AWS Cloud Migration & Infrastructure Modernization
This case study explores how Closeloop migrated Ithos’s fragmented and insecure on-prem infrastructure to a scalable AWS cloud architecture by standardizing systems implementing secure and resilient infrastructure and optimizing performance resulting in 30% cost reduction improved disaster recovery enhanced security and a flexible foundation for scalable growth.
ITHOS Information Network is a prominent provider of regulatory compliance software and services catering to the cosmetic, personal care, and chemical industries — helping organizations effectively manage and navigate intricate global regulations and product compliance requirements.
Initially, the IIN was hosted on a single dedicated physical server. As the customer base expanded and data volumes grew, the infrastructure scaled to six physical servers, each responsible for hosting different modules of the IIN — creating significant challenges around standardization, security, scalability, and operational costs.
Recognizing the need for a reliable partner with expertise in building secure, sustainable cloud-based systems, ITHOS teamed up with Closeloop Technologies to migrate the IIN to AWS Cloud using a Lift-and-Shift strategy — proposing a new cloud-native architecture while minimizing source code changes.
Shortcomings of the Initial Infrastructure
The initial structure of the IIN had several notable shortcomings that posed obstacles to the efficient functioning of the compliance system — making a cloud migration not just beneficial, but necessary.
Lack of Standardization
The absence of a unified standard for the IIN infrastructure made it challenging for different systems to communicate seamlessly, creating integration friction across modules.
Security Vulnerabilities
The existing infrastructure was susceptible to various security threats, including data breaches and cyberattacks, putting sensitive regulatory and compliance data at risk.
Operational Complexity
The complexity of managing six physical servers for different modules created significant operational difficulties, leading to errors, inefficiencies, and high maintenance overhead.
Scalability Limitations
Adding more SaaS customers required spinning up new physical servers, making scalability cumbersome and costly — a critical barrier to growth in a rapidly expanding market.
No Disaster Recovery
The absence of disaster recovery systems made it extremely challenging to recover from potential data loss or outages, posing a serious risk to business continuity and client trust.
High Infrastructure Costs
Maintaining six physical servers incurred high costs both in terms of hardware investment and ongoing maintenance, straining operational budgets without proportional returns.
AWS-Based Scalable Architecture
Closeloop's DevOps and SysOps team collaborated closely with ITHOS to successfully migrate the IIN solution to AWS, providing end-to-end support across three core service areas.
Migration Services
Closeloop played a key role in facilitating ITHOS's data and application migration to AWS Cloud. This encompassed assessing ITHOS's existing infrastructure, devising a comprehensive migration plan, and effectively executing the migration process.
Leveraging tools such as AWS Snowball, AWS Import/Export, and AWS DataSync, Closeloop seamlessly migrated ITHOS's data and applications to AWS Cloud with minimal disruption.
Development & Consulting
Closeloop offered valuable consulting services to ITHOS, guiding them on how to optimally leverage AWS Cloud's capabilities. This included recommending suitable architectural approaches, optimizing performance, and implementing robust security best practices.
Closeloop's consultants worked closely with ITHOS to design a cloud-native architecture that capitalizes on the scalability, elasticity, and security features of AWS — using AWS RDS for databases, MongoDB Atlas, and EC2 for application hosting.
Managed Services
Closeloop offers comprehensive managed services to ITHOS on AWS Cloud, encompassing the monitoring and maintenance of ITHOS's applications, efficient management of AWS resources, and round-the-clock 24/7 support.
Ongoing support and maintenance for the IIN solution solidifies Closeloop's long-term commitment to ITHOS's continued success and operational stability.
AWS Cloud Architecture
The proposed architecture aligns with the Lift-and-Shift migration strategy — one of the industry's migration standards — using AWS RDS for MySQL and MSSQL databases, MongoDB Atlas for MongoDB, and EC2 for hosting all applications.
Tech Stack
MongoDB Atlas
AWS
S3 Buckets
Engagement at a Glance
Measurable Impact
As a result of the AWS migration, ITHOS successfully transitioned its operations to the cloud, leading to measurable benefits across cost, performance, security, and scalability.
30%
Reduced Infrastructure Costs
Pay-as-you-go AWS pricing lowered overall IT spending.
70%
Disaster Recovery Time
Reduced recovery time objective (RTO) through automated backups and failover configuration.
2x
Without Infrastructure Expansion
Enabled seamless user growth with AWS auto-scaling and load-balanced architecture.
30%
Reduction in IT Costs
AWS pay-as-you-go pricing allowed ITHOS to only pay for the resources utilized.
99.9%
Uptime & Reliability
Enhanced disaster recovery via AWS Backup and AWS Site Recovery ensures business continuity.
100%
Scalability Achieved
New SaaS customers onboard effortlessly without spinning up physical servers.
3x
New AWS Features Unlocked
Access to AWS Lambda, Rekognition, and Lex — significantly enhancing IIN capabilities.
Business Impact and Results
Beyond the migration itself, Closeloop's strategic partnership enabled ITHOS to achieve its core business objectives — with lasting benefits across cost, security, scalability, and innovation.
Reduced Infrastructure Costs
ITHOS experienced a remarkable 30% reduction in IT costs through AWS's pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the need to maintain costly physical server hardware.
Improved Disaster Recovery
ITHOS's information network now boasts enhanced resilience against disasters, thanks to AWS Backup and AWS Site Recovery — ensuring data protection and minimal downtime.
Increased Scalability
Leveraging AWS Cloud's highly scalable nature, ITHOS can effortlessly expand its operations to accommodate growing SaaS customer demands without hardware investment.
Improved Security
Closeloop implemented AWS Shield and Web Application Firewall, instilling confidence in ITHOS regarding the safety of its sensitive regulatory and compliance data.
Access to New Features
ITHOS gained access to AWS Lambda, AWS Rekognition, and Amazon Lex — powerful services previously unavailable on their platform — significantly enhancing the IIN solution.
Standardized Infrastructure
A unified, cloud-native architecture replaced the fragmented six-server setup, enabling seamless inter-module communication and simplified infrastructure management.
Explore the complete journey from problem to results—backed by real data and insights.
Client Value & Feedback
Client feedback reflects not just satisfaction with technical execution but appreciation for the strategic partnership and business outcomes achieved.
"Closeloop's expertise in cloud migration was exceptional. They seamlessly transitioned our complex six-server infrastructure to AWS with minimal disruption — delivering a 30% reduction in IT costs and a platform that finally scales with our growth."
— CTO, ITHOS Information Network