B2 Impact Partners with Red Hat to Revolutionize IT Operations
Introduction to the Partnership
In a significant development for the financial sector, B2 Impact, a leading debt collection firm in Poland, has teamed up with Red Hat, Inc., a global leader in open-source solutions, to overhaul its IT infrastructure. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in B2 Impact’s journey towards embracing modern technology and enhancing its operational capabilities. By leveraging Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization and Red Hat OpenShift, B2 Impact aims to streamline its processes, improve application performance, and ensure robust security measures.
The Need for Modernization
B2 Impact’s decision to modernize its IT ecosystem was driven by the need to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics of the financial industry. With a client base of nearly 2.5 million customers and handling 4.1 million cases, the company recognized the importance of staying ahead in an environment characterized by stringent regulatory requirements and evolving technological landscapes. To achieve this, B2 Impact sought a flexible and scalable IT infrastructure capable of supporting its digital transformation goals.
Key Achievements and Benefits
Through the deployment of Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization and Red Hat OpenShift, B2 Impact has achieved remarkable results. The company reported a fourfold acceleration in its ETL (extract, transform, load) processes, a significant improvement that enhances data processing and analysis capabilities. Additionally, the time required to set up a new operational environment has been reduced to just one hour, enabling the company to swiftly respond to business needs. The implementation also facilitated seamless service transitions between data centers, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
Adopting a Microservices Architecture
A crucial aspect of B2 Impact’s modernization strategy was adopting a microservices architecture. This approach involves breaking down applications into smaller, independent components that can be developed, deployed, and managed separately. By doing so, B2 Impact has accelerated software development and testing, reduced time-to-market, and enabled faster delivery of products and services. The agile nature of OpenShift allows the company to deliver updates and new functionalities bi-weekly, aligning with business requirements and market demands.
Enhancing Cybersecurity and Compliance
In the financial sector, cybersecurity and compliance are paramount. B2 Impact’s transformation project prioritized strengthening these aspects by implementing robust security measures. The use of automated switches for data center backup, a zero-trust security model, and a new disaster recovery policy has fortified the company’s defenses against cyber threats. Furthermore, the modernization effort aligns with EU regulations, including the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), ensuring compliance with the latest industry standards.
The Role of Red Hat and Net-o-logy
Red Hat’s expertise in open-source solutions played a pivotal role in B2 Impact’s successful transformation. The company’s OpenShift platform provided the necessary tools and capabilities to unify virtual machines and containerized applications into a single, cohesive platform. This unification simplified the monitoring and management of infrastructure and data flow, contributing to increased operational efficiency.
Net-o-logy, a trusted partner in the project, supported B2 Impact throughout the entire process, from design to implementation. Their collaboration ensured a smooth transition and successful execution of the modernization plan. Looking ahead, B2 Impact plans to further enhance its IT operations by implementing the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform. This move will leverage security, integration, and network automation capabilities to accelerate infrastructure management.
Industry Insights and Future Prospects
Lubomir Stojek, Country Manager for Poland at Red Hat, emphasized the importance of modernizing IT infrastructure, particularly in the financial sector. He highlighted the necessity for companies like B2 Impact to strengthen their systems and better manage risks in an era of dynamic threats. The partnership with Red Hat enables B2 Impact to achieve its virtualization goals, facilitating faster deployment of new products and services to meet changing market needs.
Bartłomiej Godzieszka, Head of IT at B2 Impact, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the technological advancements in the Polish financial industry. He noted the sector’s high standards for flexibility and innovation, driven by the need to remain competitive and compliant with strict security regulations. B2 Impact’s vision for the future includes achieving 100% containerization of its services by 2027, positioning the company at the forefront of technological innovation.
Conclusion
B2 Impact’s collaboration with Red Hat marks a significant milestone in its journey towards digital transformation. By embracing modern IT solutions and adopting a microservices architecture, the company has enhanced operational efficiency, improved application performance, and strengthened cybersecurity measures. The partnership underscores the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry and sets a benchmark for other financial institutions seeking to modernize their IT ecosystems. As B2 Impact continues its modernization journey, it remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of its clients and adapt to the ever-changing market landscape.
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