In a landmark transformation, DXC Technology has overhauled the data center infrastructure of Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV), a Dutch federal agency responsible for providing social benefits to approximately 2 million citizens annually. This extensive update, one of the largest in the Netherlands, was executed without disrupting UWV’s ongoing operations. The transformation brought significant reductions in IT operational costs and marked a critical shift to a private cloud and container environment. As part of this comprehensive project, DXC’s expertise and innovation were pivotal in reshaping UWV’s technology landscape to better meet future demands.
The Beginning of a New Era
The transformation journey began in 2019 when DXC Technology replaced IBM, which had managed UWV’s data centers since 2005. DXC secured an impressive up to 14-year IT modernization contract, which included relocating UWV’s data center by mid-2023. This ambitious task was completed within the set timeframe, showcasing DXC’s commitment and efficiency. Key services provided by DXC included hosting services, technical application management, digital transformation, and security services. DXC’s strong partner ecosystem, automation capabilities, technology-agnostic approach, and impressive references played a crucial role in UWV’s decision to choose DXC for this monumental task. By ensuring a seamless transition, DXC successfully maintained UWV’s high standards of service throughout the process.
Hosting Services and Technical Application Management
In collaboration with Equinix Inc., DXC provided data center services from multiple locations in the Netherlands. The new hosting platform featured a private cloud with automated building blocks and robust security measures, ensuring a seamless transition and enhancing operational efficiency. The modernized hosting environment facilitated faster development and deployment of solutions while maintaining stringent security protocols. For technical application management, DXC partnered with CGI Inc. and VX Company to manage the technical aspects of UWV’s business applications. This collaboration ensured that the applications operated smoothly on the new hosting platform, further enhancing the agency’s operational capabilities. Through this integrated approach, DXC and its partners delivered a cohesive solution that met UWV’s complex requirements.
Digital Transformation and Security Enhancements
Digital transformation was a cornerstone of DXC’s approach to modernizing UWV’s infrastructure. DXC undertook the task of updating and modernizing UWV’s digital infrastructure and systems, transitioning them to a private cloud. This pivotal shift significantly enhanced UWV’s agility and innovation capacity, allowing for rapid development, testing, and deployment of solutions. The introduction of advanced digital tools and methodologies enabled UWV to streamline its processes and improve service delivery to citizens. Security was a top priority in this transformation, as DXC introduced numerous security solutions previously unavailable to UWV. These enhancements prepared UWV to respond adeptly to the evolving threat landscape, ensuring the safety and integrity of its systems and data. By implementing comprehensive security measures, DXC fortified UWV’s defenses against cyber threats, enabling a resilient and secure operational environment.
The Greenfield Data Center Approach
A critical component of DXC’s plan was the installation of a greenfield data center. Instead of migrating the old virtual servers, DXC opted for a fresh setup, building the infrastructure from the ground up. Although this approach was time-intensive, it was deemed the most effective for the long run, ensuring a robust and future-proof infrastructure. Peter Nootenboom, account executive at DXC Technology, highlighted that the program, known as VeDaT, was one of the most intricate he had witnessed in his 39-year career in the IT industry. The collaborative efforts of all involved parties were pivotal to this accomplishment, ensuring a transition marked by no significant incidents and high stability. The success of this approach exemplified DXC’s ability to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to UWV’s needs.
Benefits and Positive Outcomes
Post-transformation, UWV experienced enhanced efficiency facilitated by standardized and automated hosting building blocks that streamlined application development and testing. This new environment made it easier to modernize custom applications, allowing for rapid development, testing, and deployment of solutions. The private cloud based on DXC’s digital platform ecosystem augmented UWV’s agility and innovation capacity, further propelling the agency’s technological advancement. Improved security posture was another remarkable benefit, with DXC introducing numerous security solutions and services previously unavailable to UWV. Enhanced measures prepared UWV to respond adeptly to the evolving threat landscape. By leveraging these advancements, UWV significantly improved its operational cost efficiency while enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens.
Future Prospects and Innovations
DXC Technology has accomplished a significant milestone by revamping the data center infrastructure of Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV), a major Dutch federal agency that provides social benefits to about 2 million citizens each year. This large-scale transformation is one of the most extensive in the Netherlands and was completed seamlessly without interrupting UWV’s daily operations. The overhaul brought substantial reductions in IT operational costs and marked a pivotal transition to a private cloud and container environment. The project’s success highlights DXC’s expertise and innovative approach, which played a crucial role in modernizing UWV’s technology framework to better address future needs. This comprehensive upgrade not only reflects DXC’s dedication to excellence but also ensures that UWV is well-equipped with a more agile and efficient technological foundation, thereby strengthening its ability to meet the demands of the citizens it serves.