Ensuring Global Operations: IT Infrastructure Modernisation
How a Proactive Approach Secured 24/7 Global Operations for an International Retail Giant
Client Profile
Type of Organisation: A globally recognised international retail company.
Approximate Size: Over 2,000 employees, with multiple main offices worldwide and hundreds of retail branches.
Industry/Sector: Global Retail (encompassing product sales, merchandising, and content distribution).
The Challenge
The client faced a critical risk to its core business operations due to an aging and unsupported IT infrastructure. Specifically, the legacy storage network switches at their main office and a key US branch were obsolete, no longer manufactured, and their support contracts could not be extended. These switches were vital for connecting business-critical data storage arrays to their on-premise servers, underpinning essential systems like stock management and global sales.
With 24/7 warehouse operations and global sales running continuously, any failure in this infrastructure would lead to immediate and severe business interruption. Compounding the challenge was the need to transition away from a long-standing, but now deprecated, supplier relationship. The client needed a solution that would not only replace the failing hardware but also enhance resilience and provide better operational visibility, all without disrupting their continuous global business.
The SALIS Solution
Recognizing the immense criticality of the situation, SALIS initiated a meticulous, architectural approach to address the challenge.
Comprehensive Assessment & Strategic Design:
We began with a thorough audit of the existing storage network setup, including detailed configuration fact-gathering and discrepancy identification across both global sites. Leveraging best practices for high-availability storage networks, we designed a new, robust network topology. This strategic planning phase focused on enhancing redundancy and ensuring seamless integration with existing business-critical services.
Advanced Redundancy & Monitoring Implementation:
The core of the solution involved replacing the outdated storage switches with modern, high-performance hardware. Crucially, we introduced a sophisticated dual VLAN architecture for each switch layer and implemented dual switches per storage array. This design significantly enhanced diversity and predictability, ensuring that each storage array controller had dual connections across separate switches and VLANs.
Seamless Migration & Operational Enhancement:
A key objective was to achieve this transformation with zero business interruption or unexpected loss of service. We meticulously planned and executed the migration of compute services to new, upgraded VMware host servers and a newer VMware version, while intelligently leveraging their existing, still-nimble storage arrays. This approach avoided the complexity and risk of migrating vast amounts of data. Post-implementation, we integrated real-time monitoring (utilizing NetFlow) on the new switches, providing unprecedented visibility into network performance and traffic.
My Unique Value
My extensive experience in designing and implementing IT solutions for complex, global environments was crucial. This allowed for the introduction of advanced architectural concepts and operational enhancements (like the dual VLAN strategy and real-time monitoring) that were previously unknown or unconsidered by the client. My ability to translate intricate technical requirements into a clear, actionable plan, and execute it with precision, ensured the successful modernisation of critical infrastructure with absolutely no impact on their 24/7 global operations.
The Outcome
The client's core IT infrastructure was transformed, moving from a state of critical risk to one of robust resilience and enhanced control.
● Significantly Improved Redundancy: The new network architecture provided vastly improved fault tolerance, ensuring business continuity even in the event of component failure.
● Enhanced Operational Visibility: Real-time monitoring capabilities filled previous reporting gaps, providing comprehensive status reports and proactive insights into network health and performance.
● Strengthened Security Posture: The implementation of secure connections and improved AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) protocols significantly enhanced adherence to cybersecurity best practices, bolstering the overall security of their critical data.
● Streamlined Vendor Relationships: The successful replacement allowed the client to transition away from the unsupported legacy supplier, establishing a new, more beneficial partnership with a preferred provider offering enhanced support and agreements.
● Zero Business Interruption: All critical infrastructure upgrades were performed without any disruption to their 24/7 global warehouse and sales operations, a testament to meticulous planning and execution.
Key Takeaways / Why It Matters
This case demonstrates that modernizing essential, end-of-life IT infrastructure doesn't have to be a disruptive or risky endeavor. By applying strategic architectural design, meticulous planning, and expert implementation, it's possible to achieve significant improvements in security, performance, and operational resilience – all with zero interruption to critical business functions. For international companies with complex, always-on demands, a proactive IT partner like SALIS provides the foresight and technical prowess to safeguard current operations while building a robust foundation for future growth.