Thursday 24 September 2009

Institute of Systems Science, NUS reduces Cost and Server Footprint with Virtualisation Strategy

Datacraft implements server consolidation for premier IT Institute.

Datacraft has been appointed to revamp the server and network infrastructure of the National University of Singapore’s Institute of Systems Science(ISS). The contract entails the consolidation of the existing network and reduction of the server footprint through the use of virtualisation technology. While reducing costs, improving flexibility and increasing application availability, this project is in line with the nation-wide drive towards Green IT implementation which ISS supports actively.

ISS’s main objective is to deploy advanced computing technologies as part of the hardware renewal exercise to improve efficiency, effectiveness, safety and cost-efficiency. After a detailed assessment, Datacraft was awarded a turnkey solution, which focuses on consolidation and standardisation using server virtualisation technology. The enhanced server infrastructure will also enable ISS to respond quickly to changing business needs.

Richard Tan, Programme Director of IT Services at ISS said: “Datacraft’s solution allows us toconsolidate our servers into a significantly reduced physical server footprint while reducing ourcooling requirements and energy consumption without compromising on the service levels and system availability.”

The solution from Datacraft comprises several components which include their expertise indesigning and building an effective and efficient data centre. Combining the use of a proven virtualisation technology along with their project management methodology, Datacraft will ensure a successful and timely implementation.

‘Going green’ is another key component of the solution. Datacraft’s solution identified how ISS can proactively incorporate green strategies into its IT infrastructure. It will involve the deployment of Sun x86 rack servers which will run VMware ESX servers to host multiple discrete systems while maintaining the required service levels; high availability and effective business continuity.

With a reduction ratio of 5:1 of physical servers, ISS will be able to reduce its monthly IT operations and maintenance expenditure. ISS will also be able to significantly reduce its electrical power consumption and cooling costs. The use of VMware server virtualisation technology improves operational flexibility, application availability and business continuity while reducing time and resources spent on provisioning, configuration, monitoring, back-up and maintenance of these servers.

“Using our expertise, we identified a complete server and network consolidation solution that is appropriate for ISS to effectively and efficiently manage existing resources, improve operational effectiveness and provide scalability for future expansion,” said Png Kim Meng, Managing Director, Datacraft Singapore. “Our experience in large-scale virtualisation projects, combined with our sophisticated project planning methodology, which guarantees minimal operational disruption using a carefully executed migration strategy were key success factors in winning this project.”

The server consolidation project is due for completion in October 2009.

About Institute of Systems Science, National University of Singapore
The Institute of Systems Science (ISS) of the National University of Singapore, is a premier institute providing IT education and training programmes in Singapore. We offer graduate degree programmes, certification programmes as well as professional development courses delivered in the classroom and/or through e-Learning. We have trained over 60,000 people,who now constitute a major proportion of the IT professional workforce in Singapore. Since 1981, the institute prides itself on maintaining world-class quality standards in the curriculum and course offerings. We also conduct research and provide consulting services to industry.

For more information, visit www.iss.nus.edu.sg

About Datacraft
Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre,storage, Microsoft solutions and converged communications & contact centre technologies, with
advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions www.datacraft-asia.com for businesses.

For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com

Dimension Data nominated as Global Gold Partner by Check Point

Dimension Data takes on a new position to deliver Check Point security solutions around the globe.

Dimension Data, the $4.5-billion specialist IT services and solutions provider and Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced they have entered into a global
gold partner agreement leveraging Dimension Data’s global footprint and skills to enable consistent and world class delivery of Check Point solutions to clients around the globe.

Long standing strategic partner of both Check Point and Nokia security appliance business, acquired by Check Point in April 2009, Dimension Data, as global gold partner, provides and services its clients around the globe with Check Point’s flexible, easy to use and cost effective security solutions including Software Blade solutions, high performance IPS technology and market leading firewall, positioned in the Leaders quadrant in Gartner’s 2008 Magic Quadrant for
Enterprise Network Firewalls.

“Over the past decade Dimension Data has been partnering with Check Point in more than 25 countries,” explained Steve Joubert, Dimension Data’s Group Executive: Global Solutions. “We feel that Check Point’s focus and growth in the appliance space presents a significant advantage to our customers and we are glad to enhance our collaboration through this upgraded partnership. Check Point’s comprehensive quality portfolio, combined with the experience of our
team of more than 400 security technical experts grants our clients access to first class advice and deployment of best of breed technology.”

Both companies said the agreement aligns well with their go-to-market models. A hundred percent channel driven, Check Point works exclusively through direct partners and distributors under the framework of its PureAdvantage partner program, providing partners with its unique portfolio of proven, robust network and endpoint security solutions, together with comprehensive technical, sales and marketing support and 24/7 worldwide availability.

“We appreciate Check Point’s innovative approach which enables us to offer our clients various purchasing models, including subscription-based contracts based on Check Point Managed Service Provider (MSP) program – an attractive finance option in the current economic climate,” continued Joubert. “And our clients across the globe can expect consistent implementation, integration, support and management of their security solutions.”

Through Dimension Data’s presence in 47 countries, Check Point further extends its technological outreach, securing an increasing number of businesses against sophisticated threats and helping them develop an optimal security posture across networks and endpoints,meeting compliance and reporting requirements, through its firewall, VPN, and enhanced IPS technologies. Further building on their cooperation, Dimension Data also plans to offer clients the benefits of the Check Point Managed Service Provider (MSP) program.

“We are glad to welcome Dimension Data on board as a world-class global gold partner,” commented Check Point’s vice president of worldwide field operations Amnon Bar-Lev. “Dimension Data’s excellent technical and support expertise across our portfolio as well as its procurement and logistics capabilities, will play a significant role enabling our mutual success and supporting clients in the current market.”

