Service NSW charts course away from VMware’s container platform


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Brief Overview

  • Service NSW is migrating more than 200 digital offerings from VMware’s Tanzu Application Service to Red Hat OpenShift.
  • This transition is designed to tackle escalating costs and outdated issues tied to Tanzu.
  • After evaluating the market, Red Hat OpenShift on AWS (ROSA) was selected post a proof-of-concept phase.
  • The transition will be completely financed by savings, with an aim to cut the PaaS expenses by 75%.
  • The timeline for migration has been reduced from four years to two.

Reasons Behind Service NSW’s Platform Shift

Service NSW is undertaking a substantial technological overhaul, migrating its wide assortment of digital offerings from VMware’s Tanzu Application Service (TAS) to Red Hat OpenShift. This pivotal choice is prompted by changes in ownership and rising expenses related to TAS, which has seen various acquisitions over recent years, potentially resulting in legacy challenges and negotiation issues.

Service NSW CTO Suneetha Bodduluri.

Evaluating Options: The Selection of Red Hat OpenShift

CTO Suneetha Bodduluri emphasized that the transition is not merely a platform change but also an enhancement of capabilities. Red Hat OpenShift on AWS (ROSA) was chosen following an extensive market analysis. This decision was made after a six-to-eight-week proof-of-concept phase that reviewed 20 alternative solutions.

Financial Efficiency and Budgeting Tactics

The shift to Red Hat OpenShift is wholly financed through cost efficiencies, with Bodduluri forecasting a 75% reduction in the platform-as-a-service (PaaS) expenses. The prior TAS charges were notably high, nearing $13 million over three years. This transition to ROSA is expected to significantly lower these costs.

Speeding Up the Migration Schedule

The migration timeline has been hastened from an initial four years to a completion in just two. This swifter timeline is feasible due to the coordinated efforts of Red Hat, AWS, and Service NSW teams, facilitating a smoother transition.

Migration Approach and Implementation

The migration will involve transferring 10 to 20 digital products each quarter, beginning with the more challenging ones. This strategic method aims to encourage learning and adaptability, making the subsequent migrations simpler.

Conclusion

Service NSW’s transition from VMware’s Tanzu to Red Hat OpenShift represents a strategic initiative to manage costs and improve technological capabilities. With an emphasis on efficiency and teamwork, the agency is ready to notably decrease its PaaS expenditures and accomplish the transition in a contracted timeframe.

Reader questions

Frequently asked questions

Fast answers to the questions readers ask most about Service NSW charts course away from VMware's container platform.

Why is Service NSW departing from Tanzu Application Service?

The choice is influenced by increasing costs and possible legacy issues linked to the platform, leading the agency to seek out more economical and powerful alternatives.

To which platform is Service NSW migrating?

Service NSW is moving to Red Hat OpenShift on AWS, referred to as ROSA.

How is the transition to Red Hat OpenShift financed?

The migration is entirely funded through the savings realized by moving away from the pricier Tanzu platform.

What cost savings are anticipated from the transition?

The agency expects to cut its PaaS expenses by 75%, significantly reducing operational costs.

What is the duration of the migration?

The migration timeline has been cut down from four years to two, aided by effective collaboration between Red Hat, AWS, and Service NSW teams.

How is the migration process being carried out?

The migration is taking place in stages, with 10 to 20 digital products being transitioned each quarter, starting with the more complex ones.

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *