Case Study: Grimshaw Architects
Upgrade several hundred rack mounted HP Z-mini workstations to a new generation of virtual server based high end graphic workstations.
Summary
Client:
Grimshaw Architects
Industry:
Global Architects
Business Challenge:
Grimshaw were looking to upgrade their infrastructure that has served them well for the past five year, to a more high powered resource with Datanet benefitting from more dynamic processing power.
Technology Solution:
With Datanet’s support Grimshaw migrated from some 200 HP Z-mini to the ~30 server-based solution in 3 months with minimal down time. The newly deployed systems deliver significantly greater performance.
Business Results:
• 4 Ultra Full Racks 47U Racks 800 wide x 1200 deep
• Dual 32A power feeds as standard together with dual 10Gb Internet feeds
• 24×7 access to data centre for Grimshaw engineers with workshop and welfare facilities included
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Grimshaw Architects
Grimshaw are an established Datanet customer, continuing to host their infrastructure within the ARK Farnborough facility as part of a long-standing and successful partnership. The relationship between the two teams has developed into a highly collaborative one, built on trust, responsiveness and a shared focus on operational excellence.
The Business Challenge
Grimshaw were looking to upgrade from their several hundred rack mounted HP Z-mini workstations which had served them well for the past five years to a new generation of virtual server based high-end graphic workstations suitable for the hundreds of architects dispersed around the UK. The existing solution was spread across five racks at Datanet whilst the new solution would require 4 high power Ultra racks. Also, in order to maintain service uptime flexibility was required from Datanet in terms of shuffling around deployed racks and using additional racks for temporary server/workstation storage. With Datanet’s support Grimshaw migrated from some 200 HP Z-mini to the ~30 server-based solution in 3 months with minimal down time. The newly deployed systems deliver significantly greater performance. With the reduced number of higher-capacity machines, the environment is simpler for the IT team to manage and maintain. Resource utilisation has also improved, with workloads benefiting from dynamic allocation allowing users to make more effective use of available processing power as demand fluctuates.
Datanet’s Solution
Datanet’s Technical team invested significant time and effort to ensure a smooth and controlled transition for Grimshaw. To eliminate any risk of downtime, we provisioned additional racks, enabling them to stage new infrastructure and migrate users incrementally onto the new servers. We also provided access to adjacent racks to securely house decommissioned equipment during the transition. Our team assisted with the de-racking process, relocating legacy hardware to the loading bay ahead of the scheduled collection by HPE. In addition, we supported the HPE engineers on-site, assisting with the palletisation of equipment to streamline its removal and recycling. To further optimise the environment, blanking plates were installed across unused rack space, improving airflow management and contributing to overall energy efficiency.
“I’m pleased to be working with the Datanet team for another 3 years! You’ve been a fantastic company to work with and I look forward to our continued relationship”.”
Danny Gillmore, Director of Information Technology, Grimshaw Architects
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