Further information on Check Point Software Technologies or on Check Point PureAdvantage partner program and its benefits is available on www.checkpoint.com or http://www.checkpoint.com/partners.

For additional information on Dimension Data please visit www.dimensiondata.com.

About Dimension Data
Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a specialist IT services and solution provider, helps clients plan, build, support and manage their IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, converged communications, security, data centre and storage, Microsoft and contact centre technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration
and managed services to create customised client solutions. www.dimensiondata.com

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com), worldwide leader in securing the Internet, is the only vendor to deliver Total Security for networks, data and endpoints, unified under a single management framework. Check Point provides customers uncompromised protection against all types of threats, reduces security complexity and lowers total cost of ownership. Check Point first pioneered the industry with FireWall-1 and its patented stateful
inspection technology. Today, Check Point continues to innovate with the development of the Software Blade architecture. The dynamic Software Blade architecture delivers secure, flexible and simple solutions that can be fully customized to meet the exact security needs of any organization or environment. Check Point customers include tens of thousands of businesses and organizations of all sizes including all Fortune 100 companies. Check Point's award-winning ZoneAlarm solutions protect millions of consumers from hackers, spyware and identity theft.

About Datacraft
Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures www.datacraft-asia.com. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and converged communications & contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses.

For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com

Dimension Data nominated as Global Gold Partner by Check Point

Dimension Data takes on a new position to deliver Check Point security solutions around the globe.

Dimension Data, the $4.5-billion specialist IT services and solutions provider and Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced they have entered into a global
gold partner agreement leveraging Dimension Data’s global footprint and skills to enable consistent and world class delivery of Check Point solutions to clients around the globe.

Long standing strategic partner of both Check Point and Nokia security appliance business, acquired by Check Point in April 2009, Dimension Data, as global gold partner, provides and services its clients around the globe with Check Point’s flexible, easy to use and cost effective security solutions including Software Blade solutions, high performance IPS technology and market leading firewall, positioned in the Leaders quadrant in Gartner’s 2008 Magic Quadrant for
Enterprise Network Firewalls.

“Over the past decade Dimension Data has been partnering with Check Point in more than 25 countries,” explained Steve Joubert, Dimension Data’s Group Executive: Global Solutions. “We feel that Check Point’s focus and growth in the appliance space presents a significant advantage to our customers and we are glad to enhance our collaboration through this upgraded partnership. Check Point’s comprehensive quality portfolio, combined with the experience of our
team of more than 400 security technical experts grants our clients access to first class advice and deployment of best of breed technology.”

Both companies said the agreement aligns well with their go-to-market models. A hundred percent channel driven, Check Point works exclusively through direct partners and distributors under the framework of its PureAdvantage partner program, providing partners with its unique portfolio of proven, robust network and endpoint security solutions, together with comprehensive technical, sales and marketing support and 24/7 worldwide availability.

“We appreciate Check Point’s innovative approach which enables us to offer our clients various purchasing models, including subscription-based contracts based on Check Point Managed Service Provider (MSP) program – an attractive finance option in the current economic climate,” continued Joubert. “And our clients across the globe can expect consistent implementation, integration, support and management of their security solutions.”

Through Dimension Data’s presence in 47 countries, Check Point further extends its technological outreach, securing an increasing number of businesses against sophisticated threats and helping them develop an optimal security posture across networks and endpoints,meeting compliance and reporting requirements, through its firewall, VPN, and enhanced IPS technologies. Further building on their cooperation, Dimension Data also plans to offer clients the benefits of the Check Point Managed Service Provider (MSP) program.

“We are glad to welcome Dimension Data on board as a world-class global gold partner,” commented Check Point’s vice president of worldwide field operations Amnon Bar-Lev. “Dimension Data’s excellent technical and support expertise across our portfolio as well as its procurement and logistics capabilities, will play a significant role enabling our mutual success and supporting clients in the current market.”

Further information on Check Point Software Technologies or on Check Point PureAdvantage partner program and its benefits is available on www.checkpoint.com or http://www.checkpoint.com/partners.

For additional information on Dimension Data please visit www.dimensiondata.com.

About Dimension Data
Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a specialist IT services and solution provider, helps clients plan, build, support and manage their IT infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, converged communications, security, data centre and storage, Microsoft and contact centre technologies and its unique skills in consulting, integration
and managed services to create customised client solutions. www.dimensiondata.com

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com), worldwide leader in securing the Internet, is the only vendor to deliver Total Security for networks, data and endpoints, unified under a single management framework. Check Point provides customers uncompromised protection against all types of threats, reduces security complexity and lowers total cost of ownership. Check Point first pioneered the industry with FireWall-1 and its patented stateful
inspection technology. Today, Check Point continues to innovate with the development of the Software Blade architecture. The dynamic Software Blade architecture delivers secure, flexible and simple solutions that can be fully customized to meet the exact security needs of any organization or environment. Check Point customers include tens of thousands of businesses and organizations of all sizes including all Fortune 100 companies. Check Point's award-winning ZoneAlarm solutions protect millions of consumers from hackers, spyware and identity theft.

About Datacraft
Datacraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data plc (LSE:DDT), a US$4.5 billion leading global IT solutions and services provider. Datacraft operates in over 50 offices across 13 Asia Pacific countries. We help clients plan, build, support, manage, improve and innovate their IT infrastructures www.datacraft-asia.com. Datacraft combines an expertise in networking, security, data centre, storage, Microsoft solutions and converged communications & contact centre technologies, with advanced skills in consulting, integration, training and managed services to craft IT solutions for businesses.

For more information, please visit www.datacraft-asia.com