Azure @DEKRA
Efficient execution of DEKRA's Cloud First Journey with DevOps and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- DEKRA chose a cloud-first strategy with Microsoft Azure to build a rock-solid foundation for its digital enterprise strategy
- The groundwork in the cloud had to be laid first — including a Cloud Landing Zone, a Cloud Competence Center, and ramping up employee know-how
- Rapid implementation was critical to drive project momentum and prove the cloud's promised payoff
The Approach
DEKRA's "cloud first" strategy is a cornerstone of the company's digital agenda — one that's focused on both enhancing existing services and spinning up entirely new digital offerings. The big themes driving it all: "Vehicles & Future Mobility," "IT & Cybersecurity Services," "Remote Services," "Data-Driven, AI-Enabled Services," and "Sustainability Services."
To lay that kind of foundation, the deep Azure Cloud Solutions expertise within DEKRA's Global Integrated IT found fertile ground. By deploying the glueckkanja Azure Foundation, the team tapped into a proven, battle-tested solution for standing up an Azure Landing Zone. The template- and pipeline-based provisioning guaranteed a fast, secure implementation. Intensive training for DEKRA staff in Terraform and DevOps within the Cloud Competence Center empowered the customer to become self-sufficient. Since then, glueckkanja has served as an extended member of the DEKRA Cloud Competence Center, supporting the ongoing evolution and maintenance of the Landing Zone as well as cloud onboarding of workloads — including building out an automated AVD infrastructure to support 5,000 remote desktop users.
Solution
The first move: assembling a collection of glueckkanja best practices for building secure and scalable Azure Landing Zones through the Azure Foundation. A Landing Zone encompasses elements like networking, name resolution, automation tasks, remote access, log processing, auditing, platform security, data protection, and host anti-malware. Every component of the Azure Foundation is developed and deployed as Infrastructure as Code (IaC) — ensuring rapid time-to-value, industry-standard product development, quality, and security.Results & Takeaways
Thanks to the Azure Foundation approach, the Landing Zone was up and running in just 3 months. Built entirely on Infrastructure as Code, it went live across 8 Azure regions — enabling rapid onboarding for all cloud services. Beyond the tech, employees benefit from an established, well-functioning solution they can learn from and grow with.
About DEKRA
DEKRA has been in the safety business for nearly a century. Founded in Berlin in 1925 as the German Motor Vehicle Inspection Association (Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein e.V.), it's now one of the world's leading expert organizations. DEKRA SE is a subsidiary of DEKRA e.V. and manages the group's operational business. In 2021, DEKRA generated preliminary revenue of nearly 3.5 billion euros. The company currently employs approximately 46,500 people in around 60 countries across every continent. With qualified, independent expert services, they champion safety on the road, in the workplace, and at home. Their portfolio spans vehicle inspections and assessments, claims management, industrial and building inspections, safety consulting, product and systems testing and certification, training services, and temporary staffing. The vision for their 100th birthday in 2025: DEKRA will be the global partner for a safe and sustainable world. With a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, DEKRA now ranks among the top one percent of rated sustainable companies.
