Topgolf’s Transition from VMware to VergeIO: Challenges and Solutions

Topgolf, a leader in the entertainment golf space, manages a significant data load, pushing approximately 40TB of network data daily in its expansive venues, such as the 102-bay locations. To optimize this massive traffic flow, the company collaborated with VergeIO, which played a crucial role in enhancing latency and load distribution across its technology cluster.

The Appeal of VergeOS

One primary reason for Topgolf’s shift to VergeIO was the end-to-end automation capabilities of VergeOS. This framework’s “API-first” methodology allowed Topgolf to integrate it without overhauling its existing infrastructure-as-code protocols. “VergeOS being ‘API-first’ was key here,” said Forehand, emphasizing the support provided by VergeIO in incorporating industry-standard tools like Terraform and Ansible during their migration process.

Overcoming Challenges During Migration

One of the most significant hurdles for Topgolf in moving away from VMware has been managing multiple parallel projects alongside the overhaul of their server stack. Forehand noted:

“On VxRail, Topgolf gaming was powered by the servers. With VergeIO, we simplified the gaming stack and moved everything to the edge game panels in the bay. That meant we had to replace all of the game panels, rewire the columns, replace the server stack, and swap to our new Kubernetes gaming architecture. We also piled a few other projects in there with all of that to eliminate even more technical debt.”

Integration Challenges with Third-Party Software

As Topgolf transitioned from VMware, it faced challenges in incorporating its new virtualization platform with existing third-party applications, particularly Rubrik and LogicMonitor, which are essential for monitoring its infrastructure. This posed an obstacle as VMware’s long-standing dominance had resulted in well-established compatibility with a multitude of enterprise solutions.

Forehand stated, “Overall, the challenges have been pretty minimal. The real challenge has been a hearts-and-minds campaign to educate leadership on the gaps that do exist.” To address some of the limitations encountered with Rubrik, including features such as threat hunting and ransomware protection, Topgolf has started to pivot towards using Veeam to fill these security gaps.

VergeIO’s Integration Strategy

Crump from VergeIO highlighted the company’s strategy for mitigating integration-related challenges. He noted that building capabilities into VergeOS and establishing partnerships with vital third-party vendors are crucial to enhancing product compatibility. He elaborated:

“Integration is the most common friction point, and it shows up after the migration. … A customer wants to keep using a tool it has already paid for and trained staff on. If that vendor doesn’t support VergeOS yet, the customer has to switch tools or run a workaround.”

Conclusion

Topgolf’s transition from VMware to VergeIO represents a significant move toward modernizing its IT infrastructure. Despite initial hurdles and the complexities of integrating diverse systems, the company’s proactive approach, combined with VergeIO’s support, positions it well for better performance and reduced technical debt in the future.