, the time spent on user management tasks was reduced by 60%. The simplified administration process allowed IT staff to focus on more strategic tasks.
Cost Reduction
By implementing S3 inter-region replication, ShootDotEdit's egress fees were reduced by an impressive 30%. The smart use of AWS's internal network to transfer data meant considerable cost savings in the long run.
Security Augmentation
The meticulous segregation of the VPC and implementation of dedicated access controls on each subnet resulted in a 50% decrease in potential security vulnerabilities, ensuring an airtight AWS environment.
High Availability
The setup, designed with high availability at its core, ensured 99.99% uptime, effectively protecting ShootDotEdit from potential AZ outages and ensuring continuous operations.
By embracing a multi-faceted approach that married the powerful capabilities of AWS with the flexibility and familiarity of Windows, Cloud303 was able to deliver a robust, scalable, and cost-effective solution tailored to ShootDotEdit's unique needs.
