Successful Domain Controller Migration to Cloud – The Inheritance Way
SELECCION Consulting recently undertook a challenging project involving the migration of domain controllers (DCs) from on-prem data centers to a Cloud Platform for one of our clients. This case study provides a detailed overview of the migration process, highlighting the key steps taken and the benefits achieved.
Targeted Audience:
This case study is intended for mid-level technical personnel and senior management professionals who are interested in understanding the intricacies of domain controller migration to the cloud and the associated benefits.
Setup Before Migration:
Before the migration, our client operated four domains with multiple DCs spread across on-prem data centers in two locations, along with their headquarters (HQ) running an older operating system. The existing setup had dependencies that needed to be carefully managed during the migration process. Time synchronization relied on a combination of on-prem server’s NTP server and Windows NTP on specific DCs, while a Distributed File System (DFS) was configured on the primary domain’s DCs for specific folders.
Replication:
Throughout the migration process, replication was maintained between the on-prem data center, Cloud Platform, and the client’s HQ location. Once the migration was completed, replication occurred solely within the Cloud Platform and the client’s HQ, eliminating reliance on the on-prem data center.
Completed Migration Process:
The migration process involved several key steps:
Domain Controllers Deployment:
Two DCs per domain were deployed in Cloud regions for redundancy, ensuring high availability. All dependencies from the on-premises DCs were migrated to the Cloud.
Operating System Upgrade:
DCs now run the latest Windows Server OS and are distributed across zones for enhanced fault tolerance.
Performance Consistency:
Machine types were carefully chosen based on domain requirements to match the previous compute power, ensuring consistent performance.
Security Measures:
Existing firewall rules from the on-prem servers were replicated in the Cloud to maintain the client’s security posture.
Internal DNS Configuration:
Active Directory-integrated DNS is now used within the Cloud Platform, replacing reliance on Google DNS for internal domain name resolution.
Application Updates:
Applications that previously pointed directly to DCs by IP address were updated to reference the new DCs’ IP addresses.
Compatibility Considerations:
SMBv1 was enabled on all Cloud DCs for compatibility with specific applications.
FSMO Roles Transition:
The transition of FSMO roles from the on-prem data center to the Cloud was carefully planned and executed to ensure continuity.
Time Synchronization:
NTP is now configured to synchronize with Google’s time servers for accurate timekeeping.
Benefits Achieved:
The migration to the Cloud Platform resulted in several key benefits for our client:
Improved Scalability and Performance:
By leveraging the Cloud infrastructure, our client now benefits from greater scalability and potentially improved performance compared to the on-prem infrastructure.
Enhanced Security and Control:
Migrating to the Cloud provides our client with greater control and potentially enhanced security over its domain controllers.
Potential Cost Savings:
While a thorough cost analysis is recommended, the Cloud pricing structure may offer potential cost savings compared to the on-prem infrastructure.
SELECCION Consulting’s seamless migration of domain controllers to the Cloud Platform has empowered our client with enhanced scalability, performance, and security. The successful execution of this migration underscores our expertise in leveraging SAP solutions to drive business transformation.
Contact SELECCION Consulting to explore how our SAP consulting services can streamline your IT infrastructure and unlock the full potential of cloud migration.