Baseline Technology Assessment

We began by assessing the client's existing infrastructure, and then analyzing current demands on the servers and storage. They already had a small Shark SAN in place, and we evaluated that SAN as a possible platform for a more comprehensive solution. There were several opportunities to reduce costs. Most current storage was direct-attached, and the DAS implementation led to large pools of wasted space. The large number of CPUs involved led to unnecessarily high software license and maintenance costs.

Gap Analysis

We looked carefully at projected system demands, and the proposed vendor solutions. Neither proposal was very closely aligned with the actual needs. Instead, we architected an alternative solution, expanding the existing SAN, re-purposing certain servers, and purchasing some new hardware to reduce maintenance and software license costs. We carefully analyzed the ROI, and gave the client a rock-solid case for an 18-month payback on their investment.

With our recommendations in hand, there were two things left to do. First, our client took the ROI Analysis we'd prepared to their own Executive management. They quickly received approval to move ahead with the project - and kudos for a job well done! Next came the actual implementation. The client elected to use their own staff for the bulk of the work. We had provided the roadmap, and the client had appropriately skilled people on their staff to seamlessly take responsibility for the rest of the consolidation effort themselves.