Case Study Overview
This case study outlines how we resolved the required level of protection for a world-renowned authority on metals and raw materials. They produce in-depth market research and consulting for the most significant PGM and Precious Metal players across the globe.
The client decided that an on-premises server and data store was the best approach for them. However, substantial IT Business Continuity (BC) and Disaster Recovery (DR) also needed to be catered for, we, therefore, needed to build a solution with a very high level of resilience and security.
A matched pair of high-quality fault-tolerant servers with RAID disk arrays and dual power supplies were configured in a VMWare mirrored configuration using V-Ranger Replication software. These are connected to a fault-tolerant SANs array for data storage. All of the equipment being covered by a manufacturer’s 4-hour on-site response for hardware failure with additional support was provided from our own internal teams.
The systems and data are backed up using a combination of our Managed Acronis E-BaaS service and V-Ranger to our Xterity Cloud Data Centre and managed and monitored by us.
Extended power autonomy was provided through separate UPS devices with a network connection and monitoring to ensure clean and reliable power to the servers, network and communications equipment.
The internet feed was supplemented with a second connection from an alternative provider. The Next Generation Firewalls are configured as a High Availability (HA) pair which provides an integrated cybersecurity platform enabling consistent security and performance across all network edges. This best-in-class security fabric continuously assesses the risks and automatically adjusts to provide comprehensive real-time protection across the digital attack surface and cycle.
Remote access is made only from company-owned systems with the specific client VPN software and restricted to these systems only. Access through the firewall is controlled using Single Sign-On using Active Directory security management as well as Multi-Factor Authentication and with data access limited by tightly controlled permissions.
The LAN and Wi-Fi networks are equally well protected with high-quality components and strong authentication all being monitored centrally from our NOC.
The client’s email was migrated from an on-premises exchange server to Microsoft 365 with a supplementary email archive being established. This improvement in service offered much greater resilience and at the same time reduced the server overhead.
A phased plan was adopted to replace or rebuild all laptop systems with the latest Operating Systems, with each being fully encrypted. The move to M365 also allowed the latest version of MS Office to be installed.
The combination of all these various elements means that the client now has excellent IT BC & DR. In addition the infrastructure continues to be supported and maintained by us to ensure optimum operational performance and security.
If you are not sure how well serviced, maintained or protected your Organisation is you should get in touch with us now.