Faster, secure gas services with modernized IT infrastructure
A top five UK gas distributor needed to modernize its IT infrastructure to respond more effectively to market changes and customer demands. With legacy systems creating operational inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities, the company partnered with HCLTech to implement a comprehensive cloud migration strategy powered by DevSecOps principles.
This transformation delivered significant business advantages, such as reduction in infrastructure footprint, streamlined deployment processes and enhanced security posture. The gas distributor now enjoys greater agility and operational efficiency while maintaining robust security controls by replacing isolated technology stacks with a zero-touch, zero-trust architecture.
The challenge
Effective system scaling and expansion challenges
The gas distributor faced several critical obstacles in their technology landscape:
- Isolated technology stack: Fragmented systems made it difficult to implement changes quickly in response to evolving business requirements
- Manual processes: Time-consuming manual interventions created inefficiencies and increased the risk of errors
- Security vulnerabilities: Inadequate security measures and lack of DevSecOps practices exposed the company to potential threats
- Integration complexity: Legacy integration approaches complicated system connections and data exchanges
- Limited automation: Lack of automated processes slowed deployment cycles and hindered operational efficiency
The Solution
Focused approaches to build an ecosystem
We implemented a comprehensive DevSecOps platform with zero-touch, zero-trust architecture to modernize the gas distributor's IT landscape:
- Automated DevSecOps platform: Created a fully automated pipeline for application delivery with built-in security controls to guard against modern cyber threats
- MuleSoft integration: Replaced the legacy integration leveraging MuleSoft for API-based cloud-to-cloud and hybrid integrations
- Automated code assessment: Implemented automated, static and dynamic assessment of application code to enhance security and quality
- Modular architecture: Segregated application connectivity, business logic and consuming application nuances to enable faster changes in the future
- Centralized security: Deployed Okta-based solutions for unified security management across the organization
This comprehensive approach created a foundation for agile operations while maintaining robust security controls throughout the technology ecosystem.
The Impact
Successes in Increasing Business Agility and Efficiency
The client had experienced significant business benefits, including cost savings, operational efficiency, security and increased agility
- 10% reduction in infrastructure footprint: Streamlined architecture led to meaningful cost savings
- Enhanced operational efficiency: End-to-end automation reduced application deployment efforts and eliminated manual interventions
- Strengthened security posture: Comprehensive DevSecOps practices created a more secure application landscape
- Accelerated time-to-market: Integration with open-API platforms and MuleSoft enabled faster responses to changing business needs
- Increased technology confidence: Modernized infrastructure provided greater reliability and business continuity
Beyond the Numbers
The shift from isolated, manual processes to an integrated, automated ecosystem provides the foundation for ongoing innovation and continuous improvement. The standardized DevSecOps practices and enhanced cloud capabilities enable more agile responses to market changes, while improved security controls support better risk management and compliance.
With a modernized IT infrastructure, the gas distributor can continue their digital transformation journey while maintaining the operational excellence that supports their market leadership position.
Celebrating Success
HCLTech is committed to helping energy companies transform their technology landscapes through intelligent, security-focused strategies. Our partnership with this leading gas distributor demonstrates how comprehensive cloud migration and DevSecOps implementation can deliver immediate operational improvements and long-term strategic advantages.
As the energy sector evolves, this modernized technology foundation provides the agility needed for ongoing innovation. It enables the company to continuously enhance customer experiences while optimizing costs and security across its operations.
