Novaloans required assistance with a database migration to SQL Server and moving their DR solution to the cloud

Novaloans Ltd is a Yorkshire-based loans company which has been operating since 2011. As an independent direct lender, they provide responsible short-term loans with flexible repayment terms. They approached Xynomix for assistance with a database migration, and for help with devising a more robust disaster recovery strategy.

Client

Novaloans

Industry

Finance

Services

Database Migration
Disaster Recovery
Cloud Database Services

Technologies

SQL Server
Microsoft Azure

The Challenge

Novaloans had been experiencing an increasing number of issues with their backup to Acronis, including 3-4 major incidents. On occasions, the backup failed, which caused system outages and numerous callouts in the early hours of the morning.

These issues highlighted an increased risk to the success of the disaster recovery for key IT system and database. Thus, the lender realised that it was not fit for purpose and a new DR solution was required.

Second Opinion

Having some internal skills in Microsoft Azure, Novaloans felt moving DR to the cloud would be the best route forward. However, they wanted certainty that this satisfied the project’s key drivers: cost savings, reduced risk and a more robust solution. Therefore, they consulted Xynomix to assess that this was the right option and for assistance with the migration process.

The Solution

Batch technology and log shipping was used during the DR migration process to maintain performance of the live on-premise solution until project completion.

Data was encrypted in transit for security on the unsecure network, whilst connectivity between the on-premise system and Azure Virtual Machine (VM) was maintained using Azure VPN Gateway, offering a very robust 99.9% uptime SLA.

Even when an internet connection is said to be reliable, from experience we have found that this isn’t always the case and data can be lost. This is a factor that is often overlooked when designing this kind of system. By using log shipping, if connection is lost the copy jobs in log shipping can retry when the network connection is regained, maintaining DR eventual consistency.

Simplifying Processes

To keep costs down we also introduced Azure VM automation, which meant the solution could turn off and on at key times to reduce data upload and therefore costs.

Backups take place to an Azure Storage Account using native features within SQL Server. These backups take a bit longer over Azure VPN Gateway, but with compression enabled there is an adequate window for these to complete in the early hours.

The Outcome

Since the introduction of the new solution, Novaloans have had no backup issues or callouts, allowing more time to focus on innovation.

After the success of moving DR into Azure, the client is now considering migrating further parts of their estate to the cloud.

The solution has also presented a £500-700 saving per month to the business via VM Automation alone.

Need Cloud & Disaster Recovery Support?

If your organisation requires assistance with migrating your SQL Server into Azure, or more robust disaster recovery, contact Xynomix today!

Get in touch