Scalable Communications
Scalable’s server block design not only gives us the flexibility and resilience that we need, but also ensures that the SAP applications don’t impact negatively on the performance of the main B&Q network.
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SCALABLE COMMUNICATIONS CREATES SERVER BLOCK FOR SAP AT B&Q |
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Scalable Networks, an independent network integrator and consultancy, has announced a major upgrade of the network infrastructure at B&Q to accommodate the company’s recent implementation of SAP. |
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| 17/02/2003 |
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Scalable, which has worked closely with B&Q for the past five years, has created a resilient and flexible ‘server block’ that enables the SAP applications to be supported independently of B&Q’s main network infrastructure. Due to both the bandwidth-intensive and mission critical nature of the SAP implementation, it was decided that there should be independence between the core of the B&Q network (two Extreme Networks Black Diamond switches) and the core SAP application and database servers. This was required in order that adds/moves/changes to the SAP core could be made without affecting the network core, and that both configuration and maintenance of the SAP core could take place totally independently of the main network. The Scalable Communications solution to this requirement was to design and build a ‘server block’, an independent server farm connected to the main B&Q network core via a series of additional switches that allow ‘chunks’ of server bandwidth to be available on demand. Scalable has installed six Extreme Networks Summit 7i switches for Gigabit Ethernet and two Extreme Summit 48s for 10/100Mb connectivity to the servers. This solution was fully integrated into the B&Q network environment following exhaustive resilience testing from B&Q’s SAP implementation partners. “We knew that it was vital to reinforce our network infrastructure in order to get the best out of our SAP implementation,” said Pete Hanson, IT infrastructure manager at B&Q. “Scalable’s server block design not only gives us the flexibility and resilience that we need, but also ensures that the SAP applications don’t impact negatively on the performance of the main B&Q network.” “One of the most interesting aspects of the server block design is the way it allows the SAP applications to access bandwidth as required without putting undue pressure on the main network core,” said Simon Brown, director, Scalable Communications. “By effectively isolating the SAP core, B&Q has anticipated and thus avoided the enormous strain that can be placed on networks that haven’t been sufficiently upgraded before such implementations.” About B&Q B&Q has been in the DIY business for more than 30 years and is the UK's most successful and innovative home improvement retailer. B&Q employs over 33,000 people in over 320 UK stores. It operates two different kinds of stores - the larger B&Q Warehouses which cater for the needs of the keen DIY'er and trade with their wide range of products and staff expertise, and B&Q Supercentres which are convenient for most people to pop into for their everyday needs. |
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About Scalable Communications Plc Started in 1997, Scalable Communications has over ten years of strong performance and consistent organic growth from medium and large sized customers from both the private and public sector, including names such as B&Q, Royal Society of Medicine and Cambridgeshire County Council. With a customer retention rate of over 96%, Scalable Communications can be relied upon to transform an organisations’ business communications. For more information please contact |
0844 7422010
