MediaPlus: Improving infrastructure security and optimisation to support global growth

The challenge 

MediaPlus UK faced several critical challenges related to its AWS infrastructure, particularly after inheriting an undocumented system from an acquisition that presented significant gaps in cost management, security, and disaster recovery (DR). The team sought to understand the state of the inherited architecture. The need for a comprehensive assessment was heightened by the fact that a previous cloud assessment failed to provide actionable insights beyond standard AWS-generated text. During the initial review, a significant number of high-risk issues were identified, with the absence of a disaster recovery plan being the most concerning. The unorganised infrastructure and lack of documentation on backups and downtime procedures further compounded the challenges, all of which were critical to the business operations, as the company heavily relies on AWS for data storage and management to support its core business of analysing media effectiveness and delivering strategic campaigns.

What we delivered

MediaPlus UK chose to partner with Codurance to complete a new AWS Well-Architected Framework Review (WAFR) and remediation based on Codurance’s ability to listen and respond to the company’s specific needs. The engagement began with a thorough WAFR using both AWS WAFR tools and additional insights gathered from stakeholder interviews and workshops. This comprehensive analysis, backed by decades of cloud expertise, enabled Codurance to provide a detailed initial report with clear action points focused on enhancing cost efficiency and security. The project was executed through prioritised sprints, each targeting specific aspects of AWS disaster recovery and infrastructure optimisation. Recognising the critical importance of disaster recovery, Codurance implemented robust backup strategies and failover plans, including penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities, ensuring that the AWS environment was secure and resilient. In terms of infrastructure optimisation, the team worked on enhancing AWS resources by updating ECS clusters and transitioning from Terraform scripts to CloudFormation, streamlining operations and improving resource management. Throughout the process, Codurance’s communication was described as clear, consistent, and upfront, making them a reliable partner.

A significant achievement was the cost optimisation of Redshift, where Codurance transitioned MediaPlus UK (at the time known as Total Media) from on-demand to reserved instances, resulting in substantial savings estimated to cover nearly two years of AWS costs. Additionally, Codurance utilised the AWS Stockholm region, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals and ensuring that the infrastructure was not only reliable but also environmentally conscious. The project also involved the creation of detailed diagrams and documentation, including a playbook that outlined step-by-step procedures for handling downtime and recovering services. This comprehensive documentation ensured that the business had a clear understanding of its infrastructure and could manage it effectively moving forward.

Beyond disaster recovery, the project also laid the groundwork for future security enhancements, ensuring that the AWS environment was both secure and reliable. Throughout the project, Codurance maintained communication and agility and any issues were promptly addressed by bringing in specialists as needed. The inhouse team was also educated on new tools and processes, empowering them to manage their AWS environment more effectively.

Outcomes

With Codurance’s expertise and clear, actionable recommendations, MediaPlus UK has achieved a solid understanding of its AWS infrastructure. The agency is now equipped with improved disaster recovery capabilities, optimised resource usage, and comprehensive documentation, all contributing to a more efficient and secure environment. This foundation supports MediaPlus UK’s ongoing growth and expansion efforts, enabling the company to better serve its clients and stakeholders.

The collaboration between MediaPlus UK (formerly Total Media) and Codurance yielded significant business and technological benefits:

• Immediate Cost Savings: By optimising EC2 usage and transitioning Redshift to reserved instances, Codurance helped the business to make substantial cost reductions, equivalent to two years' worth of savings, providing both immediate and long-term financial benefits.
  
  
• Enhanced Infrastructure Understanding: The inhouse team now has a solid understanding of their AWS infrastructure, supported by comprehensive documentation and clear recovery procedures.
  
  
• Improved Disaster Recovery Planning and Documentation: The implementation of robust backup strategies and detailed playbooks ensures that MediaPlus UK is better prepared for potential disruptions.
  
  
• Streamlined Workflows: By optimising AWS resources and processes, MediaPlus UK has achieved greater efficiency in managing its infrastructure, contributing to long-term business success.
  
  
• Sustainability and Efficiency: By transitioning to reserved instances and leveraging the AWS Stockholm region, Total Media (now MediaPlus UK) not only achieved significant cost savings but also aligned with their sustainability goals, ensuring an environmentally conscious and efficient infrastructure.
  
  
• Increased Confidence, Observability, and Transparency: With Codurance’s support, MediaPlus UK has gained enhanced observability and confidence in its ability to manage and scale its AWS environment, ensuring greater visibility into operations and performance. This has paved the way for future growth and increased operational transparency.