Ogilvy invests in more EMC technology

David Breytenbach, group IT manager of Ogilvy, said: “We needed a centralised storage solution for our server consolidation and move to VMware virtualisation software. We are dependent on data storage for all our creative property, and our existing platform needed to be replaced. As our business requirements increase, downtime becomes less and less acceptable, so we needed a robust solution from a vendor with the capability to resolve any issues quickly.”

The multi-protocol EMC NS20 storage system offers the capability to connect to multiple types of storage networks simultaneously, while offering industry-leading price/performance and the highest level of reliability. The NS20 can go from power up to production in as little as 15 minutes, and automated volume management with thin provisioning capabilities ensures that storage capacity can be allocated quickly, with only a few mouse clicks.

All major players investigated

Ogilvy chose the EMC solution after an extensive investigation of all the major players in the market. “Quite simply, EMC offered us more bang for our buck,” Breytenbach said. “The NS20 offers more flexibility and functionality than its competitors, and EMC South Africa was highly responsive with its offering. We view our relationship with EMC SA as a partnership and will be exploring further opportunities with EMC technology in the near future.”

With an IT environment that is a mix of Windows and Apple Macintosh platforms, Ogilvy's selection criteria included flexibility, performance, speed and the ability to share files on the creative level. As Breytenbach pointed out, downtime is simply not an option.

A stable platform

“Reliability is critical, and we have been satisfied with the support provided by EMC SA. There have been no issues and the NS20 platform is completely stable,” he said.

Already, Ogilvy is reaping benefits from implementing the two NS20 devices. These include increased business efficiency, the ability to receive updates and add-ons at no extra cost, automatic de-duplication of files, superior redundancy, and the freedom to grow its business without employing additional staff.

“Thanks to the NS20 solution, one person is able to manage the Johannesburg and Cape Town environments. This frees up other personnel who have been supporting these environments, enabling them to be more proactive and focus on strategic activities,” Breytenbach said.