Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Experience cloud transformation and continuous modernization with HCL (PRT024)

Summary

HCL's CloudSmart strategy focuses on industry-driven, engineering-centric cloud solutions.
Modernization is emphasized as a key benefit of cloud migration, with a push to avoid transferring technical debt.
Clients are increasingly driven by innovation rather than just productivity, with AWS being a key partner in driving this innovation.
HCL has an enablement model that includes smart way days and a methodology that has proven successful with clients, including Merck.
Merck's cloud journey with HCL involved not just migrating workloads but also taking advantage of cloud capabilities to continuously advance their capabilities.
Agile methodology was used to allow iterative improvements and value realization.
The initiative covered the complete lifecycle of applications, from architecture to operation.
HCL's legacy knowledge of Merck's environment was a significant accelerator in the cloud journey.
The migration included a focus on automation and reusable frameworks to increase velocity and reduce the need to reinvent the wheel.
Merck's transformation included changes to the operating model, skill enhancement, value measurement, unified ways of working, and automation self-service.
Key takeaways include the shift to a product-centric model, development of reusable patterns, and integrated processes for governed migrations.
HCL learned from the project and applied product-centric, factory-style application modernization in a continuous and innovative manner.

The CloudSmart strategy by HCL is a comprehensive approach to cloud solutions that prioritizes modernization and innovation, reflecting a broader industry trend towards cloud-native architectures and services.
The partnership between HCL and AWS underscores the importance of strong ecosystem relationships in delivering effective cloud transformations.
Merck's approach to cloud migration, focusing on continuous improvement and modernization rather than a simple "lift and shift," is indicative of a mature cloud strategy that seeks to leverage the full benefits of cloud computing.
The use of agile methodologies in cloud migration projects is becoming a standard practice, allowing organizations to adapt and iterate quickly to realize value incrementally.
The emphasis on automation and reusable frameworks suggests a growing recognition of the need for efficiency and scalability in cloud migrations, which can lead to significant cost savings and faster time-to-market for new features and updates.
The transformation of not just technology but also people and processes is a critical component of successful cloud adoption, highlighting the need for a holistic approach that encompasses cultural and operational changes.
The case study of Merck's cloud journey with HCL provides a real-world example of how a large, established company can effectively modernize its IT infrastructure and practices through strategic partnerships and a focus on continuous innovation.