A Case Study in Trusting Your IT Experts

How a First Responder Organization’s IT Decisions Led to Delays and Added Costs

Background

A long-time client of VISTECH, a regional first responder organization, had for years relied on our expertise to maintain their IT systems. Recognizing the need for an infrastructure upgrade, we recommended a modern, reliable cluster solution tailored to meet their operational needs. Our goal was to ensure they had a system built for high availability and long-term stability.

During the planning phase, their internal IT contact explored an alternative path with a large hardware vendor that was positioned as more comprehensive and lower cost. Despite VISTECH remaining their IT provider, the organization allowed the hardware vendor to run the upgrade project independently without any coordination.  Ultimately, the vendor failed to deliver the complete solution the organization expected.

Challenge

The hardware vendor’s alternate solution appeared straightforward, but several critical issues quickly emerged:

  1. Lack of Support from the Vendor: The vendor provided four servers but did not perform a complete installation as the organization’s internal IT contact assumed. Once the hardware was on-site with operating systems installed, the vendor disengaged, leaving our client to complete the installation of their backup, security, and business application software.
  2. Misguided DIY Efforts: The internal IT contact attempted to address the gaps left by the hardware vendor but without proper guidance introduced setup and configuration issues that led to in establishing the cluster’s high-availability functionality.
  3. Over-Purchasing: The vendor’s solution included more servers than were required.  The client ended up with additional hardware that needed to be added to licensing agreements, resulting in additional costs and operational complexity.

The internal IT resource spent significant time trying to complete the implementation, and the organization experienced unacceptable downtime due to resulting infrastructure failures.

Solution

The organization eventually engaged VISTECH resolve the situation. Leveraging our deep understanding of their infrastructure and cluster technology, we reconfigured the purchase hardware and completed the installation to aligned with their goals:

  • Expert Configuration: VISTECH implemented Microsoft’s Hyper-V Failover Clustering, enabling seamless failover functionality for uninterrupted operations. We reconfigured the existing servers to ensure optimal performance and alignment with the client’s requirements.
  • Streamlined Design: By analyzing their actual needs, we redesigned the system with three servers which eliminated unnecessary licensing and software costs.
  • Hands-On Project Management: VISTECH provided end-to-end project oversight, coordinating with electricians, network specialists, and suppliers to ensure smooth implementation.

Result

VISTECH successfully turned the situation around, delivering a reliable, efficient IT environment:

  • Improved Reliability: The new system provides high availability and uninterrupted operations, even in the event of any hardware failure.
  • Cost Savings: By eliminating extra hardware and licensing fees, the client avoided further budget overruns while achieving a cost-effective solution.

This case highlights the value of collaboration with your trusted IT experts. VISTECH remained committed to the client’s success, regardless of the chosen path. Engaging VISTECH earlier would have helped manage complexities, leveraging our deep understanding of the client’s business to avoid delays, manage costs, and reduce frustration. Working closely with your IT partner ensures a smoother and more aligned journey toward your goals.

When the hardware vendor disengaged and the DIY approach was unsuccessful, VISTECH was there to fix the problems, ensuring the client had a functional system that aligned with their goals and budget.

At VISTECH, the focus is doing the right thing for our clients, whether that involves providing direct solutions or advising on outsourcing when appropriate. Partnering with trusted IT advisors will help businesses avoid costly missteps and achieve reliable outcomes.

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