National Gas Transforms with Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop: A Cloud Migration Case Study

The transformation of National Gas’ in-house development capabilities is a perfect case study in modern cloud migration coupled with robust automation and security. Tasked with achieving a swift divestiture from National Grid, National Gas—Great Britain’s premier national gas transmission network—needed a radical change to support their diverse, geographically dispersed teams. With traditional desktop solutions suddenly out of the picture, the energy giant turned to a cloud-native strategy, partnering with Capgemini to build a fast, secure, and scalable environment using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).

Navigating the Divestiture Challenge​

National Gas was facing a double-edged sword: a rapidly approaching deadline for divestiture from National Grid and an urgent need to empower their in-house developers and data scientists with a secure computing platform. The separation meant that the legacy reliance on traditional laptops was no longer viable. Instead, the organization needed a modern, flexible alternative to support critical operations while minimizing operational complexity.
Key challenges included:

• A pressing timeline to switch gears away from National Grid’s infrastructure
• The unavailability of traditional computing devices for users at multiple locations
• The need for a secure environment that could handle a range of use cases—from application development to real-time data analytics

The solution had to be nimble, cost-effective, and above all, secure.

Charting a Cloud-First Course​

When National Gas began its full-scale assessment, the decision-makers weighed several modern desktop solutions, including Windows 365, Microsoft Dev Box, and Azure Virtual Desktop. Each option had its strengths, but AVD emerged as the clear frontrunner. By opting for a single-session AVD model over a multi-session baseline, Capgemini was able to deliver a tailored solution with critical benefits:

• Centralized data and applications hosted within a secure cloud tenant
• Enhanced geographic scalability to support users across various regions
• Substantial cost efficiencies compared to traditional client or laptop-based infrastructure

AVD’s robust framework allowed National Gas developers to securely access application environments from their existing devices. This not only bridged the gap left by the missing traditional laptops but also provided a clear demarcation between the systems of National Grid and those now powered by National Gas.

Harnessing Automation and Modern Management​

A key differentiator in this transformation was the extensive use of automation and modern management tools to streamline what was traditionally a complex IT process. Capgemini, in close collaboration with National Gas stakeholders, founded their approach on two pillars: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and modern cloud management practices.

Automation Milestones​

By implementing Terraform scripts and leveraging DevOps pipelines, the project team was able to:

• Automatically deploy infrastructure and single-session virtual desktops with minimal manual intervention
• Spin up machines on demand, each pre-integrated with the correct policies, applications, and security tooling
• Automate application deployments, updates, and policy enforcements using Microsoft Modern Management through Intune

This zero-touch provisioning allowed the IT team to bypass the labor-intensive processes of traditional image management. And with local profile support via OneDrive, storage expenditures became more manageable, negating the need for expensive, externally provided storage solutions.

Self-Service and Simplified Onboarding​

Beyond just automating machine provisioning, the solution integrated modern tools like Winget for application installations along with self-updating processes for apps and services. This self-service model simplified user onboarding and drastically reduced the amount of manual profiling typically required to deliver individualized computing environments. The result was a streamlined support system that reduced troubleshooting efforts while improving overall user satisfaction.

Strengthening Security in a Cloud-First World​

One of the most compelling aspects of the AVD deployment was the enhanced security measures that accompanied it—a critical necessity given the sensitive nature of the energy sector. The new environment offered a robust security separation between National Grid and National Gas, instilling confidence that the transition maintained, if not enhanced, the operational integrity.

Key Security Enhancements​

• Conditional Access and MFA: With location awareness and multifactor authentication (MFA), National Gas could enforce stringent security policies, ensuring that only authorized users could access sensitive systems.
• Privileged Identity Management (PIM): The integration of PIM meant that administrative privileges were carefully managed and monitored, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or potential breaches.
• Automated Security Policies: By automating the deployment and management of security policies via Intune, the solution ensured that updates and new policies could be applied uniformly across the board without delay.

These integrations not only bolstered the overall security posture of National Gas but also future-proofed the organization as it continues to innovate in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Realizing a Scalable and Cost-Effective Model​

In an industry where performance and efficiency are paramount, scalability and cost effectiveness are not just buzzwords—they are business imperatives. The cloud migration allowed National Gas to move past a temporary stopgap solution, instead delivering an environment poised for long-term growth and innovation.

From Hundreds to Thousands​

The initial phase of the project involved rolling out a couple hundred instances of AVD for developers and data scientists. Quickly, however, the solution scaled to support over 4,000 users across varied roles, including vendors and operational staff. This rapid scalability was achieved without sacrificing performance or security.

A New Blueprint for Future Deployments​

By designing the AVD environment as a series of pre-canned, cataloged tools and templates, Capgemini and National Gas laid the groundwork for future projects. The lean, modular design allows the IT team to rapidly deploy additional environments when new business needs emerge. Furthermore, the exploration into multi-session machines signals a continued commitment to optimizing and evolving the cloud workspace environment.
This modular approach ensures that the digital backbone established today can easily absorb the demands of tomorrow, supporting additional use cases without the need for a complete overhaul.

