2004 Data Centre Build and LAN and WAN Migration
The Challenge: Linpac Materials Handling operated an extremely
fragmented IT infrastructure. Their business systems consisted of Windows NT,
Windows 2000, SCO UNIX, Novell and AS/400 based Servers spread across all of the
companies geographically dispersed locations. End user machines varied from Windows
95, through 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP. Network connectivity consisted of
point-to-point kilostream links between sites in the UK, and Internet VPN links for
International connectivity.
The company was looking to embark on the deployment of a new ERP system, and as a
consequence, approached Nettitude to assist in the design of a centralised
European IT infrastructure. Nettitude conducted a review of Linpac's existing
architecture and generated an 18 month IT roadmap to help them transition to a
central Datacenter infrastructure. Nettitude developed a design that provided
centralised Server based computing with an MPLS backbone connecting all sites
together. The infrastructure was architected in a scalable, fault tolerant,
reliable and secure manner to support 1,000 users.
The Solution: Nettitude generated an RFP for Linpac that was sent to both Wide Area
Circuit providers and Hardware Manufactures. Nettitude was then involved in
short-listing a series of vendors until one hardware vendor and one WAN provider
was chosen. Nettitude's team of consultants architected and implemented a solution
that was based around the Citrix Presentation Server. This was used as an enabler
to roll out the business ERP solution, Office applications, Lotus Notes, and Desktops
where appropriate. Nettitude developed and implemented a highly available SAN
environment, together with a centralised backup strategy, and fault tolerant datacenter
network environment. The LAN Environment was based around Cisco Layer 3 switching fabric.
All elements of this infrastructure was fully resilient, with backup routes across all
aspects of the Local Area environment The Datacenter was provisioned with a pair of
routers, with multiple MPLS connections. To provide further resiliency to the
infrastructure, Primary Rate ISDN services were implemented at each of Linpac Mouldings
remote sites to back up their core MPLS Services. By running BGP processes and Peering
with BT, Nettitude was able to build an environment that would automatically fail over to
ISDN services in the event of a failure in the MPLS cloud, a router, or a tail circuit.
Security was given paramount attention. Nettitude helped Linpac to implement 2 pairs of
resilient firewalls alongside a carrier class proxying device that conducted content
screening. All mail was fed through an inbound and outbound content and virus checking
engine. A two factor authentication scheme was deployed to provide remote VPN access
in to the centralised infrastructure.
The Benefits: Linpac have since been able to use Nettitude's Data
Centre design, consultancy and implementation services to deploy a new ERP solution
to their workforce. This has enabled them to achieve greater synergies across their
sites, whilst utilising a new application delivery mechanism to increase productivity.
Linpac consequently have an annual support contract with Nettitude which comprises of
support for all aspects of the design.
Background: LINPAC Group is a £1.1 billion global business with core
activities in packaging and materials handling. Linpac employs over 9,000 people across
4 continents. As the UK market leader, the Materials Handling division has an established
and well-respected pedigree in plastics and mouldings production, as well as supply chain
solutions. Linpac works closely with leading global companies in the retail, industrial
and automotive sectors. Such collaboration has helped Linpac develop the outstanding range
of products and services that they take to market. Linpac's product portfolio has been
designed to perform flawlessly, time and again, in the most demanding commercial
environments.
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