Subscribe
  • Home
  • /
  • Storage
  • /
  • Kumba Resources implements R1.5m storage project with Datacentrix

Kumba Resources implements R1.5m storage project with Datacentrix


Johannesburg, 11 Aug 2003

In line with the strategic decision to consolidate its storage resources, Kumba Resources is in the process of implementing a network-attached storage (NAS) solution for its smaller sites as well as a NAS/SAN (storage area network) fusion solution at its Grootegeluk Coal mine in the Ellisras region.

Infrastructure and IT solutions company, Datacentrix was responsible for the supply and implementation of this equipment.

According to Chris Smith, Senior Technical Architect at Kumba, the storage implementation is closely tied to the organisation`s migration from a Novell file and print environment to the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform.

"We found that there was a dearth of support for our existing hardware and software and decided that we could fulfil our storage needs in a relatively inexpensive manner using the NAS and SAN/NAS models."

Already an HP house, Kumba selected an HP StorageWorks NAS B3000, to provide the entry-point into NAS/SAN fusion solutions, as a central repository for all production information enabling full sharing rights for users and also centralising their documents.

"At this stage the smaller sites, including our Thabazimbi and Rosh Pinah mines have been rolled out, with the larger sites such as Grootgeluk, Empangeni and the Kumba head office in Pretoria currently undergoing implementations," explains Smith.

An HP SuperDLT tape library has also been installed at the Kumba head office, with the company already seeing backup times shrink from a full night to four hours.

"The HP Storage solution set available today and the capabilities of Datacentrix are the two key strategic decision drivers for these solutions," says Smith.

"We have been working closely with Kumba for the past four years, not only fulfilling their hardware needs, but also handling the nation-wide hardware support of the mining concern`s Intel based servers," adds Bruce Patience, senior account manager at Datacentrix. "Our expertise and certifications as HP Gold and Microsoft Gold Certified partner were also advantageous."

Share

Editorial contacts

Nicola Knight
PR Connections
(011) 885 3141
datacentrix@pr.co.za
Monique Barker
Datacentrix Holdings
(012) 348 7555
mbarker@datacentrix.co.za