Case study
How Play Modernized Software Delivery with MINDBOX: Stability, Scalability and Automation
4 minutes
MODERN digital services require reliable deployment processes
P4, the operator of the Play network, is one of the leading providers of mobile and digital services in Poland. Serving millions of users and continuously expanding its portfolio of digital services, the company needed solutions that would ensure the speed, stability, and security of software delivery. The existing delivery model was relatively complex and, more importantly, its critical components were no longer supported on the OpenShift platform.
The Scale of Operations and Limitations of the Existing Delivery Model
Play manages an infrastructure spanning several data centers, hosting more than 700 applications grouped into 60 systems, with multiple pre-production and production environments. The entire ecosystem runs on the OpenShift platform, and for years the software delivery process relied on Jenkins. While Jenkins had served its purpose effectively, it had begun to reveal its limitations.
The primary driver for change was the upcoming end of support for key Jenkins components on the OpenShift platform. Play planned to transition to a cloud-native solution that would provide greater implementation flexibility and more efficient resource utilization.
Why Change Was Needed
The rapid growth of digital services and rising customer expectations required Play not only to deliver new functionalities quickly but also to ensure their stability and security.
Play needed a solution that would:
- Automate key CI/CD processes,
- Ensure deployment predictability and security,
- Enable scalability and flexibility,
- Support the rapid growth of digital and mobile services,
- Leverage the latest solutions supported on Kubernetes and OpenShift platforms.
From Challenges to Solutions
In response to these challenges, Play and MINDBOX carried out a strategic transformation of the software development and delivery processes (Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery, CI/CD). The initiative included the adoption of a GitOps approach, the redesign of pipelines and the tooling platform, and the implementation of a new delivery model. This transformation became the foundation for innovation and a catalyst for further digitalization.
PARTNERSHIP WITH MINDBOX: CI/CD EXPERTS
P4 has partnered with MINDBOX for many years, enabling the project to get off the ground quickly thanks to an established relationship and deep understanding of the environment.
MINDBOX contributed not only technological expertise but also a strategic approach to transformation, covering the analysis, design, and implementation of a new CI/CD architecture.
Scope of the Transformation: From CI/CD to Platform Modernization
This was a key element of the transformation, enabling the rollout of a new delivery model at enterprise scale.
The initiative covered not only the CI/CD process itself but also the modernization of the architecture and tooling platform, making broad standardization and automation possible.
This included:
- migrating environment management to GitOps,
- implementing a new pipeline approach (Tekton Pipelines),
- documenting architectural decisions (ADR),
- integrating with OpenShift, and optimizing deployment processes.
As a result, Play gained a cohesive, modern ecosystem that enables fast, secure, and predictable deployments in production environments.
Implementation Process
The CI/CD transformation at Play was planned as a comprehensive initiative, addressing both technological and organizational aspects. The project was delivered by a team of specialists from Play and MINDBOX. The work was carried out in phases, with testing and validation conducted in lower environments, helping to minimize risk and ensure a smooth transition to the new delivery model.
The project included:
The change was implemented in a seamless and transparent manner, enabling teams to transition smoothly to the new operating model without disrupting day-to-day processes.
Technology and Architectural Decisions
As part of the implementation, several key decisions were made to ensure the flexibility and scalability of the new CI/CD model
- Tekton Pipelines
- The foundation for orchestrating CI/CD processes
- GitOps
- Declarative management of configurations and deployments
- OpenShift
- A stable and scalable container platform
- ADR (Architecture Decision Records)
- Documentation of key architectural decisions
Business and IT Benefits
The CI/CD transformation delivered a range of tangible benefits for Play, from both a technology and business perspective. The implementation of a new delivery model, built on automation and standardization, resulted in a significant increase in operational efficiency and improved software lifecycle management.
Key outcomes of the transformation included:
Summary: Building the Future of Digital Services
The CI/CD transformation at Play was a major strategic step that went beyond technology. It represented a shift in how value is delivered to both customers and internal teams.
The new delivery architecture, built on GitOps principles, automation, observability, and flexibility, established a solid foundation for the continued growth of digital services. For customers, this means greater reliability, more frequent updates, and faster access to innovation. For teams, it provides a more consistent working environment, better tool integration, and reduced risk of errors.
Let’s stay in touch
Fill out the form – we respond within a maximum 24 hrs .
Tell us what you’re looking to achieve
Tell us WHY
WE KNOW HOW