Three new HP LC2000 NetServers and three new HP E800 NetServers bring the total number of HP servers at the University of Pretoria to 21. In total the university has about 40 servers.
"In today`s market, HP servers are cost-effective high-quality servers, offering stability and a low total cost of ownership," says University of Pretoria acting server manager Carl Grundling.
Another reason for purchasing a significant number of HP servers is that the University is trying to standardise on no more than two server brands. "Since each server brand requires its own specialised set of spare components and maintenance skills, reducing the number of server brands at the University, significantly alleviates the need to have a diverse set of specialised in-house technical skills, as well as the need to manage an array of server maintenance companies. With fewer brands of servers our technical staff also have a greater opportunity to hone their skills on a particular brand, as opposed to scattering their energies and expertise far and wide," explains Grundling. In addition, the University believes that standardisation will place it in an even stronger position to obtain higher quality maintenance and backup support from suppliers, enabling it to build even more formidable win-win partnerships. "In sum, standardisation results in lower total cost of ownership," he emphasises.
Since maintenance and support are an integral determinant of total cost of ownership, the University of Pretoria has put in place a maintenance agreement. The University`s HP servers are supported and maintained by HP vendor warranty service provider Datacentrix Infrastructure Solutions.
"We are also placing a growing emphasis on 24X7 uptime, as we are experiencing an ever increasing need for our IT systems to be even more stable, secure and efficient," continues Grundling. This is the result of a rise in the number of students logging into the University`s system from home, both in office hours and after hours.
"With the University and the IT company located in the same street in Pretoria, back-up support is close at hand and we anticipate that our mutually beneficial relationship, which has developed over many years, will continue to grow from strength to strength," he says.
Part of the JSE-listed IT group Datacentrix Holdings, Datacentrix Infrastructure Solutions is a direct reseller of HP products and the only company in South Africa to purchase these products directly from HP overseas. It is also an accredited Authorised HP Service Provider, offering full-maintenance and warranty services on HP products.
"Due to our competitive positioning and our direct partnership with HP, we hope to continue to develop our strong relationship with the University," concludes Datacentrix Infrastructure Solutions senior account manager Deon Insel.
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