When a popular web-based retailer was looking to expand into brick-and-mortar, it required a completely new design and implementation of its corporate IT infrastructure. The new infrastructure included solutions for hardware (servers, routers, switches, desktops, SAN, security), software, and ongoing operational support.
Some of the biggest IT challenges facing the customer were in defining, designing, and delivering an IT infrastructure that would fit into a fast-paced, dynamic business and data environment. Ultimately, the customer’s objective was to develop an independent infrastructure with the ability to share inventory and financial data with both online and physical locations. The infrastructure also needed to be flexible enough to allow for quick growth and expansion.
After thoroughly assessing and evaluating the customer’s IT infrastructure needs, fiscal requirements, and ongoing maintenance and support needs, Buchanan implemented a Microsoft environment with an Active Directory domain set up on VMware hosts that utilized Dell SANs. Cisco’s ASA secures the infrastructure with site-to-site virtual private network (VPN) to remote locations. This configuration allows for easy maintenance with the flexibility to grow as the company opens new brick-and-mortar locations.
By understanding that the customer would have limited IT support resources and would be primarily focused on point-of-sale initiatives, Buchanan’s virtualized IT solution delivered solid performance with limited ongoing support costs or need for full-time employees.
The virtualized environment has given the client information systems that are easy to manage for their limited time and personnel resources while giving them the flexibility to scale their environment as the business grows.
The solution also leverages Buchanan’s managed services capabilities to provide 24x7x365 support for all server and network systems — allowing the client to focus on more expensive onsite resources and strategic IT initiatives.
Since the solution’s implementation, Buchanan has received positive feedback from all levels within the company commenting on its professionalism, solid work effort, and desire to work with the company again on upcoming IT projects.
Learn more about the specific IT solutions deployed & their outcomes
