For nearly two decades, we have partnered with a leading global retail technology firm to build and modernize advanced eCommerce platforms that enhance customer experiences across 25+ major retailers. This partnership, spanning over 18 years, has been marked by a constant drive for modernization, with each phase tailored to meet evolving business and technological demands.
Throughout this extensive partnership, we’ve consistently applied our expertise in Microsoft technologies, including cloud infrastructure, modern software architecture, low-code development, advanced data analytics, and robust integration capabilities to help our client seamlessly modernize its legacy systems, migrate to cloud environments, and unlock powerful, scalable insights to remain industry leaders.
For more on how we partner to drive success, read our blog on Microsoft Partnership with Flexible Engagement Models.
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Case Study Spotlight: Transforming Retail Operations with Microsoft Technologies
This case study demonstrates our collaboration with a leading UK-based retail technology firm to develop and enhance a next-generation eCommerce platform leveraging the complete MS Tech ecosystem. Over an 18-year partnership (2005-2023), we successfully migrated from a legacy monolithic platform to a modern, cloud-native solution serving over 25+ major retailers, including premium brands and high-volume distributors. What started as an engagement with limited resources and a focus on foundational eCommerce technology evolved into a powerful partnership that transformed the client’s technology stack. Our consistent focus on modernization and scalability led to the development of an advanced platform capable of handling the dynamic needs of the retail sector.
Business Challenge
The client needed to modernize their legacy eCommerce platform to meet complex demands:
- Modernize legacy eCommerce platform to support a scalable multi-tenant architecture for diverse retail clients
- Transition from a monolithic system to microservices for better business agility and scalability
- Integrate advanced analytics and AI-powered personalization to facilitate real-time customer experiences
- Ensure global scalability with regional customization for localized needs
- Offer a flawless omnichannel experience across web, mobile, and in-store platforms
- Adhere to enterprise-grade security and compliance standards across multiple regions
Solution Architecture
We designed a comprehensive solution leveraging Microsoft’s full technology stack.
Core Platform
- Microsoft Azure: Cloud infrastructure
- .NET 6/7: Modern application framework
- Azure SQL Database: Scalable managed database
- Azure Service Bus: Enterprise messaging
- Azure API Management: API gateway
- Azure Functions: Serverless computing
Frontend & UX
- ASP.NET Core MVC: Web app framework
- Blazor Server/WebAssembly: Modern web UI
- Microsoft Graph: Office 365 integration
- Progressive Web App: Mobile-optimized experience
- Azure CDN: Global content delivery
Data & Analytics
- Azure Synapse Analytics: Enterprise data warehouse
- Power BI: Business intelligence
- Azure Data Factory: Data integration
- Azure Stream Analytics: Real-time processing
- Microsoft Fabric: Unified analytics
- Azure Cognitive Search: Intelligent search
AI & Machine Learning
- Azure Cognitive Services: AI features
- Azure ML: Custom models
- Bot Framework: Automation
- Personalizer: Product recommendations
- Computer Vision: Image recognition
Security & Compliance
- Azure AD B2C: Identity management
- Azure Key Vault: Secrets management
- Azure Security Center: Threat protection
- Microsoft Sentinel: Security event management
- Azure Policy: Governance
Implementation Journey: A Roadmap to Retail Transformation Leveraging Microsoft Technologies
(2006-2008) Phase 1: Foundation & Migration
Building the e-commerce platform’s core foundation while ensuring reliability and quick onboarding of clients.
- Built Core eCommerce Framework with ASP.NET & SQL Server
Utilized ASP.NET for a scalable framework and SQL Server for robust data storage and management. - Onboarded 12+ Retail Clients
Integrated multiple retail clients quickly into the platform using Azure App Services and Azure Logic Apps to automate and streamline the onboarding process. - Achieved 99.9% Uptime
Employed Azure Availability Zones to use SQL Server’s high availability features to drive continuous operations. - Reduced Onboarding Time from 6 Months to 6 Weeks
Utilized Power Automate and Azure Logic Apps to automate the onboarding workflows and minimize manual processes.
Deliverables:
- Enterprise Application Integration through Azure Logic Apps and Service Bus.
- Data Migration using Azure Data Factory to migrate from legacy systems to a scalable cloud-based infrastructure.
- Client Onboarding Automation with Power Automate to optimize processes and boost operational efficiency.
Key Features Delivered:
- Catalog Management: Enabled AI-powered search and dynamic pricing using Azure Machine Learning. This approach optimized product visibility and enhanced the shopping experience.
(2008-2016) Phase 2: Integration & Scaling
As the business expanded, the focus shifted towards system integration, scalability, and data-driven insights.
