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Use Case
3 min

Aligning Cloud-based Architecture for Agile Impact

Discover how CDW helped a nonprofit modernize its legacy applications and improve agility across all customer locations with cloud-first architecture.

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Goodbye legacy systems. Hello cloud agility.

39%

of organizations say integrating legacy systems with the cloud is challenging1

43%

of organizations struggle to balance cloud demand with budgets1

Can modern architecture enable long-term agility for mission-driven organizations?

A REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE

Creating a Smarter Future Through Application Modernization

Outdated legacy apps were holding back a national STEM education nonprofit. Manual content updates and security gaps made it difficult to keep pace with the nonprofit’s goals or deliver an engaging experience to its community. The organization needed to modernize fast without disrupting ongoing services.

The nonprofit sought a partner that could not only move the application to AWS, but also automate updates, improve security and optimize long-term cloud operations — all within a limited budget. That’s when CDW stepped in.

THE TURNING POINT

Reimagining Cloud From the Ground Up

CDW software engineers completely reimagined the nonprofit’s cloud application. An upgrade to the latest version of Python eliminated 250 known vulnerabilities across third-party dependencies, while newly automated update delivery across both on-premises and AWS-hosted systems ensured maximum reach and flexibility.

To reduce operational overhead, CDW implemented an automated regression testing suite and code review process using advanced analysis tools. And by redesigning the organization’s AWS system architecture for cost efficiency and stronger security, CDW ensured the solution was modern and maintainable.

THE RESULTS

From Legacy Limits to Long-term Agility

An IT specialist concentrating on his computer in a modern office workspace.

CDW’s architecture-driven approach gave the nonprofit a faster, safer, more efficient application experience across all locations. With automated updates and testing in place, the organization can scale confidently and deploy new content without fear of outages or delays.

Here’s why it worked:

  • A targeted Python upgrade eliminated 250 vulnerabilities  
  • Application and content automation means fast, reliable delivery 
  • Optimized AWS architecture improves cost efficiency and security 
  • Integrated testing and intelligent code review tools simplify maintenance

What’s next?

The nonprofit is now free to focus on its core mission — delivering impactful STEM programs across multiple locations without disruptions.

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Source: Rackspace Technology, “The 2025 State of Cloud Reports,” 2025

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