Client story Public Utility Powers Up Data Center Reliability
By Steve Solomon / 17 May 2019 / Topics: Hardware
Facts at a glance
Client industry:
Utilities
Size of company:
450 employees
100 facilities in 29 countriesChallenge:
The client needed more server compute and storage for its data center to operate at peak performance.
Solution:
- HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 servers
- Storage, battery and warranty upgrades
Results:
- 1.5–2x greater storage capacity
- Cost efficiency
- Data center reliability
- Quick response times
Solution area:
Insight’s Supply Chain Optimization solutions simplify the process of procuring, maintaining and replacing the technology clients invest in to run their business.
Utility companies have an enormous obligation to the communities they serve, which rely on the service providers for electricity and natural gas, and sometimes other services as well.
One Southern city-owned public power provider is solely responsible for supplying a midsized community’s electricity, water, cable TV, internet, telephone and home security. These services are crucial to the city’s livelihood, and any lapse in coverage has serious consequences.
As a result, the utility company carefully considers its technology needs and plans data center refreshes years in advance.
In need of better performance
When its aging servers caused lag time, however, the company realized it required additional compute and storage to operate its data center at peak performance. But the company’s IT vendor seemed to be “missing in action” with continual sales representative turnover.
The utility’s management team sought more stability, better overall service, and a firm understanding of its current and future requirements. Luckily, the company found just what it needed in its own backyard.
Local service, global resources
Insight has an office in the same city, understands the community’s unique needs and offers fast response time.
After several meetings with Insight’s Supply Chain Optimization team, the utility company sensed a whole new level of service and engagement.
Over the next four months, we worked closely with the client’s IT director, managers and engineers to develop a migration plan that would encompass budgeting, implementation and final configuration. The roadmap addressed both current issues and future needs.
The utility’s management team sought more stability, better overall service, and a firm understanding of its current and future requirements.
“At every point, we assured the client team that we always had their best interest in mind,” says Chris Crosby, an Insight sales engineer. “This rigorous step-by-step process ensured that they got exactly what they asked for.”
Peak performance
Although its servers caused lag time, the client had grown comfortable with using HPE servers in its data center and wanted to continue that practice. We were able to leverage our strong relationship with HPE to upgrade the client to HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 servers at an affordable price.
HPE ProLiant servers provide security, high performance, virtualization, agility and support for Intel Xeon Scalable processors. The servers also offer 1.5 to two times more storage capacity than the client had previously.
Insight teammates frequently went on-site to ensure a problem-free migration. Since upgrading its servers, the client has realized improvements in data center memory, RAM, networking, warranties, hard drives, system accessories, maintenance, processors and battery power.
The client has realized improvements in data center memory, RAM, networking, warranties, hard drives, system accessories, maintenance, processors and battery power.
The client is thrilled by the smooth transition and built-in cost efficiencies. Its management team also praised us for our local resources, quick response time and low prices.