- Integrated with Payment Systems, SAP, and Oracle ERP
Used Azure Logic Apps and Azure Service Bus to integrate payment systems and back-office applications. - Optimized Performance with Azure Redis Cache
Integrated Azure Redis Cache to speed up data retrieval and ensure scalability for millions of transactions. - Implemented Power BI & Azure Synapse for Analytics
Implemented Power BI for real-time reporting and Azure Synapse Analytics for big data processing and analytics for better decision-making. - Microservices Architecture with AKS
Transitioned to a microservices-based architecture using Azure Kubernetes Service for efficient handling of core services, ease of scaling, and independent service management.
Deliverables:
- POCs for payment gateway integration, tested and validated on Azure Service Bus and Logic Apps.
- Payment Gateway Integration with Azure API Management to securely manage and monitor API calls.
- Promotions Engine developed using Azure Functions to handle dynamic promotions based on user behavior and data-driven insights.
- Talend Integration to connect different data sources into the platform for enhanced reporting.
Key Features Delivered:
- Inventory Management
Integrated IoT solutions via Azure IoT Hub for real-time inventory tracking, along with demand forecasting powered by Azure Machine Learning to predict and manage stock levels. - Omnichannel Experience
Created unified customer profiles and delivered personalized recommendations across platforms using Azure Cognitive Services and Microsoft Graph. - Payment Processing
Supported multi-gateway payment integration with fraud detection powered by Azure Security Center to facilitate safe and smooth transactions. - Analytics & BI
Delivered real-time monitoring and actionable insights through Power BI dashboards for informed decision-making across the business.
(2016-2023) Phase 3: Cloud-Native Platform
The goal for the final phase was to evolve the platform into a cloud-native system that could harness the full potential of AI, IoT, and DevOps.
- Migrated to Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Fully transitioned the platform to a cloud-native architecture using AKS to manage containerized applications with high availability and scalability. - Implemented Azure DevOps for CI/CD Pipelines
Adopted Azure DevOps for continuous integration and continuous deployment, driven by automated pipeline deployment for reduced manual interventions. - Added AI-Powered Features with Cognitive Services
Integrated Azure Cognitive Services for AI-powered capabilities, such as text analytics, speech recognition, and image analysis for enhanced user interaction. - Integrated IoT for Inventory Tracking
Leveraged Azure IoT Hub for real-time inventory tracking and streamlined stock management by integrating sensors and devices into the platform.
Deliverables:
- Catalog Import & Search Optimization using Azure Cognitive Search to improve search results and enhance product discovery.
- Office on the Web Frame to enable seamless document editing and integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD for access control.
- Promotions Engine for dynamic pricing and offers, powered by Azure Functions and Azure Machine Learning for real-time updates.
Key Features Delivered:
- Marketing Automation
Enabled AI-driven customer segmentation using Azure Machine Learning to drive targeted campaigns and personalized offers. - Supply Chain Optimization
Streamlined automated procurement and integrated logistics with Azure IoT and Azure Logic Apps to achieve better efficiency at reduced costs.
Data Architecture & Analytics
- Data Ingestion: Azure Data Factory
- Data Storage: Azure Data Lake and SQL
- Data Processing: Azure Synapse
- Visualization: Power BI
- Machine Learning: Azure ML
Business Impact
- Performance: Reduced page load times (4.2s to 0.8s)
- Growth: Client base grew from 12 to 25+, 40% increase in online sales
- Operational Efficiency: 60% reduction in manual processes
- Cost Optimization: 35% reduction in infrastructure costs, 50% faster feature delivery
From e-commerce platform modernization to ensuring global scalability, our strategic collaboration with the client has consistently delivered value.
How This Matters to Your Business
Every industry is different, but the challenges are often the same:
- Legacy systems that limit growth
- Data that’s hard to access and understand
- The need to scale quickly without breaking the bank
- Survive and thrive in a dynamic market
From retail to healthcare and everything in between, success only starts with modern, flexible tech that helps you work smarter, move faster, and stay responsive.
Driving Digital Transformation Across Industries with Microsoft Technology Expertise
Beyond our longstanding retail partnerships, our extensive experience in Microsoft technology services has enabled numerous clients across diverse industries. Our areas of expertise include:
Legacy System Modernization
We help businesses move away from outdated systems and shift to secure, scalable cloud solutions, so they’re ready for whatever comes next.
Cloud Scalability and Flexibility
Whether your business expands fast or needs to pivot quickly, our cloud modernization and migration services allow seamless scaling and agility to adapt quickly to evolving market needs.
Low-Code Apps and Smart Automation
We use Microsoft Power Platform to streamline retail operations. From building custom apps without heavy coding to automating everyday tasks, we help your teams save time and focus on what matters most.
Real-Time Analytics and Actionable Insight
We turn your data into action so you can make smarter decisions that boost efficiency and drive profits with real-time analytics and clear reports. Learn how our proven track record and Microsoft-backed expertise have consistently enabled businesses across industries to innovate, scale, and thrive.
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