RSA_Insurance_Case_Study.pdf
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RSA Insurance executed a large data migration project to modernize its infrastructure and enable cloud-first strategies. Kyndryl helped RSA migrate over 5,500 test cases and nearly 10,000 logical volumes of data from its legacy mainframe systems to a new IBM Z hybrid cloud architecture within 6 months. This has provided RSA with cost savings, performance gains, and the flexibility to innovate and pursue future growth through scalable cloud technologies.
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RSA_Insurance_Case_Study.pdf
- 1. RSA Insurance Insurer executes an enormous data migration to effect digital and cloud strategies RSA Insurance is one of the worlds oldest general insurers, providing insurance products and services to individuals and businesses of all sizes. The RSA mainframe and systems support major operations representing approximately 4.5 million policies. Business challenge RSAs mainframe operating system and most of its systems software relied on legacy technology that was losing support. The challenge was to enable digital-first and cloud-first strategies and to mitigate material IT risk. To accomplish that, RSA needed to move its infrastructure, software, and mainframe data to a robust and security-rich cloud architecture. Transformation The migration to cloud is a key component of RSAs strategic IT infrastructure modernization goals. Kyndryl helped RSA modernize and transform with unique hybrid solutions including managed extended cloud IaaS for IBM Z速 . The transformation allows RSA to adopt smart technologies to create and automate industry-leading actuarial models for its analysts. RSA sees significant cost savings and greater cost predictability through the move from traditional architecture to cloud. Changing from a fixed to a variable cost model will enable flexibility and future growth. Financial and Insurance markets Results More than 5,500 test cases executed during the project More than 800 test cases were performed by 50 RSA business testers during the cut-over window. Nearly 10,000 logical volumes of data migrated Migrated approximately 85,000 GB of disk data hosted on nearly 10,000 logical volumes. Estimated 30% performance gain Batch time running performance improved 30%. 6 months project completion time Industry average completion time is 912 months for comparable major infrastructure changes. Our goal is to provide a set of technologies that are unparalleled in terms of competitive advantage . . . and ensure that we're outperforming in our chosen markets. Akhlas Hafiz Director of Digital Transformation and Customer Delivery RSA Insurance
- 2. 2 Background and team goals The RSA mainframe is one of RSAs vital systems, sending over 4,000 files to other application environments each week. RSAs first mainframe computer went live in 1969 with punch cards and flat files on an IBM 360/65 with 512k RAM. The project teams primary task was to migrate three mainframe environments to the IBM Z managed extended cloud infrastructure, or zCloud. The data consisted of 11 LPARs (logical partitions), 85 terabytes of physical disk data that sat across 10,000 logical volumes, and 85 terabytes of tape data that sat on 25,000 virtual tapes. RSA was keenly aware of the critical advantages in moving to digital and cloud capabilities and of the complexities of executing large legacy migration projects. Meeting the challenge would require deep technical expertise and a lot of tight planning, collaboration, and management. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, RSA chose IBM速 Infrastructure Services, now known as Kyndryl, to help lead its IT transformation project. Unique challenges Given the ongoing pandemic, few key team members were ever able to meet in person. The project plan was complex and had no room for missed dates. Across 12 mainframe technical functions, thousands of test cases, and stakeholders from 6 partner and vendor organizations, RSA had to accomplish the migration with minimal impact to staff, customers, and the businessall in a compressed timeframe. Prior to the migration, the project team removed or replaced hundreds of instances of redundant software and staged two dry run events. The first dry run was to prove the LPARs could be successfully migrated and that all the systems could be successfully deployed on zCloud. The second dry run added fine-tuning and application testing, such as for software interfaces. The team ultimately managed and coordinated across teams from multiple strategic partner organizations to deliver the project ahead of schedule, with no negative impact to RSAs business operations. Smooth transfer of knowledge was also critical to project success. More than 120 remote classroom-based virtual sessions, with playbacks and specific one-to-one sessions, were held so that the new team could capably take on post-migration responsibilities. While there were many logistical problems solved over the intense 6-month assignment, the most unexpected was having to dig up the road on the A24a major London route with two weeks notice to replace a connection! In line with our cloud and digital first strategy, this migration gives us the agility to improve delivery predictability. As an organization, we are moving away from legacy architecture to meet the demands of scalable growth. Our move to the cloud is a key milestone on the transformation roadmap. The ability to execute in 6 months showcases the delivery capability we have developed. Akhlas Hafiz Director of Digital Transformation and Customer Delivery RSA Insurance
- 3. 3 Developing a competitive edge through IT innovation Through IT modernization, RSA aims to improve the costs, functionalities, and overall predictability of its service delivery. As financial and insurance markets transition to digital, the move to cloud also gives RSA the flexible architecture it needs to innovate new capabilities and prepare for future competitive trends. Akhlas Hafiz, Head of Digital Transformation, Technology Change and Delivery, describes the opportunity this way: Were looking at how we really get the most out of the IT investment longer term. Were looking at digital from a customer UX perspective, monetizing cloud as an asset for our business, and industry trends such as artificial intelligence and machine learningand what agility we need to have in our architecture to better develop those. Protecting data, applications, and environments In addition to the LPAR migrations to zCloud and extensive software cleaning and updates, Kyndryl helped RSA implement high-capacity network connectivity. The network connection is designed to interoperate easily with multiple suppliers, geographies, and technologies between itself and the Kyndryl data centers. The Kyndryl zCloud solution for RSA is built to help deliver economies of scale in a securely hosted, high-capacity, high-availability multitenant mainframe environment for the primary and backup data centers. The solution for RSA is also designed to be General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant, and support end-to-end encryption, including tape, storage and in-flight data across networks. Moving forward As part of its larger vision of innovation, RSA plans to continue modernization efforts. For RSA, and for thousands of clients worldwide, Kyndryl's role as a trusted advisor is based on our experience working with the vital systems that organizations run on every day. Kyndryl offers managed infrastructure-as-a-service for hybrid cloud deployment and migration, managed private cloud, and data center disaster recovery. With options for single and multitenant infrastructure, on-or off-premises, Kyndryl provides the complete infrastructure stack from mainframe to x86 computingall on hybrid cloud. RSA Insurance determined that Kyndryl is a partner with the right knowledge setuniquely able to manage an intricate mix of hybrid multicloud environments and data center technologies, suppliers, and tactical situationsto deliver the right results. The advantages of these data centers are the high availability and security-rich features. Were able to operate an LPAR model created to offer highest levels of security. All of which are integral to the solution designed and delivered for RSA. And it also includes additional subsystem isolation geared to protect data, protect applications, and to protect the test and production environment. Shahira Brennan Client Partner Executive Kyndryl
- 4. Take the next step Learn more about how Kyndryl advances the vital systems that power human progress. 息 Copyright Kyndryl, Inc. 2021 Kyndryl is a trademark or registered trademark of Kyndryl Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and service names may be trademarks of Kyndryl Inc. or other companies. This document is current as of the initial date of publication and may be changed by Kyndryl at any time without notice. Not all offerings are available in every country in which Kyndryl operates. Kyndryl products and services are warranted according to the terms and conditions of the agreements under which they are provided. The performance data and client examples cited are presented for illustrative purposes only. Actual performance results may vary depending on specific configurations and operating conditions. Kyndryl products and services are warranted according to the terms and conditions of the agreements under which they are provided.