Meeting the network bandwidth needs of Engen Refinery`s 650 desktop population posed creative challenges for the refinery`s technology partner, Dimension Data.
The R1.8 million network infrastructure project, designed as a three-phase approach by Dimension Data, involves the transfer to Gigabit Ethernet technology. To prevent loss of performance during this transformation process, Dimension Data is integrating the current Fibre Distributed Data Interchange (FDDI) technology with that of Gigabit Ethernet.
"Laying the over 20km of cable in a petroleum refinery is not quite the same as in a building or office park. Here we need to take heed of the extreme conditions in which we have to work in a plant measuring about 2 km^2," says Neil Morgan, technology services manager at the refinery.
The migration to Gigabit Ethernet, and the resultant increased bandwidth of 100 MBps to the desktop, will allow users to run computer based applications, access training videos and CAD drawings - as well as a host of other bandwidth-hungry refinery applications. The project forms part of Engen`s policy of driving down the total cost of ownership (TCO) by implementing a core infrastructure that can be expanded, to meet future demands as well as accommodate heavier network loads in a fault-tolerant, high availability environment.
"Pre-investing in the core structure allows us to expand the business and install new technologies as they become available," says Tiiu Excell, chief information technologist at Engen Refinery.
Dimension Data has installed a Digital VNSwitch 900CG that facilitates the integration between the Gigabit backbone and the existing FDDI infrastructure. Currently, the refinery`s laboratory and administration areas are running off the new topology, with further key areas to follow with increased business demands.
Commenting on the partnership with Dimension Data, Excell says that through both the refinery and the corporate business partnering with the Dimension Data Group as a single common service provider, they have enjoyed excellent service.
"This has brought uniformity into the relationship and opened up more resources," she says.
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Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT), is a leading global technology company that represents a new category of systems integrator providing network and multi-channel e-business solutions to deliver the complex integration and connectivity requirements of global corporations. Founded in 1983 as a specialist supplier of technology and services, Dimension Data`s strategy has evolved with the emergence of the intelligent network as the most important enabler in business today.
Dimension Data`s global presence combined with its expertise and extensive skills base in network infrastructure and e-business solutions environments enables its customers to ascend into the global marketplace through 100% connectivity and integration. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Dimension Data is a member of the FTSE 250 index, employs over 12 000 people and operates in over 30 countries on six continents. Dimension Data has achieved a three-year compound annual growth rate in US dollars of 73% in revenue and 36% in basic earnings per share. For more information, please go to www.didata.com.
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