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IBM > Case Studies > Oxford Networks reduces cloud management workload by 30 percent

Oxford Networks reduces cloud management workload by 30 percent

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Computing
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Storage Services

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services

The Challenge

Oxford Networks, a company that provides telephone and fiber optic network services, decided to extend its focus to providing managed IT services to business customers in Maine and northern New England. The company needed to ensure that its new data center and cloud environment provides its customers 100 percent uptime. The company had to develop an overarching plan for launching its managed service provider (MSP) business, which meant deploying and managing a reliable, scalable, and flexible cloud environment in its data center and integrating it with the rest of its network.

About The Customer

Oxford Networks is a company that provides telephone and fiber optic network services. The company is extending its focus beyond delivering these services to providing managed IT services to business customers in Maine and northern New England. The company's management team is responsible for ensuring that the company’s data center remains equal to the task of providing these services. The company recently expanded its data center from 1,200 sq.ft. to more than 7,000 sq.ft., indicating the growth of the company’s MSP business.

The Solution

Oxford Networks deployed an IBM cloud with a range of hardware, such as IBM Power System servers, an IBM System x iDataPlex array, an IBM tape solution using Tivoli-based STORServer and FrontSafe backup applications, and an IBM V7000 storage platform with an XIV storage array. To monitor, manage, and optimize its cloud architecture, Oxford Networks utilizes IBM Cloud Monitoring and IBM Cloud Provisioning solutions. The company's customers need to know without a doubt that their data is managed reliably and securely 24/7.

Operational Impact

In 18 months, Oxford Networks grew its managed services business from a start-up to a sustainable business.
The company is servicing its customers’ IT needs much more completely.
The company experienced a 30 percent reduction in workload associated with managing its hybrid cloud since its initial deployment of IBM Cloud Monitoring.

Quantitative Benefit