Developer and Executive Insights​

Real-world success stories often come with insights from those who live and breathe the change. Nikhil Kotadia, Environment Delivery Manager at National Gas, emphasized the centrality of the new AVD solution in rebooting National Gas’ in-house application development. According to Kotadia, “The AVD environment designed and developed by Capgemini has been pivotal to the success of literally every single in-house developed application that National Gas are developing or have recently released. It’s easily scalable and has been able to meet every business demand to date that National Gas have asked for if not more.”
Chief Technology Officer Darren Curley further highlighted the solution’s dynamic design. He noted, “The AVD environment has been created by Capgemini in such a manner that it makes things easier and quicker; namely catalogues of pre-canned tools that can be assembled rapidly. It also provides the flexibility for us to add and change in the future.” These field insights underscore a broader narrative: that modern cloud solutions, when implemented with precision and foresight, can redefine the operational landscape of an organization.

Beyond Speed: Achieving Operational Excellence​

While the rapid deployment of the new environment was a crucial objective, the project delivered benefits that went well beyond just speed. By reducing the need for manual intervention in application profiling and customization, National Gas was able to significantly lower both operational costs and complexity.

Key Operational Benefits​

• Cost Reductions: Automation and streamlined processes led to direct cost savings by mitigating manual efforts and reliance on third-party tools.
• Reduced Complexity: Eliminating image management and simplifying application deployments led to a more agile IT environment—one that is easier to maintain and update.
• Enhanced User Experience: The self-service capabilities and streamlined support reduced downtime and troubleshooting, thereby enhancing productivity and overall user satisfaction.

These operational benefits have far-reaching implications. When an organization is empowered to adapt quickly and efficiently, it creates a competitive advantage in an industry where every minute counts.

Contextualizing the Transformation in Today’s Tech Landscape​

National Gas’ journey is more than just a shift from one technological platform to another. It is emblematic of a wider trend where legacy infrastructures are being replaced by agile, cloud-centric environments. The move to Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop represents a paradigm shift in how large-scale migrations can be executed without compromising on security or performance.
In an era where digital transformation is not optional but necessary, the lessons from this project are instructive for organizations across various sectors. How many companies find themselves mired in outdated infrastructures, wrestling with slow, costly, and insecure legacy systems? The answer, all too often, is many. National Gas’ approach demonstrates that with the right strategy—one that leverages automation, cloud management, and modern security protocols—such challenges can be turned into opportunities for innovation and growth.

Reflecting on the Broader Implications​

Consider the following questions:

• Could the same scalable and automated model be applied to other sectors, such as healthcare or finance, where data security and speed are paramount?
• How do solutions like AVD redefine work environments in a post-pandemic world where remote access is more critical than ever?

These are not just rhetorical inquiries; they are central to understanding the ongoing digital revolution. Organizations that embrace these changes can expect to see improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and better overall performance as they navigate the complexities of modern business.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cloud-Enabled Workspaces​

With over 4,000 users now effectively working in the new cloud environment, National Gas is not resting on its laurels. Future plans include exploring multi-session AVD deployments to optimize specific use cases further. This forward-thinking approach is an acknowledgment that even the most successful solutions require continuous evaluation and iteration to stay ahead of evolving business needs.

Embracing Innovation Step-by-Step​

The journey is far from over. National Gas’ story is a dynamic example of how technology partnerships—exemplified by their collaboration with Capgemini—can drive operational transformation. The iterative process of planning, deployment, monitoring, and refining the cloud-based infrastructure means that the benefits will only continue to compound over time.
This model of progressive innovation not only dispels the myth that cloud migrations are fraught with risk and complexity, but it also illustrates the tangible benefits that come with a well-executed digital transformation strategy.

Final Thoughts​

The transformation of National Gas’ in-house development capabilities through Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop represents a significant milestone in cloud migration and digital innovation. With a strategic pivot away from traditional solutions and a focus on automation, security, and scalability, National Gas has set a new standard for operational efficiency in the energy sector.
In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, where every minute and every dollar count, this case study offers an inspiring blueprint. It’s a practical demonstration of how modern cloud technologies can bridge the gap between legacy systems and future-ready infrastructure—delivering robust, secure, and agile workspaces that empower organizations to move forward with confidence.
For Windows users and IT enthusiasts alike, National Gas’ journey offers several key takeaways:
• Rapid cloud migration can be effectively managed with a clear focus on security and user requirements.
• Automation using tools like Terraform and modern management with Intune drastically reduce manual overhead and improve deployment speed.
• A well-designed AVD environment not only addresses immediate needs but also scales to support thousands of users, paving the way for continuous innovation.
By embracing these lessons and looking toward future enhancements—such as multi-session environments—organizations in every sector can learn from and potentially replicate this success. National Gas’ innovative approach is a vivid reminder that, in the realm of IT, the future belongs to those who dare to transform and innovate.
This comprehensive transformation stands as an example of how strategic partnerships and modern cloud technologies can redefine operational capabilities, ensuring that businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

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Source: Capgemini Transforming National Gas’ in-house development capabilities with a scalable, flexible Microsoft Azure cloud environment