Manchester Metropolitan University Cloud Migration Case Study

This case study details the cloud migration project undertaken by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to modernize its digital infrastructure. The university aimed to transition from a large, ageing on-premise infrastructure to a more flexible and scalable cloud-first strategy, leveraging Microsoft’s Azure public cloud. The project involved migrating 650 virtual machines, achieving a 99% migration success rate, and establishing a hybrid cloud environment using Azure VMware Solution (AVS). The approach included a detailed cloud assessment, the creation of a business plan, and the implementation of an Azure Landing Zone. The migration process utilized the VMware HCX mobility platform for a lift-and-shift methodology, ensuring minimal disruption. The collaboration with Advania provided MMU with the necessary expertise and support to meet compliance requirements and enhance operational efficiency. The outcomes included reduced hosting costs, improved environmental sustainability, and a comprehensive technical handover to MMU's operational team, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing support.