A modern integration platform supports Retta’s development
Retta’s on-premises platform had reached the end of its life cycle. To support agile development, the company wanted a modern and cost-effective cloud solution. A smooth transition to Microsoft’s Azure integration platform was carried out with the help of Epical’s trusted experts. Retta was pleased with the outcome.
Retta is actively modernizing real estate services and operating models. Part of the company’s IT strategy involves leveraging modern cloud solutions in its business operations. Regarding the integration platform, the transition to the cloud became essential as the on-premise platform became outdated.
– We knew we would be investing heavily in our own development work. It didn’t make sense to implement integrations on the old platform; instead, we wanted a modern platform based on Microsoft solutions on which we could start building integrations, explains Retta’s technical architect Jan Skogman.
The Azure platform meets Retta’s needs
Epical is Retta’s cloud partner, so it was a natural choice for them to turn to Epical for the integration platform overhaul as well. First, Epical carried out a proof-of-concept (POC) project for Retta, which demonstrated that integration services could be implemented cost-effectively on Azure. The work progressed with the implementation of specific integrations and a follow-up project to create an electronic signature service on the Azure platform. Following the successful implementation, the old on-premises integration platform was permitted to shut down.
The new integration platform has met Retta’s needs well.
– We were looking for agility, lower costs, and a modern approach to implementing integrations. These expectations have been met, Skogman says.
Our collaboration has continued with new data integrations and small-scale development projects.
– For example, we carried out an integration project for Retta’s financial services in connection with the replacement of their ERP system. We have also helped Retta create and implement an API management model to support the development and management of Retta’s interfaces, and we have agreed on support services and maintenance for platform and integration solutions, says Sami Wallenius, Integration Architect at Epical.
The Trusted Advisor service guides architectural decisions
About a year ago, Retta began using Epical’s Trusted Advisor service for its integrations. This operating model has been extremely important to Retta and has provided the company with stronger architectural support, including in the area of integrations.
– We adopted the service when Retta’s own most technically skilled person in integrations moved on to another role. It was truly a stroke of luck that we were able to bring in Epical’s Sami Wallenius as our Trusted Advisor. He has been involved in many projects and was able to almost immediately fill the role of our own person. Sami has a deep understanding of our processes and serves as the brains behind us, Skogman explains.
With the Trusted Advisor service, an integration architect joins projects at an earlier stage than usual. This helps avoid many pitfalls.
– In the Trusted Advisor service, technical requirements are clarified well in advance. This prevents a situation where architectural decisions are made based on incomplete technical knowledge. At the same time, it avoids the need to change plans later due to unexpected challenges Sami has a deep understanding of our processes and serves as the brains behind us, Wallenius explains.
A comprehensive and effective solution
Our collaboration with Epical runs smoothly, providing Retta with strong integration expertise and insights we can rely on. At Retta, we appreciate that Epical’s experts aren’t afraid to give their honest opinions on ideas — even when they don’t work. This is exactly what we look for in partnership.
Epical’s experts are technically skilled professionals: they understand where the world is headed and which direction development should take. We trust their insights and that Epical’s recommendations hold true, Skogman notes. – Epical is one of our most important IT partners, and we are extremely satisfied with our collaboration. The entire portfolio works really well with Epical.
About Retta Group
Retta is the Nordic region’s largest expert service group specializing in the brokerage and management of residential, commercial, and office properties. It provides its clients with comprehensive services and solutions in real estate services for the residential and commercial sectors. The Retta Group employs approximately 1,600 experts, and the group’s revenue is approximately 130 million euros.
