Unifi Enhances Data Security and Efficiency with Google Cloud

Secure and Efficient Data Migration to Google Cloud

Unifi faced the significant challenge of migrating a massive on-premise database of approximately 2TB to Google Cloud. This complex process required careful planning to ensure data integrity, security, and minimal disruption to ongoing operations. CloudSmiths approached the task by implementing a robust VPN setup, which enabled secure communication between Unifi's on-premise servers and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) CloudSQL.

One of the primary challenges during the migration was ensuring the smooth transfer of large volumes of data while maintaining the accuracy and accessibility of vital information. To address this, we used Mydumper to split the database into smaller, manageable files, leveraging multithreading capabilities for faster and more efficient copying onto Google Cloud Storage. The restoration process also required the allocation of multithreaded resources using the Myloader restore method through a Cloud Compute instance, which was crucial in maintaining the migration's efficiency.

Additionally, CloudSQL, Cloud VPN, and BigQuery played critical roles in ensuring the secure and seamless transfer of data. These tools allowed us to overcome potential bottlenecks in data flow and ensured that Unifi's information was securely backed up and easily accessible in the cloud. The use of Looker for data analytics further empowered Unifi with enhanced insights and visualisations, enabling them to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

Seamless Transition from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace

Alongside the database migration, Unifi faced the challenge of transitioning 500 users across five countries from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace. This transition required meticulous coordination to avoid disrupting Unifi's day-to-day operations and to ensure a smooth adoption of the new platform.

The migration involved moving all email, documents (OneDrive), and SharePoint sites into Google Workspace using a combination of built-in Google tools and a third-party Cloud migrator tool. One of the key challenges was managing the diverse user base spread across different countries, each with varying levels of familiarity with the new tools. To overcome this, CloudSmiths provided comprehensive training, from basic orientation to advanced user and administrator functions, ensuring that all users were well-prepared to use Google Workspace effectively.

Another challenge was maintaining security and policy enforcement across multiple devices. We addressed this by setting up and configuring various DNS changes, establishing standard and dynamic groups, and implementing security roles. Endpoint management was handled via GCPW and Chrome-managed browsers, ensuring that security protocols were consistently applied across all devices, regardless of location.

Empowering Unifi with Enhanced Data Management and Collaboration

The combined efforts of migrating Unifi's database to Google Cloud and transitioning their operations to Google Workspace have delivered significant benefits. Despite the complexities involved, CloudSmiths successfully navigated the challenges to provide Unifi with a secure, cloud-based infrastructure that supports their data management needs. The adoption of Google Workspace has also streamlined communication and collaboration across their geographically dispersed teams.

With enhanced data accessibility, analytics capabilities, and collaborative tools, Unifi is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the competitive financial services industry. The partnership with CloudSmiths has provided Unifi with a robust digital foundation, ensuring that they can continue to deliver fast, reliable, and secure services to their customers across Sub-Saharan Africa.