NorthWest Natural Water migrates ArcGIS to Microsoft Azure Cloud


Project Overview: ArcGIS Cloud Migration for NorthWest Natural Water

Use Cases and Goals

NorthWest Natural Water, through its subsidiary Sunriver Utilities, engaged GCS for a strategic “lift and shift” ArcGIS cloud migration to Microsoft Azure. The primary objective was to modernize their GIS infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.

Current Infrastructure

At the time of the initial consultation, Sunriver Utilities was utilizing a single on-premise GIS server that hosted all their ArcGIS Enterprise components. The organization relied on one GIS staff member responsible for all aspects of GIS production, publishing, and database management. Additionally, there were fourteen field staff members actively interacting with and editing data daily.

Expansion Goals

The main goal of this project was to expand the Enterprise GIS capabilities to encompass all companies under the NorthWest Natural Water umbrella. This expansion aimed to establish separate Enterprise databases for each company, promoting better data management, collaboration, and operational efficiency across the entire organization.

Benefits of Migration to Microsoft Azure

  • Scalability: Migrating to the cloud allows for scalable infrastructure, accommodating future growth and additional data needs.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Separate Enterprise databases enable better collaboration among different companies under the NWNW umbrella.
  • Improved Data Management: Streamlined processes for data management and publishing enhance overall productivity for GIS staff and field personnel.

By partnering with GCS for this cloud migration, NorthWest Natural Water aims to transform its GIS capabilities, ensuring robust and efficient operations that support its expanding service needs.

Technology: Cloud Computing Strategies for ArcGIS

GCS Cloud Architects specialize in developing comprehensive ArcGIS cloud computing strategies tailored to meet an organization’s specific needs. These strategies encompass:

  • Cloud Adoption Plans: Detailed roadmaps for transitioning to cloud environments.
  • Cloud Application Design: Crafting applications optimized for cloud performance and scalability.
  • Cloud Management and Monitoring: Ensuring effective oversight and operational efficiency in cloud environments.
  • Modern Cloud Architectures: Designing solutions utilizing cloud-native and serverless architectures to maximize flexibility and performance.

GCS executes cloud migrations following industry-defined methodologies and best practices. Our migration process delivers a structured set of activities, best practices, and comprehensive documentation to help clients achieve their specific goals and outcomes.

Benefits of Cloud Migration

In 2021, NorthWest Natural Water chose GCS to facilitate the migration of its on-premise ArcGIS Enterprise system to an Azure cloud environment. Upon completion of the migration, each company under the NWNW umbrella was equipped with its own Enterprise database, enabling them to effectively leverage GIS data for:

  • Daily Operations: Streamlining workflows and improving efficiency.
  • Planning: Utilizing accurate data for strategic decision-making.
  • Decision Making: Enhancing data-driven insights for informed choices.

Each company also gained its own Enterprise Site along with customized applications for critical tasks, including:

  • Valve Exercising
  • Hydrant Inspections
  • Backflow Testing
  • Sewer Flushing

By partnering with GCS for their migration to the Azure cloud, NorthWest Natural Water significantly improved its operational capabilities, driving efficiency and innovation across its services.

Customer Testimonial: Real Experiences with GCS Services

GCS made it easy for our organization to migrate its on premise ArcGIS Enterprise system to an Azure cloud environment.

GCS’s team of highly skilled professionals carefully architected our ArcGIS Enterprise cloud environment to meet the needs of our rapidly expanding business and GIS. Their technical knowledge continue reading…

Continous Support

GCS Provides Ongoing Support for NW Natural Water with ArcGIS Cloud Services, Maintenance, and Upgrades.

Your Data. Smarter.
GCS is a Geospatial Information Technology Services Company
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