Data centre transformation
Our data centre transformation services create agile, readily-scalable IT that maximises ongoing cost-effectiveness, regardless of peaks and troughs in demand. We’ll analyse the operational changes you want to make and will map the most appropriate technology to your needs. We’ll ask questions about your operational processes and challenge assumptions about the technology. And we’ll advise on and manage all or any part of the transformation life cycle, from building a business case, to execution and management.
Our programme managers have a solid track record devising and running complex, high profile international projects (we’ll gladly show you their credentials). They work with systems integrators at enterprise level, and also bring that experience to bear directly for SME clients. They have the credibility to influence board-level decisions on technology investment.
Because we are not aligned with any vendor or tied to any proprietary methodologies we bring an honest, frank and independent perspective that helps bridge the gap between business need and MIS.
We can identify new projects that will add business value, and kick-start or refocus stalled projects. For example, for mergers and acquisitions we can provide an independent view of how best to consolidate and rationalise resources. And we can make recommendations on your large-scale technology investment strategy, developing a combination of roadmaps and regular checkups to ensure that your investment does not end up down a blind alley as the technology landscape evolves. Will your data centre be able to cope with what you’ll require from it in 12 or 18 months’ time? Is your solution flexible enough to support future acquisitions?
Even if you’re committed to a project, we can offer an independent second opinion on unforeseen pitfalls, whether it will deliver against its promises, and whether there are further savings that could be made.
A typical transformation project should begin with optimisation of existing systems. This is followed by consolidation, and finally – if required – relocation. It’s a life cycle we’ve worked through time and again with clients. That’s why we believe our approach offers more cost savings, faster time to completion, less risk, and a higher likelihood of success.
There are many reasons for considering a transformation project, but the driver is always an audit requirement or commercial imperative. Often a lease is falling due for renewal. Perhaps you’ve bought or sold a business. Maybe you’re migrating to a new architecture – or a cloud environment. There’s the requirement to be ‘greener’ and to consume less energy. Some clients have simply run out of power or physical space on site (many of our transformation projects involve partnering with legal and estate management firms as well as technical specialists).
Different stages of a project require different sets of skills. With our pool of in-house and niche technology experts we can seamlessly swap resources while retaining consistency in programme.
Data life cycle management
One particularly fruitful area where cost savings and efficiencies can most rapidly be gained is storage. While the real cost of storage has dropped dramatically in recent years, this has led to many organisations holding far more copies of data than they actually need, while its lack of structure can hamper decision support and general security.
By understanding the data life cycle, from conception to disposal at all touch points in the business, it is possible to identify and structure information into an integrated strategy that balances availability, recovery, performance, security and capacity. This will allow you to meet your archiving, retention and compliance needs without compromising active content. A natural side-effect of carrying out such an exercise is often storage consolidation, leading to further cost savings.
Our approach is especially valuable when considering outsourced or cloud storage options, where cost is related to the amount of storage required, as well as for mission-critical managed repository services.