Global management consulting firm, Gemini Consulting, has enhanced its networking capability and communication infrastructure with the help of network integration expert Integr8 IT.
Until recently, Gemini Consulting conducted its business with networking infrastructure that included Windows 2000, Exchange 2000 as well as SQL 7.0 and II5.O. But an increase in business and more pressure on the existing infrastructure meant that Gemini had to expand and revitalise its network.
Integr8IT was contracted to evaluate Gemini`s hardware and software requirements - taking into account that there was no room for downtime and Gemini had to remain online, in contact and in operation. Integr8IT then had to implement the changes.
Says Louis Botha, network consultant at Integr8 IT: "Due to the nature of Gemini Consulting`s business and the fact that they are considered a leader in the field of project management, it became necessary to provide consultants with a stable infrastructure and easily accessible information. Services including mail, browsing, documentation and project accessibility as well as access to the UK-based CGEY Intranet."
In terms of hardware adjustment, Integr8 IT and Gemini Consulting jointly determined that the rack-mounted Dell PowerEdge servers with built in redundancy were the best fit.
"The Dell servers provided the company with the best performance, availability and support at the right price. From a server consolidation / `standardisation`/ upgrade prospective, Gemini felt that Dell was the outright winner," explains Botha.
In terms of software layout, Integr8 IT kept Gemini consultants in constant contact with head office as well as with its internal intranet.
Says Botha: "This all was achieved by using Microsoft Windows 2000 Active Directory in such a way that the IT infrastructure could be managed by the various project departments within the company. Active Directory Integrated and Dynamic DNS (DDNS) were set up for the management of the Gemini`s network as well as replication with the Active Directory. Microsoft Distributed File System (DFS) was implemented to combine and ease the management of scattered data across the network into one single logical name space."
Microsoft Exchange 2000 also acted as the messaging standard with Gemini Consulting. The new look and feel of Microsoft Exchange 2000 Outlook Web Access (OWA) offered consultants more advantages. In addition, Microsoft SQL 2000 was implemented in conjunction with Goldmine, Gemini`s CRM package.
Microsoft Terminal Services were deployed making use of the Microsoft Terminal Services Client and RDP protocol to allow consultants access to the local network, for accessing mail, browsing, projects and more.
Integr8IT added the finishing touches with a comprehensive backup and data recovery solution. CA. Arcserve 2000 provides for "HOT" backups and restores without network downtime. CA eTrust Inoculate 6.0 and Exchange agent was used to make the implementation and administration of a very powerful and Superior anti virus scanning possible with little effort, as the server and desktop.
Says Esthel Sorton, SA IT manager at Gemini Consulting: "Integr8it has impressive IT capabilities. Their support, enthusiasm and uncompromising commitment to excellence in everything that they do has not only produced great results, but has enhanced our ability to compete over time. It`s been a pleasure to work with such a reliable and professional team."
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Integr8 IT (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned network technology services and solutions company in southern Africa. Based in SA, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled and certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
With offices located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and representation in Port Elizabeth, East London and Port Elizabeth, Integr8 IT spans nationally across Southern Africa and Africa continent. It has the people and expertise to plan, deploy, manage and maintain an information technology environment.
Whether a client seeks better control of its networked environment or is in need of practical solutions, complex or simple, Integr8 IT provides the answers with enhanced information technology services.
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