VTech
For this customer case, Melissa, marketer at Referit, spoke with Marck Koolen, technical application manager at VTech. Marck bridges the gap between application management and technical management and has been with VTech for 26 years.
Outdated version of BizTalk 2013
BizTalk is the central hub for VTech. It is used to manage the connection between their ERP system, Oracle, and various peripheral and logistics systems. VTech was using an outdated version of BizTalk 2013, which was initially set up by employees who are no longer with the company, leading to a loss of knowledge. Additionally, the platform was managed by an IT service provider that could no longer offer support.
Outdated versions of software and hardware can cause security issues and limited compatibility with modern technologies. Therefore, Marck sought an IT partner with specialized knowledge of BizTalk to manage and modernize BizTalk.
Modernization to BizTalk 2020
Before Referit was approached to modernize BizTalk, they had already spent time on reverse engineering at VTech in 2021. This provided VTech with valuable information, as it literally described how the old environment was set up.
During this project, a thorough assessment of the existing environment was first conducted, followed by a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) to test the feasibility of the migration. During the PoC, both complex and less complex interfaces were migrated to get a good understanding of the required techniques and methodologies. Referit then recommended modernizing BizTalk to the latest version of 2020.
The project consisted of two phases:
- Definition and test setup: In this phase, the basic infrastructure and test environment were set up. This included creating virtual machines and transferring interfaces.
- Implementation and validation: In this phase, the interfaces were tested and validated. Any issues were quickly identified and resolved through workshop-like meetings and online sessions by Martin and Bert, technical consultants at Referit.
During the second phase, SQL servers were separated. Initially, there was a generic SQL Server. During this project, test and development received their own SQL Server, and production later as well. VTech now has a stable and scalable SQL server, and performance issues have been resolved.
The impact of the solution
The migration to the latest version of BizTalk 2020 has had a positive impact on VTech, allowing:
- To have a safe and secure environment again;
- The usage of latest technologies;
- To improve communication and linkage with external parties;
- To reduce operational risks and ensure business continuity.
"There were clear agreements, no weird expectations and the project stayed well within budget."
Marck Koolen, VTech
How was the collaboration between VTech and Referit?
Marck and VTech experienced the collaboration with Referit as very positive. Marck emphasized Referit's no-nonsense approach, which contributed to the success of the project.
"Ron, sales development at Referit, not only sold the project well, but also delivered. This approach ensured that cooperation was enjoyable and smooth and that the goals of the project were achieved," said Marck.
The Referit and VTech teams worked together effectively, sharing knowledge and expertise to make the migration go smoothly. Marck commented, "It was just very interactive. Questions and issues were addressed quickly through workshop-like meetings and quick Zoom sessions. These played a crucial role in the collaboration. And that was not only constructive, but also very efficient. I also found that to be enjoyable to work with and it worked well from A to Z."
In addition, "there were clear agreements, no strange expectations and the project stayed well within budget," Marck said.
