We've recently gone through an acquisition, and integrating the technology environments has proven to be a complex challenge. We've encountered various issues, including different AWS configurations, diverse firewall stacks, and inconsistent segmentation models, with some overlapping IP addresses complicating matters further. Our organization is focused on centralized inspection and strong security controls, while the acquired company had different practices. Our goal is to connect both environments securely without overly broad firewall rules, impacting production traffic, or creating long-term technical debt. For those who have managed M&A integrations, did you opt to redesign everything from scratch? Did you create an abstraction layer between environments? What strategies worked for you without disrupting operations?
5 Answers
Proceeding carefully is key when facing overlapping IP spaces. I recommend deploying IPv6 or renumbering your current IPv4 setup. Don’t rely on NAT, as that can lead to more issues. It's also wise to avoid making major changes under pressure; sometimes, keeping existing firewall setups can make a lot more sense while you work towards a long-term solution. Think about using tools for change tracking to reduce risks.
I've been in a similar situation, merging multiple networks and domains, and it's crucial to have a solid plan. Depending on how much downtime you can allow, it’s smart to implement a temporary solution now and schedule a full rebuild later. Make sure to back up all current configurations and use a test environment to avoid scrambling when changes are needed down the line.
I totally relate to the struggle! In our company, we typically phase out acquired equipment and fully integrate everything into our existing infrastructure. It helps streamline our tech stacks and avoids ongoing complications. For your situation, present the upper management with various integration options, detailing costs and risks for each approach, to find the best route forward.
In my experience, instead of trying to merge both networks right away, it's often best to migrate the acquired company's services fully into your environment. This simplifies management and reduces costs associated with maintaining two separate AWS setups and firewall systems. My team once had to handle different segmentation models, and it was a nightmare during audits. Consolidating your tech stack early on saves a lot of headaches later!
I’ve had some success with starting off with a strict, temporary VPN connection for critical services. This allows you to expand cautiously while minimizing potential disruptions. Using change tracking tools can also keep you safe by preventing broad, risky firewall rules. Just be prepared to re-IP some things in the long run—it's an inconvenience, but better than dealing with complex NAT setups later on!
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