Case studies/Rail Delivery Group - Live Sales Management (LSM)

Rail Delivery Group - Live Sales Management (LSM)

The Live Sales Management (LSM) service is a crucial component supporting the Ticket on Departure feature provided by National Rail (part of the Rail Delivery Group).

CLIENT

Rail Delivery Group

INDUSTRY

Transport

SERVICE

Cloud

PARTNER

aws

The client

LSM, which is managed by Nasstar, represents a significant advancement in enhancing customer convenience and operational efficiency. To ensure ongoing security, high availability, and cost-effectiveness in line with cloud best practices, Nasstar recently proposed a system-wide network modernisation project.

This case study can also be found over at Colibri Digital, part of The Nasstar Group.

Our goal

Guaranteessecurecustomeraccesstoanessentialticketingplatform.

The challenges

As a service that customers have come to rely on, RDG wanted to ensure they always have secure and stable access to the platform. 

The project aimed to improve LSM’s resilience by enhancing network routing, ensuring it remains operational even under adverse conditions and during high-demand periods. The initiative would also update security measures and align them with RDG’s security guidelines and recommendations. This crucial and continuous task protects customer data and prevents unauthorised access to high-value systems.

Alongside the modernisation of LSM's infrastructure, Nasstar aimed to improve access for RDG's third-party clients. Simplified access would also include enhancements to availability and fault tolerance, and reduce the need for repeated service requests and support.

Our solution

The proposed solution was multifaceted, focusing on upgrading the network infrastructure, enhancing security measures, and optimising system availability.

01

In response to the challenges, Nasstar developed a modernisation strategy led by its Solution Architects. After a detailed analysis, key areas for improvement were identified, primarily focused on upgrading network infrastructure, enhancing security, and improving system availability. Network Load Balancers (NLBs) replaced legacy virtual machines to provide static IP access via Elastic IPs, enabling dynamic scaling, improved TLS control, and more resilient access for third-party integrations.

02

Nasstar reduced system complexity by removing self-managed virtual machines and underutilised resources, simplifying the overall network architecture and reducing risk. Rightsizing the infrastructure ensured efficient use of cloud resources while maintaining the flexibility to scale with demand. This approach maximised the benefits of AWS auto-scaling while avoiding overprovisioning.

03

Security was a core focus. Transitioning to a managed service for access point load balancing eliminated the need for manual configuration, significantly reducing vulnerabilities and human error. The entire LSM service now leverages best-in-class cloud technologies to stay secure, resilient, and adaptable in a constantly evolving landscape.

04

Operating primarily on Amazon Web Services (AWS), the LSM service benefits from cloud-scale resilience and availability. Elastic Load Balancers (ELBs) and NLBs enhance uptime and performance for end users. With Nasstar’s Next Generation Managed Services in place, patching downtime has been reduced, ensuring consistent availability and an improved user experience.

The outcome

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Enhanced customer experience

By ensuring the LSM service's availability and security, the project directly contributes to a better customer experience, encouraging more people to use rail services and, by extension, generating more revenue through increased ticket sales.

Cost-effectiveness

Optimising the network infrastructure, particularly through cloud services and automation, will lead to significant cost savings over time by reducing the need for manual interventions and leveraging the scalability of cloud resources.

Compliance and security

Alignment with the latest security standards will protect RDG from potential cyber threats and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Empowered stakeholders with real-time insights

Comprehensive training enabled RDG’s Service Managers to independently use the CID platform, giving them instant access to critical cost data and improving responsiveness.