Client Results — Manufacturing

IaC Foundation Enables Safe Azure Network Testing Without Production Risk

A comprehensive Infrastructure-as-Code implementation using Terraform and GitHub Actions created an isolated Azure model environment for testing next-generation networking designs and establishing automation best practices.

Terraform automation · Azure networking · GitHub Actions CI/CD
Zero
Production risk
Isolated test environment for network changes
2 regions
Azure deployment
Hub-spoke topology with HA NVAs
Full IaC
Automation stack
Terraform modules with GitHub Actions
$40K
Total investment
Complete foundation and knowledge transfer
Manufacturing

The Organization

A mid-market manufacturing company modernizing their cloud infrastructure operations with a focus on establishing Infrastructure-as-Code practices and safe testing methodologies for Azure networking designs.

Azure cloud environment with plans for hybrid connectivity, requiring safe testing capabilities for next-generation networking designs and migration from legacy cloud platforms.

The Challenge

The manufacturing company needed to establish modern Infrastructure-as-Code practices while creating a safe environment for testing next-generation Azure networking designs. They required the ability to validate changes without impacting production systems and needed to build internal expertise in Terraform automation.

The organization was planning a phased migration from legacy cloud networking platforms and needed a foundation for streamlined operations and repeatable deployments.

No safe environment for testing Azure networking changes
Lack of Infrastructure-as-Code automation framework
Limited internal expertise in Terraform best practices
Need for repeatable, consistent cloud deployments
Risk of production impact during network design validation

IVI's Approach

IVI established a comprehensive Infrastructure-as-Code foundation using Terraform and GitHub Actions, deployed a multi-region Azure model environment, and provided hands-on coaching to build internal automation expertise.

Phase 1: Project Kickoff & Requirements

Established project governance framework, defined technical objectives, and identified client dependencies including Azure access requirements and GitHub Enterprise setup.

Phase 2: Azure Model Environment Design

Designed multi-region hub-spoke architecture with HA Palo Alto firewalls and Arista CloudEOS instances, including routing controls to ensure production isolation.

Phase 3: Terraform Automation Framework

Built reusable Terraform modules, GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines, and Azure Storage backend for state management, avoiding initial Terraform Cloud dependencies.

Phase 4: Knowledge Transfer & Coaching

Provided hands-on coaching in Terraform workflows, module design best practices, and operational playbooks while delivering cost analysis for future platform evolution.

Technology Stack Deployed

Terraform
Infrastructure-as-Code automation platform
GitHub Actions
CI/CD pipeline automation
Azure VNets
Hub-spoke network topology across two regions
Palo Alto VM-Series
HA virtual firewalls in each hub
Arista CloudEOS
HA network virtual appliances
Azure Storage
Terraform state management and locking

Infrastructure Foundation Delivered

The project successfully established a complete Infrastructure-as-Code foundation with an isolated Azure model environment, enabling safe testing of networking changes while building internal automation expertise.

Isolated test environment

Deployed multi-region Azure model environment with hub-spoke topology, HA network virtual appliances, and production isolation controls for safe testing of future networking designs.

Automation framework

Established reusable Terraform modules and GitHub Actions pipelines enabling consistent, repeatable deployments with proper state management and version control.

Internal expertise development

Provided hands-on coaching and documentation to build internal team capabilities in Terraform best practices, module design, and operational workflows.

Future platform roadmap

Delivered cost analysis and recommendations for Terraform Cloud or Enterprise adoption, providing clear path for scaling automation capabilities.

Explore Related Solutions

FAQs
How does the model environment ensure production isolation?

The Azure model environment uses dedicated subscriptions, isolated VNets, and controlled peering with route filters to prevent any impact on production systems while enabling realistic testing scenarios.

What ongoing benefits does the Terraform automation provide?

The Infrastructure-as-Code foundation enables consistent deployments, version-controlled infrastructure changes, and repeatable testing scenarios while building internal team expertise in modern automation practices.

Can this approach be extended to other cloud platforms?

Yes. The Terraform modules and GitHub Actions framework can be adapted for multi-cloud deployments, and the automation patterns established here provide a foundation for expanding to AWS, GCP, or hybrid environments.

What is the timeline for implementing similar automation?

A complete Infrastructure-as-Code foundation with model environment deployment typically takes 6-8 weeks, including design, implementation, testing, and knowledge transfer phases.

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