We’ve discussed the challenges of migrating critical systems in the financial sector before. However, one of the biggest hurdles that banks face during such migrations is the need to maintain seamless operations without any downtime or defects.
This was precisely the scenario for one of our prominent clients—a leading bank with a complex, legacy system that desperately needed an upgrade to a next-generation Finacle stack.
The stakes were incredibly high: a one-day cutover across 461 branches and 851 ATMs, with zero post-go-live defects. The pressure was on to execute this transition flawlessly.
This turned out to be the case for our client.
Their legacy system was a tangled web of outdated technology, involving multiple vendors and countless technical silos. The system had been in place for years, and any misstep during the migration could lead to severe service disruptions, financial losses, and a tarnished reputation.
The primary challenges included technical complexities, stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs), performance bottlenecks, and the high risk associated with a big-bang migration approach.
The client knew it was time for a change, but they needed to ensure that this migration was executed without a hitch. That’s when they reached out to us.
We began with a comprehensive analysis of the existing system and the new technology stack. This included risk assessments, technical audits, and performance benchmarks to ensure the new system could handle future growth without additional hardware. Our approach was methodical and meticulous, leaving no stone unturned.
In this article, you’re going to learn how we helped this large bank navigate the complexities of application migration.
We’ll dive into the strategies we employed, the challenges we overcame, and the remarkable results we achieved—all while ensuring a one-day, zero-defect cutover to the next-gen Finacle stack.
The Challenge
The bank’s legacy system had been in place for years. It involved numerous vendors and technical silos, leading to several key challenges:
Technical Complexity
Both the legacy system and the new technology stack were supported by multiple vendors. Each had its own set of technical intricacies and interdependencies. This added a layer of complexity to the migration process.
Stringent SLAs
The bank needed to maintain stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to avoid penalties and ensure customer satisfaction. These SLAs had to be translated into technical parameters. These parameters could then be analyzed and tested to meet performance standards.
Performance Bottlenecks
The existing system faced performance issues. These issues were particularly with the database and communication between the web server and application server. These problems had to be resolved to ensure smooth operation post-migration.
High-Risk Migration
The big-bang migration approach meant that even minor missteps could result in significant disruptions. This would impact business operations and brand reputation.
Our Approach
To tackle these challenges, we deployed our P-A-S-S™ Assurance methodology. We focused on performance, availability, and scalability. Here’s how we executed the migration:
Pre-Migration Analysis and Planning
We conducted a thorough analysis of the existing system and the new technology stack. This included:
Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in the current system.
Technical Audits: Conducting detailed technical audits to understand the system’s architecture, data flow, and interdependencies.
Performance Benchmarks: Establishing performance benchmarks to ensure the new system could handle future growth without additional hardware.
Optimization of Database Performance
The database is often a critical bottleneck in high-transaction systems. Our team conducted an in-depth review at both architectural and query levels. We identified over 50 performance improvements, including:
Query Optimization: Streamlining database queries to reduce load times and improve efficiency.
Indexing: Implementing indexing strategies to speed up data retrieval processes.
Resource Management: Optimizing resource allocation to ensure the database could handle peak loads efficiently.
Tuning of Web and Application Servers
Communication between the web server (IBM WebSphere) and the application server (Finacle) was another potential choke point. We focused on:
Thread Management: Analyzing and optimizing thread management to handle high-volume transactions seamlessly.
Memory Management: Identifying and resolving memory leaks and optimizing memory usage.
Load Balancing: Implementing load balancing techniques to distribute traffic evenly across servers. This ensured consistent performance.
Load Simulations and Testing
To ensure the system could handle the anticipated load, we conducted extensive load simulations and testing:
Stress Testing: Subjecting the system to extreme loads to identify potential failure points.
Scalability Testing: Ensuring the system could scale up to meet future demands without performance degradation.
Continuous Monitoring: Implementing monitoring tools to track performance in real-time and address issues proactively.
Must explore three impactful ways how AI is revolutionizing application performance in banking.
Comprehensive Reviews and Implementations
Throughout the process, we conducted comprehensive reviews of software interfaces, customizations, and code across various levels of the technology stack. Key actions included:
Software Reviews: Conducting code reviews and optimization for better performance and reliability.
Vendor Collaboration: Working closely with vendors to implement recommended changes and ensure compatibility.
User Training: Providing training sessions for the bank’s IT staff to ensure they were well-prepared to manage the new system.
The Results
The migration was executed smoothly within the one-day cutover period. We achieved significant performance improvements and zero post-go-live defects. Key outcomes included:
Zero Post-Go-Live Defects
The transition was flawless. There were no reported issues affecting performance or availability across any branches or ATMs.
Enhanced Performance
Over 80 issues were identified and resolved. This led to a robust and high-performing system. More than 50 performance improvements were implemented at the database level alone.
Future-Proof System
The new system was benchmarked to handle future growth for three years without additional hardware. This ensured long-term scalability and efficiency.
Client Satisfaction
The bank’s CTO praised the smooth transition. They highlighted the excellent performance of our team: “Thanks. It was quite a smooth switch over and no issue on performance. Your guys did an excellent job.”
Want more details? Download the full case study to see how we achieved a zero-defect migration for a major bank.
The Last Word
This case study demonstrates our expertise in managing complex application migrations in the banking sector. By leveraging our P-A-S-S™ Assurance methodology and focusing on performance, availability, and scalability, we ensured a seamless transition from a legacy system to a next-gen Finacle stack. The result was a one-day cutover with zero post-go-live defects. This set a benchmark for future migrations in the banking industry.
Our comprehensive approach included detailed analysis, optimization, and continuous monitoring. This not only resolved existing performance issues but also prepared the system for future growth. This success story highlights the importance of meticulous planning, technical expertise, and collaboration in achieving a smooth and efficient migration.
For banks and financial institutions looking to upgrade their systems, partnering with Avekshaa means leveraging our deep industry knowledge and technical expertise. We help navigate the complexities of application migration and achieve long-term operational success.
Need to ensure a flawless migration to a next-gen system? Reach out to us today to discover how our expertise can make your transition seamless and defect-free.