Dedicated SAN + Dedicated Servers

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What is it?

Our client either purchases or rents from us a dedicated SAN appliance (Dell EqualLogic or PowerVault are common choices). This is combined with purchasing or renting dedicated web and application servers. Typically we use Dell PowerEdge M630 or R630 server hardware, but we are agnostic about hardware vendors, so we will use whatever our client favours.

How is it built?

Normally a large scale website-hosting customer will require 2 x web servers, 2 x application servers, 1 x staging server and 1 x development server. This is combined or 'wrapped' with VMware vSphere to create a single unified Private Cloud platform. Customers can choose to take a tailored firewall context as a service or utilise VMware firewall options.

Web and application servers can be scaled laterally to allow for high-traffic websites. In the example above there are 2 x web servers in play but this can be scaled up as required. 20-30 web servers for busy websites are not uncommon. Database servers can also be scaled laterally, in active / active or active / passive configurations.

How is it managed and supported?

Tibus typically offers a fully managed and supported Private Cloud on a 24x7 basis, but a full a la carte range of management support options is available. Clients are free to choose as much or as little management of their Private Cloud as they wish.

Where is this type of Private Cloud used?

  • Large scale enterprise websites
  • Business critical websites
  • Clients that need physical IT security assurance
  • Websites where clear external system auditing is required
  • Finance / banking sectors
  • Broadcast media
  • Online publishing
  • SaaS and e-business
  • E-commerce sites
  • Public sector websites

Management and support options

Rack space, switching and cabling Dual feed UPS power
IP transit and tailored peering and routing 24x7 proactive technical support
24x7 monitoring (hardware and application level) Firewall provision and security management
O/S and application patching Daily Veeam back-ups (to off-site location)
Anti-virus protection Developer and other 3rd party liaison
Archiving and roll-back services Proactive technical steering
Review meetings Version control
24x7 Application monitoring and support  

Engagement process

Every client situation is slightly different but the below illustrates a typical engagement process.

  1. Client contacts Tibus normally via email and describes the online initiative they want to deliver
  2. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) exchanged if required
  3. Discuss current hosting arrangements with existing provider
  4. Examine intended audiences, expected visitors and usage
  5. Build up understanding of the application (even if at development stage)
  6. Choose location(s) for the Private Cloud
  7. Look at any Hybrid Cloud or integration requirements
  8. Design technical platforms and agree budgets
  9. Order physical servers
  10. Build platforms, release development and staging servers for client
  11. Complete the migration plan and / or application build
  12. Networking elements added
  13. System testing, load testing and penetration testing
  14. Service on-boarding and commissioning

Lead times: 4 weeks

Transferring from your existing provider

We have developed processes over the course of hundreds of migrations which can assist you in moving from your supplier to TIbus. Whether this is a like for like move or an upgrade from current provision, we will pro-actively plan and manage this process for you.

Support

Technical support is unlimited and available in the way that you prefer.

Billing

There are typically two elements to Private Cloud charges. Set-up and other once-off installation costs are due after service commissioning. Thereafter service charges are billed monthly in advance and normally collected by Direct Debit. International currencies and BACS payment options are available.