Background

Formed in 1988, ABS set out to deliver business advantage through the use of emergent technologies. They are now the leading UK e-business enabler, providing simple access to Web-based worldwide commerce. Their trade simple technology platform allows companies to enter the e-marketplace without the need to invest in hardware and software expertise. It delivers direct business benefit by
enabling effective communication, reducing supply chain costs and improving customer service. ABS also provides a range of configuration and customisation services, a full application development and support capability, application hosting and management and a supplier adoption program.

Solution

With the opportunity to prove their tradesimple technology platform with one of the most prestigious and complex hotel chains in Britain, ABS contacted ESP with the brief of providing a multi-tiered server solution to form the basis of their data centre. The requirement was for a combination of high availability application servers and high density static content servers.

The high availability servers were based upon an Intel mid-tier solution which demonstrated the important characteristics of ease of use, good price / performance ratio, balanced processing, internal storage, high availability, good reliability, serviceability and scalability.

The high density, static content servers were based on an Intel front-end server solution which are aimed at companies utilising valuable ISP rack space. These high density rack servers provide powerful performance and high availability, with support for up to two processors and four RAID-capable, hot-swappable drives.

In combination with the load balancing and fault tolerant fail-over properties of the Intel PRO/100 Server adapters and Intel Express 550T Routing Switches each system could fail entirely with total continuity of service.

Stuart Brown, ESP Account Manager for ABS, said, “ABS wanted a company who could help them at all stages of their data centre implementation. Provision of the equipment was seen as only the initial part of the relationship, with technical advice, installation and on going support seen as all being vital components.”

“I would like to thank ESP for all the extra effort they put into making our installation a success,” Commented John Palmer, Operations Manager at ABS. “In particular to the engineers involved who performed well beyond the call of duty. Although we had some problems, it is the willingness and ability to solve these that makes for a true partnership.”

To find out how you can benefit from the ESP experience call 0118 916 9300 now
or send an e-mail to sales@esp.co.uk

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