Overview
Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) is a global leading provider of neutral host network solutions, facilitating connectivity for transit systems, venues, enterprises, and smart cities worldwide.
Arinco were selected to establish the Boldyn technology environment from the ground up, bringing six companies under one banner and enabling them to build innovative solutions today and into the future using the strength of Microsoft’s core offerings.
Microsoft Native Solutions for Boldyn’s Digital Transformation
Following years of successful organic growth and targeted acquisitions, Boldyn Networks, a global network infrastructure provider, embarked on a strategic journey to integrate acquisitions, enhance security measures, and future-proof its operations. The project focused on integrating the new companies under one system, setting up a scalable and secure infrastructure based on Microsoft technologies, maximising E5 licensing and adhering to zero-trust security principles.
Achieved in a multi-phased approach, the digital transformation journey took the following pragmatic steps to become Boldyn Networks and prepare for future growth and expansion.
Phase 1: Acquisitions Integration & International Expansion
In the last four years, the company expanded its portfolio and continued its digital transformation journey by further extending its reach through the acquisitions of Mobilitie (inc. Signal Point), Vilicom and ZenFi Networks. When Peter Turnbull, Group Transformation Officer engaged Arinco in January 2022, the company began the integration of these new businesses into its existing Microsoft 365 platform. This phase focused on using Microsoft products to execute a seamless integration and scalability for future growth.
It was during this phase that the company took the strategic decision to separate its business interests in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Italy and Hong Kong under a new brand, ‘Boldyn Networks’. This became a greenfield development, with its existing Australian operation continuing to run independently.
Phase 2: Scalable Foundation for Future Expansion
To provide a scalable foundation for future expansion, building a new greenfield environment with zero-trust and strategic alignment with the cloud adoption framework was imperative. This phase aimed to ensure security and compliance with regulatory requirements, laying the groundwork for future market expansion. Key activities included:
- Deep discovery of current state environments for each work package.
- Design workshops to confirm decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
- Creation of high-level design covering security, migration approach, and support requirements.
- Cost estimates for project phases.
- Work packages included Authentication & IDAM, Enterprise Applications, Cloud & IT Services, Microsoft 365 Platform, Security Platforms, and more.
Phase 3: Discovery
Following the preceding phases, Arinco consultants conducted current state assessments, updated solution designs, and provided cost estimate updates for the activities relating to the migration and transformation of these acquisitions as well as the existing subsidiaries.
Phase 4: Build and Configuration
Arinco progressed build activities against approved designs, including platform build and configuration, development of as-built documentation, and technical verification testing. They also provided input into broader business verification and user acceptance testing plans. This involved:
- Multi region Hub and Spoke enterprise landing zones.
- Intune, Passwordless Authentication.
- Sentinel deployed with 20+ Connectors to improve visibility of security signals across the environment.
Phase 5: Separation Activities
With the transition to Boldyn, Arinco worked in partnership with the Global Tech teams to achieve the separation activities. This phase focused on extensive data migration and device management tasks, platform build and configuration, system-level testing, clean-up of technical debt, and hypercare & post-implementation support. This involved:
- Over 17TB of SharePoint data & 25TB of File Storage data across all organisations
- 36TB of O365 Mailbox data across four tenants
- circa 1600 end user’s devices across 6 countries (US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Italy & Hong Kong)
- 30+ Enterprise Apps
Phase 6: DevOps Tools Consolidation
Working with the newly formed global tech teams – Arinco merged multiple DevOps tools and environments, conducting a GitHub platform review, migration assessments, migration plans, and handover sessions with development teams.
The consolidation of DevOps tools and environments marked a significant step in enhancing operational efficiency and developer collaboration within Boldyn.
Phase 7: Infrastructure Uplift for Application Migration
In the final phase, Arinco supported in creating the infrastructure uplift for migrating a critical 24×7 Network Management System. This involved workshops, creating Bicep templates, migration planning, and cutover tasks connecting into existing OT networks, ensuring a smooth transition to the new Boldyn Azure landing zone. This infrastructure uplift was pivotal in enhancing monitoring capabilities and operational resilience, marking a key milestone in Boldyn’s digital transformation journey.
Outcome
Boldyn’s strategic embrace of Microsoft native solutions and best practices has propelled Boldyn to transformative success. By integrating acquisitions seamlessly, setting up a robust greenfield environment with a zero-trust strategy, and expanding internationally, Boldyn has positioned itself as a leader in the global shared network infrastructure space.
The establishment of Boldyn Networks, which united its six companies under one banner, represents a major milestone in the company’s journey. Improved efficiencies have enabled cross-collaboration between the six companies, breaking down barriers from backend to front-end workforce around the globe.
This consolidation under a single brand has created a powerhouse in the shared network infrastructure sector, immediately becoming one of the world’s largest providers. Operating officially as Boldyn Networks from the end of June 2023, the company has evolved on its compelling reputation as a key challenger in the industry.
Looking towards the future
By connecting transit systems, venues, enterprises, and smart cities, Boldyn intends to unlock new possibilities in the way people live, work, and play.
In line with its expansion efforts, Boldyn plans to continue its digital transformation journey. This includes exploring new acquisitions, supporting landmark shared infrastructure projects globally, and using Microsoft native solutions to drive innovation and positive change in the industry. With a focus on sustainability and connectivity, Boldyn has positioned its digital strategy to lead the way in shaping the future of shared network infrastructure.
