Automotive Parts Distributor Modernizes IT Infrastructure with Storage Optimization and Container Platform Implementation
A national automotive parts distribution company with multi-location operations engaged CONVX across multiple technology initiatives to modernize their IT infrastructure.
A global automotive parts distributor · client anonymized · Managed Services · Enterprise engagement · 3 min read
Client Overview
A national automotive parts distribution company with multi-location operations engaged CONVX across multiple technology initiatives to modernize their IT infrastructure. The engagements progressed from storage system optimization to a comprehensive OpenShift container platform implementation, reflecting the client's journey toward modern application delivery and operational efficiency.
Business Challenge
The client faced infrastructure challenges common to growing distribution companies with legacy IT investments:
Aging Storage Infrastructure: The company's Dell EMC VNX storage systems required expert assessment and optimization to ensure reliable performance for business-critical distribution applications. Internal teams lacked the specialized storage expertise needed to properly configure and maintain these systems.
Application Modernization Needs: Legacy application deployment methods using traditional VM-based infrastructure created slow release cycles, inconsistent environments, and limited scalability for the company's growing digital operations.
Identity and Access Governance: As the organization grew, managing user access across systems became increasingly complex, requiring centralized identity management integrated with modern application platforms.
Operational Maturity Gaps: Moving to a container-based application platform required establishing Day 2 operations capabilities including monitoring, logging, backup, and incident response processes that didn't yet exist.
CONVX Solution Approach
CONVX delivered a progressive series of engagements that evolved from tactical storage support to strategic platform modernization.
VNX Storage System Optimization
CONVX provided expert consulting to optimize the client's Dell EMC VNX storage infrastructure.
Storage Assessment and Recommendations: Senior systems engineers reviewed the VNX configuration, identified performance bottlenecks, and delivered actionable recommendations for optimization.
Configuration and Documentation: We performed hands-on configuration changes and created comprehensive documentation enabling the client's internal team to maintain the optimized environment.
OpenShift Container Platform Implementation
CONVX delivered a comprehensive Red Hat OpenShift implementation establishing a modern container orchestration platform for application modernization.
OKTA Identity Integration: We implemented centralized identity management through OKTA integration, providing user access governance across the OpenShift platform and enabling single sign-on for development teams.
CI/CD Pipeline Development: CONVX built continuous integration and deployment pipelines enabling automated, consistent application delivery from development through production environments.
Day 2 Operations Preparation: We established monitoring, logging, and backup solutions ensuring the client could operate the platform reliably after initial deployment, including runbook documentation and operational procedures.
Platform Health Assessment: Throughout implementation, we conducted platform health assessments to validate performance, security, and reliability against enterprise standards.
Technology Implementation
Storage Infrastructure:
- Dell EMC VNX storage area network
- Storage performance optimization
- Configuration management and documentation
Container Platform:
- Red Hat OpenShift container orchestration
- OKTA identity integration and single sign-on
- CI/CD pipeline automation
- Container registry management
Operations:
- Monitoring and logging infrastructure
- Backup and recovery systems
- Technical project management
- Day 2 operational procedures and runbooks
Business Outcomes
Optimized Storage Performance: VNX storage optimization improved reliability and performance for business-critical distribution applications, extending the useful life of existing infrastructure investments.
Modern Application Delivery: The OpenShift platform provides a modern, scalable foundation for application deployment, significantly reducing release cycle times and improving consistency across environments.
Centralized Access Management: OKTA integration delivers single sign-on and centralized access governance, simplifying user management while improving security posture across the application platform.
Operational Self-Sufficiency: Comprehensive Day 2 operations preparation, including monitoring, logging, backup, and documented procedures, enables the client to operate the platform independently with confidence.
Foundation for Growth: The containerized application platform positions the company for continued digital transformation, enabling rapid deployment of new distribution capabilities without infrastructure constraints.
CONVX Expertise Demonstrated
This engagement progression from storage optimization to container platform modernization illustrates CONVX's ability to serve as a client's trusted technology partner across diverse infrastructure domains. Our expertise spans traditional enterprise storage systems and modern container orchestration platforms, enabling clients to modernize at their own pace with consistent, expert guidance at every stage.
The OpenShift implementation in particular showcases CONVX's commitment to delivering not just technology deployments but operational readiness, ensuring clients can sustain and build upon the platforms we implement.