THE REQUIREMENT

Business Link Northwest had 340 PC users and 27 servers, all serving different purposes and offering no adaptability. There was a need to consolidate the existing infrastructure, and to reduce power consumption and cooling.

THE SOLUTION

Business Link Northwest worked with Equanet to review and replace its server infrastructure. An HP storage solution was implemented, consolidating the existing direct attached storage down to a single SAN. The company also moved to a virtual infrastructure, consolidating 27 servers into just four physical Blades servicing (now) fifty virtual servers.

THE FEEDBACK

"The benefit of Virtualisation is the fantastic versatility it brings. I can now commission a server in ten minutes rather than having to wait a couple of weeks"

Martin Gore, IT Infrastructure Manager,
Business Link Northwest

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES IN THE NORTHWEST

Business Link Northwest is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Northwest Regional Development Agency(NWDA).

Business Link Northwest is a free, impartial business support and information service, available to businesses and individuals in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

The service is free to use and can be accessed via telephone, online, or face-to-face for more in-depth support. It provides relevant up-to-date information and advice on business issues such as access to finance, marketing, starting or expanding a business, managing people, innovation, technology and exporting.

CAPACITY PLANNING

Business Link Northwest worked with Equanet to review and replace its server infrastructure. The company had 340 PC users and 27 servers, all serving different purposes. Having already worked with the company since late 2006, Equanet undertook a capacity plan at the Head Office in Preston where there was a full rack of Dell servers, all doing different jobs and offering no adaptability. There was a need to consolidate the existing infrastructure and to reduce power consumption and cooling.

One of Equanet's Solutions Architects evaluated the IT infrastructure in place and identified where the company could save money, as well as how much. An HP storage solution was implemented which consolidated the existing direct attached storage down to a single SAN. Equanet undertook the full project design, implementation and support to Level 2. By choosing the solution proposed the company managed to save c.25% on its power and cooling costs. Following a full review of the technologies on the market, and in consultation with Equanet, the company decided to move to a virtual infrastructure, consolidating 27 servers into just four physical Blades servicing (now) fifty virtual servers.

The resulting benefit to the company manifests itself in fantastic versatility. Martin Gore, Business Link Northwest's IT Infrastructure Manager, is able to commission a server for any part of the business in around ten minutes, rather than the 2-3 weeks it used to take. Being able to manage the infrastructure centrally is also invaluable, as is the improved monitoring and reporting.

The company is highly satisfied with the solution implemented, and with the service it continues to receive from Equanet. As Martin Gore explains:

"I can't put a price on Paul, one of Equanet's Solutions Architects. He's been absolutely fantastic. He knows exactly what he's doing, and he made the transition from a physical to virtual environment almost painless".

Paul Szelesi sums up the benefit:

"In a virtual environment you can have a new server in five minutes. It gives you the ability to expand at no extra cost".

HOW EQUANET CAN SUPPORT YOUR ORGANISATION

Our Solutions Architects will visit you on-site and undertake a capacity plan and business modelling to review and assess your existing IT infrastructure. Our team of specialist advisors will discuss your requirements for today, and for tomorrow. If one visit is not sufficient we will come back to ensure a full understanding of your IT needs. Our review will identify where your equipment is over- or under-utilised, and how your IT infrastructure can best support the overall needs of your organisation. By exploring with you the technologies available our Solutions Architects will help you find the right solution, recommend long and short-term fixes, and identify future opportunities.

Equanet is vendor neutral, with the highest level of accreditation from IT leading partners such as HP, Cisco, Microsoft, Dell and Apple, so you can be assured that the solution we design is the right one for your requirements.

Once the right solution has been agreed we will deliver the hardware at a time convenient to you. Our engineers can install on-site, or simply support your in-house IT team. We can also train your team in the new technology or support you remotely with access to knowledgeable professionals. We can offer full project management support through our PRINCE 2 accredited team, and our Account Managers will continue to support your needs and ensure you are happy with the solution implemented.