Initial situation and challenges
As part of its “cloud first” strategy, Česká spořitelna decided to modernize its project and task management system. As the largest Czech bank with thousands of users, it needed a solution that met the strict security and regulatory requirements of the financial sector. It was also important to gain access to the latest features that Atlassian primarily develops for cloud environments. Additionally, the bank sought to reduce maintenance costs associated with its complex, highly customized system while ensuring a seamless transition that would not disrupt the work of dozens of teams.
Our solution
We divided the project into two key phases: a six-month analysis followed by implementation. To ensure success, we deployed a skilled team of specialists who worked closely with the bank’s implementation team.
Analysis and preparation (6 months): The first phase involved a comprehensive feasibility study focusing on security aspects. We developed a detailed redesign of the system and processes for the cloud environment and identified unnecessary customizations, with proposals for their elimination. This phase also included the creation of a detailed migration plan with an emphasis on risk minimization.
Implementation (June 2023 – August 2024): In the implementation phase, we adopted an agile approach with two-week sprints and daily status updates. We conducted incremental test migrations to verify functionality and addressed complex security requirements, including the implementation of the BYOK encryption key. A key component was also managing coordination between various cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
The entire team worked in an integrated manner, combining our specialists with experts from Česká spořitelna, which facilitated efficient communication and rapid issue resolution.
Key success factors
Thorough preparation and analysis were the first key success factors. The six-month feasibility study eliminated risks and clarified all migration aspects, including security concerns.
A strong implementation team on both sides represented the second pillar of success. Close collaboration between our specialists and the Česká spořitelna team allowed us to function as one integrated team with a clear goal.
The third factor was the agile approach to implementation. Working in sprints with daily updates ensured flexibility, quick responses to changes, and continuous progress even when addressing unexpected complications.
Results and measurable benefits
The migration to the cloud brought Česká spořitelna significant and measurable benefits. The most notable success was the reduction of customizations by 70%, reducing the number of customer modifications from 30 to 9, which dramatically simplified system maintenance.
Users experienced significantly faster system response times during daily operations, contributing to increased productivity. Another major benefit was the easier onboarding of new employees, as the more intuitive environment shortened the training time. Thanks to new automation capabilities, many routine tasks were eliminated, leading to the reduction of manual activities across teams.
Moreover, the system now ensures comprehensive data security, meets the highest security standards, and complies with the strict regulatory requirements of the financial sector. “We are pleased that such a large and complex migration to the cloud went smoothly and resulted in the successful implementation of Jira in the cloud,” says Yana Kunakbaeva, Senior Partner Manager at Atlassian.
Cooperation with the customer's team
A significant focus was placed on connecting teams at all levels – from programmers to security specialists – ensuring that no one was cut off from critical information. Clear leadership on both sides also played an important role in effectively coordinating work across the sprints.
“With the Česká spořitelna team, we did not operate as two separate entities, but as one integrated team with a clear goal. This allowed us to resolve even the most complex challenges very efficiently,” says Adam Rypel, Head of the Implementation Team at MoroSystems Orchestra.
Further development opportunities
During the project, we identified additional areas where Česká spořitelna can further develop its system. We see significant potential in expanding automation capabilities to further streamline processes, which could lead to even greater time savings and productivity gains. The cloud environment also offers advanced analytics features, which could provide valuable insights into the performance of the bank’s teams and projects.
Another opportunity lies in deeper integration with other bank systems, which could result in a smoother flow of information across the organization. Lastly, we identified opportunities for better alignment with the OKR system and strategic goals, which could strengthen the link between daily team activities and the bank’s broader objectives.