Modica Group, a trailblazing communications platform as a service company, has taken a significant leap in its technological capabilities with the strategic implementation of Confluent's Kafka. In an engaging interview, Bruno Lago, the Chief Technology Officer, delves into the details of this transformative journey.
Founded in 2001 and firmly established in Australia and New Zealand, Modica has expanded its global presence to Central America, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. With a dedicated team of approximately 80 employees, Modica has been navigating the challenges of the ICT industry with innovation and agility.
The need for a technological upgrade became apparent when Modica faced the challenge of handling rapidly increasing volumes of messages in its global operations. The existing system was nearing obsolescence, incapable of supporting the company's ambitious five-year horizon. Lago emphasizes the criticality of this moment, likening it to foreseeing and averting a potential crisis.
The solution came in the form of Apache Kafka, an open-source messaging system developed by the Apache Foundation and managed by Confluent. Confluent's Kafka stood out for its cloud-native nature, high availability, and performance – essential qualities for Modica's requirements. Modica's choice of Confluent was influenced not only by its expertise and substantial contributions to Kafka but also by its position as a leader in offering a cloud-native managed service.
Implementing Confluent's Kafka was a delicate operation, described by Lago as akin to "replacing the engine of a plane while it’s flying." The transition's success was evident in its invisibility to customers, reflecting the seamless integration of the new system into Modica's operations. This change facilitated continued business operations without disruption, a testament to the meticulous planning and execution of the Modica team.
The impact of Kafka on Modica's business has been profound. It has unlocked new growth potentials, reassuring the company of its ability to scale operations without technological constraints for the next five to ten years. For Modica's developers and engineers, Kafka's richer functionality compared to previous systems has opened up opportunities for more innovative and efficient work processes.
"We are one of the few organisations in the world who could partner with any telco or mobile carrier and deliver a white label CPaaS solution anywhere in the world," adds Lago.
Lago shares insights for other companies considering a similar transition. He stresses the importance of comparing managed service solutions to ensure they meet specific business and technical requirements. The adaptability of cloud-native technologies like Kafka, he notes, is crucial for businesses dealing with unpredictable workloads and looking to scale rapidly.
The ongoing relationship between Modica and Confluent has evolved into a close partnership, with Confluent providing indispensable support and expertise. This collaboration has enabled Modica to tackle complex technical issues effectively, further cementing their confidence in Confluent's solutions.
"As much as we are excited with the growth that we are experiencing both in terms of volume of messages, but also regions that were expanding worldwide. What I'm really excited about are the new products and the new industries that Modica is starting to explore," says Lago.
Modica Group's implementation of Confluent's Kafka is a shining example of how a strategic technological upgrade can revolutionize a company's operational capabilities. This move has not only ensured Modica's ability to handle current demands but has also set the stage for future growth and innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.