Guinness World Records Migrates To Amazon Web Services (AWS) To Manage Increased Demand For Digital Content

Guinness World Records (GWR), the global authority on record-breaking achievements, has chosen to continue its partnership with Ensono, to manage the migration of its business critical IT architecture to an Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform from its current managed cloud services. The project ensures the company’s IT system can manage the ongoing transformation of its business from publishing to a digital media agency, which requires a more scalable and agile platform. 

Traditionally known for publication of its eponymous book, Guinness World Records, today GWR works with leading global brands and businesses to create bespoke record-breaking campaigns. GWR is now a digital-media brand agency with a wide range of products and services, and a key presence across digital, events, television and business solutions. This fundamental change in the make-up of the company meant the existing IT infrastructure was not suited to the new demands, which necessitated a move to managed public cloud. GWR’s digital media and online record-processing services now attract 50,000 applications a year. A surge in high-quality record-breaking video uploads, combined with an increase in partnerships were key drivers in the move to the cloud. 

Rob Howe, IT Director, Guiness World Records, said: “We have worked with Ensono for the past 16 years, and their proven expertise in managed public cloud is exactly what we need going forward. The next phase of our journey is to become an innovative, cloud-first company, with accessible and engaging record-breaking achievements at the heart of what we do; and our IT system must cater for this. Ensono’s understanding of our business demonstrated what was possible with Amazon Web Services and prepares us for the next stage in our evolution.” 

This will be GWR’s first move to a public cloud environment, with the migration of mission critical applications; including its capacity to store and manage 4k video downloads, 50,000 applications,

47,000 record enquiries from 178 countries and 6,000 records approved annually. For the business’ continued growth, it is vital that its IT system remains flexible and adapts to the changing market. AWS was the best solution for this and catered to GWR’s demand for scalability. 

Howe added; “We have a long-standing partnership with Ensono and the team has been a trusted advisor over the last decade and the ideal partner to help us on our transformation journey. The industry knowledge, AWS accreditations and courage to find new solutions to old problems from the Ensono team were crucial in why we chose to continue the partnership. They have taken on the evolution of our business and devised a solution that caters for us not just today, but prepares us for the future as well.” 

Paul Morris, Europe managing director, Ensono, said; “To be able to maintain this long-established and trusted relationship with GWR is a pleasure and we are excited to continue working with such an iconic and dynamic company. After a positive and successful partnership, we are glad GWR has put its trust in us and we will continue to provide them with strong business support through the next phase of the company’s evolution.” 

About Ensono

For business leaders managing lots of complexity or disrupting the status quo, Ensono delivers complete Hybrid IT services and governance, from cloud to mainframe, tailored to each client’s journey. Whether you’re leveraging the power of the cloud or modernizing legacy technologies, you’ll be on track to operate for today and optimize for tomorrow. Named a Top 15 Sourcing Service Provider by ISG, some of the world’s most successful companies rely on us to help them be great at what they do. Ensono has over 1,000 associates across North America and Europe and is ranked in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For. Our offices are headquartered in greater Chicago. 

About Guinness World Records

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual Guinness World Records books have sold over 141 million copies in 21 languages and in more than 100 countries. Additionally, the Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition, first published in 2007, has sold more than 4 million copies to date. Guinness World Records’ worldwide television programmes reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than 2.7 million people subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, which enjoys more than 264 million views per year. The GWR website receives over 19.8 million visitors annually, and we have over 14.3 million fans on Facebook. The Guinness World Records commercial sales division provides customized consultancy services for some of the world’s top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programmes, and live and experiential events.

For media inquiries, please contact Beth Burghgraef at: [email protected].