UPS, a global leader in logistics, wanted to optimize package operations and delivery using a new application platform, called the Center Inside Planning and Execution System (CIPE). In addition, the company wanted to adopt a more agile, collaborative DevOps approach—and technology that would support both CIPE’s new capabilities and this new work method. “We needed to move from our old technologies to the cloud, to make better decisions using real-time, big data analytics,” said Rich West, senior application development manager at UPS.

After deciding that container technology would best meet its needs for agile, cloud-based workflows, UPS evaluated many solutions. It chose to create its new application environment with enterprise open source technology from Red Hat. In addition, UPS used Red Hat® Consulting to help plan and deploy CIPE. “They also quickly trained our developers on container platform technology,” said Stacie Morgan, senior application development manager at UPS. “We were able to launch the first iteration of the site application in 3 months. We’ve never brought up a platform that quickly.”

With its new infrastructure, UPS has improved developer productivity for faster application and feature creation—and business value. “As opposed to providing a solution in 18 months, we can start giving value back to the business within weeks or months,” said Carla Maier, senior manager of cloud platforms and technology at UPS. The company can also scale automatically as needed during peak demand times—like the holiday season. As a result, UPS can provide consistent, reliable package tracking and delivery services to customers—no matter the time of year.