Audi optimizes network management on AWS with Aviatrix

Key points:

• Audi faced challenges managing cloud infrastructure, particularly on AWS.
• Aviatrix introduced centralized management, better visibility, and stronger security.
• Automation and optimization reduced the time required for network administration.
• The new solution supports scalability, flexibility, and faster adaptation to changing requirements.

Effective use of cloud technologies is increasingly important in the automotive industry. Companies need to manage complex networks across multi-cloud environments while maintaining security and clear visibility into operations.

Traditional network management methods often struggle with the dynamic requirements of modern IT infrastructure. Centralized solutions can provide consistent management across different cloud environments, improve efficiency, and simplify administration of the broader technology landscape.

The client

Audi, part of Volkswagen Group, is a premium automotive manufacturer with global operations and complex production processes. Its focus on technology and quality also shapes how the company approaches IT infrastructure and the ongoing optimization of its operations.

The challenge

Audi faced significant challenges managing its cloud infrastructure, particularly on AWS. The main issue was the lack of a centralized system for managing and monitoring network operations. This resulted in several problems:

1. Complex and time-consuming administration of network components on AWS.
2. Limited visibility and transparency of data flows across the cloud infrastructure.
3. Difficulty maintaining consistent security policies across different cloud environments.
4. Limited ability to respond quickly to changes in network topology and scaling requirements.

These issues reduced the efficiency of IT operations and created potential risks for the security and performance of Audi’s cloud infrastructure.

Based on these requirements, Audi defined the following project objectives:

• Implement a centralized system for managing and monitoring network infrastructure on AWS.
• Increase transparency of data flows and improve visibility into network operations.
• Simplify network component administration and configuration.
• Improve integration and compatibility with other cloud environments.
• Strengthen cloud infrastructure security with advanced security capabilities.
• Optimize network performance and reduce the time required for network administration.

The solution

After evaluating the available options, Audi selected the Aviatrix platform. The solution provided centralized cloud network management with extensive automation capabilities.

Aviatrix provided Audi with the following key capabilities:

• Centralized network management: The platform enabled consistent management of network components across AWS as well as other cloud environments including Azure and Google Cloud.
• Advanced network segmentation: Audi could create a structured network architecture with clearly defined segments, improving security and control over data flows.
• Real-time traffic analysis: Aviatrix provided detailed tools for monitoring and analyzing network traffic, helping teams identify and resolve potential issues faster.
• Automated configuration: The solution simplified the configuration and administration of network components, reducing the time required for routine tasks.
• Distributed firewall: Implementing a distributed firewall strengthened security across Audi’s cloud infrastructure.

Implementation included installing the Aviatrix platform and configuring the individual network components. Audi’s team worked closely with Aviatrix experts to support a smooth transition and minimize disruption to operations.

Audi addressed several challenges during implementation:

1. Migrating existing data flows: Moving existing workloads to the new network infrastructure carried a risk of operational disruption. Careful planning and gradual migration, supported by Aviatrix tools for real-time traffic monitoring and adjustment, helped manage this risk.
2. Integration with existing security policies: Aligning the new solution with Audi’s existing security protocols required a structured approach. The team used Aviatrix’s flexibility to adapt security settings to Audi’s specific requirements.
3. Staff training: Moving to the new solution required extensive training for the IT team. A series of intensive training programs and detailed documentation supported the transition.

Results

Implementing Aviatrix improved several aspects of Audi’s cloud network management:

• Centralized network management: Audi established centralized management of its network infrastructure, simplifying administration and improving visibility into network operations.
• Greater transparency: Advanced tools for analyzing and visualizing data flows gave Audi a more detailed view of its cloud infrastructure.
• Improved security: The distributed firewall and advanced network segmentation strengthened the security of Audi’s cloud infrastructure.
• Performance optimization: Automation of routine tasks and more efficient network management reduced the time required for administration.
• Scalability and flexibility: The new solution allowed Audi to respond faster to changing requirements and scale its network infrastructure more efficiently.

Although exact quantitative figures are not available, Audi recorded improvements in network management efficiency, security, and overall cloud infrastructure performance.

Conclusion

The longer-term benefits include more efficient IT operations and a flexible, scalable infrastructure that supports further development and faster adaptation to changing market requirements. The network transformation allows Audi to focus more on strategic initiatives and innovation while maintaining reliable, secure, and efficiently managed cloud infrastructure.