Client Overview 

The client is a Sweden-based company specializing in construction and green technology. They develop simulation software focused on buildings, tunnels, and energy conservation systems based on IDA technology. Their software solutions help optimize energy consumption and ensure occupant comfort in buildings, as well as enhance safety and efficiency in tunnel design projects.

Project Scope 

The client required DevOps expertise to support two primary projects:

1. Building Simulation Tool: This software accurately models a building, its systems, and controllers. It facilitates the study of thermal indoor climates and energy consumption, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
2. Tunnel Simulation Software: This software is used for road and rail tunnel design projects, covering ventilation and fire design tasks. It provides computed results animated within a full 3D representation of the tunnel network.

Challenges and Requirements

• The client needed a robust DevOps infrastructure to enhance deployment, scalability, and management.
• The project required transitioning from traditional infrastructure deployment to a more efficient and scalable cloud-based system.
• Automating deployment scripts and management systems was necessary for improving efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
• Moving the role activities to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) to optimize resource management and improve system performance.

Our Solution 

Our partner’s DDT team, consisting of one dedicated developer, leveraged Azure DevOps to address the client’s challenges. The key contributions included:

• Infrastructure Deployment Optimization: Designed and developed improved infrastructure deployment systems.
• Migration to Azure Virtual Desktop: Transitioned project management components (e.g., RDS gateway, RDS broker) to AVD, enabling smoother operations and reducing overhead.
• Continuous Management Systems: Developed PowerShell and Bash scripts for automating continuous software management.
• Software Deployment Automation: Enhanced deployment scripts to improve software delivery efficiency.
• Scaling System Improvement: Shifted from simple images to Azure Compute Gallery, ensuring better scalability and resource allocation.

Results & Impact

• Increased system efficiency by automating infrastructure deployment and management.
• Enhanced scalability through Azure Compute Gallery, allowing for dynamic resource adjustments.
• Improved overall system reliability and reduced manual intervention with automated scripts.
• Provided a streamlined DevOps workflow, ensuring seamless updates and management of the client’s simulation software.

Conclusion 

By integrating Azure DevOps and automation strategies, the client successfully optimized its simulation software for buildings and tunnels. The DevOps enhancements led to a more scalable, efficient, and reliable system, empowering the client to focus on innovation and sustainability in construction and green technology.