| Dell Server Virtualization Improves IT Performance and Public Service Delivery at Luton Borough Coun |
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20/02/2009 12:50 (562 Day 21:21 minutes ago) | |||||
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The FINANCIAL -- Luton Borough Council is working with Dell to upgrade its server and storage environment and virtualize its IT infrastructure. The deal is designed to reduce annual IT expenditure across the council and deliver more efficient and flexible service delivery for its local constituents.
Luton Borough Council has worked with Dell for over 10 years and is one of many councils in the UK that has invested in Dell storage solutions. Under the terms of the new deal, Dell will replace the council’s existing CX700 with CX3-80 storage systems and implement VMware virtualization solutions to reduce the number of existing servers within the organization from 180 to 120.
According to Dell, the infrastructure upgrade has been implemented in response to the growing amounts of data the council has to handle, including online payment and service requests. Ongoing innovation within the council, such as the implementation of a new website with graphical mapping data, has also increased demand on existing systems, resulting in connectivity problems and forcing the council to increase its annual infrastructure spend by 25 per cent. The updated storage and server environment will fully support the council in addressing these issues, improving operating efficiencies, staff productivity and the ongoing delivery of high-quality, innovative public services.
“We are continually focused on providing the best services to our employees and local residents. As a result, we are faced with rising volumes of data and increased pressure on our IT infrastructure”, says Geoff Evans, Technical Services Manager for Luton Borough Council. “The need for an improved storage solution was crucial as the failure of our existing systems to cope with these demands was impacting the efficiency in which our employees could carry out their jobs, and the speed in which our constituents could access our services. When we made the decision to renew our servers, it was the natural decision to draw on our existing and trusted relationship with Dell.”
Since the implementation of virtualization solutions from Dell, Evans has noted considerable improvements, not only in cost and productivity improvements, but also in reduced power consumption.
“We have been able to realize substantial energy and cost savings through Dell’s virtualization solutions which has left us with fewer machines to power. Not only that, we are now in better shape to invest in further innovative services and feel we have much more control over our IT environment. With Dell we know we are getting quality hardware and effective customer service.”
Iain Campbell, Vice President of Dell's Public Sector Division in the UK, comments: “With shrinking budgets and changing public requirements, local councils like Luton Borough Council must seek solutions to simplify their IT environments whilst maximising existing resources. Dell products are tailored to tackle IT complexity and fit the changing needs and goals of local government.”
The council will complete its new upgrade within the next six months and the overall solution will be backed by Dell’s Mission Critical Support, available anytime, ensuring same-day on-site servicing within 4 hours should any issues arise.
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