Enabling 2,000 Users with Large-Scale VDI and Cloud Migration for Leading US Retailer

Client Profile

A leading retail chain with a significant presence in the Midwestern United States. They were utilizing a Horizon VDI environment. 

Challenges

• Transitioning 2000 users from the client’s current Horizon VDI environment to Horizon on Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE).
• The client needed to migrate quickly to avoid renewing its MSP contract with its previous vendor, transitioning from Horizon on IBM to GCVE in a tight timeframe.
• The project required setting up three Horizon environments (two production and one UAT) and deploying 37 applications, including critical tools like Crowdstrike Antivirus and Power BI.

Anunta’s Solution

Anunta successfully led the deployment of a robust Horizon infrastructure on Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE), ensuring high availability for the client’s needs.

Here’s how we addressed the challenges:

• Anunta worked closely with Google to build the GCVE Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) and coordinated with MCPC (Managed Cloud and Professional Services), the client’s new managed service provider, to ensure seamless support during and after the migration process.
• We upgraded critical components, including Workspace ONE (WS1) connectors and AppVolumes Managers, and deployed Horizon based on a proven reference architecture to ensure optimal performance.
• Anunta went beyond the initial scope by providing valuable services, such as detailed Horizon architecture diagrams and additional Instant Clone images, ensuring a stable and scalable VDI environment for the client.
• We met the tight project deadline by successfully setting up the Horizon infrastructure and completing the migration of all 2000 users on time.

Key Benefits

• Successful migration of 2000 users to the new GCVE platform within the deadline.
• Cost savings with a more efficient cloud-based VDI infrastructure.
• Improved scalability, with plans for Instant Clone deployment for better user performance.
• Enhanced Anunta’s visibility in the Google Cloud ecosystem, positioning it for future opportunities.
• Ongoing support ensures optimized performance and a seamless handover to MCPC for continued management.