Project Background
Trinity Grammar School, Kew is an independent Anglican school for boys that educates 1,500 students from ELC-Year 12. As the school manages the increasing data flow from online learning, testing, portals, video content, BYOD initiatives, and other trends, delivering a high-quality digital learning environment becomes a priority.
Trinity Grammar School’s infrastructure based on HPE c7000 Bladesystems, is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. This obsolescence introduces significant risks, including potential security vulnerabilities, decreased system stability, and escalating maintenance expenses, especially in the absence of official HPE support. To mitigate these risks, ensure compliance with contemporary data management needs, and circumvent performance degradation, the school has initiated a collaboration with Datcom. This partnership aims to implement a cutting-edge compute solution that is both efficient and scalable, addressing the school’s current and future compute requirements.
“In today’s hyperconnected world,maintaining round-the-clock server availability is crucial. Achieving this requires dependable infrastructure that is upgraded on a scheduled basis to ensure reliability.”
Peadar Donnellan
Technical Lead, Trinity Grammar School
Requirements & Solution
“As our current servers near the end of their operational life, our foremost concern was to secure a refresh that could accommodate our future growth requirements. We aimed for a durable solution that wouldn’t overburden our budget.”
Faced with the impending end of life for the existing servers, the primary focus was on securing an upgrade capable of meeting future growth needs while being budget friendly. The discontinuation of the current system in production meant HPE would no longer provide regular updates, support, or security patches, posing risks of security threats, system instability, and increased maintenance costs.
- Migration to new servers
- Continuous support and security
- Budget-friendly upgrade
- Risk mitigation
Solution
Needs Assessment
- Found limitations and challenges associated with the existing HPE c7000 Bladesystems
- Gathered requirements and expectations from various stakeholders within the organisation
HPE Solution Architect Engagement
- Engaged an HPE Solution Architect to collaborate closely with the organisation’s IT team
- Leveraged the expertise of the architect in HPE hardware and solutions to understand specific project requirements, constraints, and goals
Solution Design
- Designed a comprehensive solution based on the information gathered
- Selected HPE ProLiant DL Gen 11 Servers, powered by Intel® and other components, including storage, networking, and software
Cost Analysis
- Conducted a detailed cost analysis to find the total cost of ownership (TCO) for the new solution
- Evaluated upfront hardware and software costs, along with ongoing maintenance, support, and operational expenses
Implementation Plan
- Developed a detailed implementation plan outlining steps, timelines, and responsibilities for migrating from the old infrastructure to the new one
- Ensured a well-structured transition process
Training and Documentation
- Provided comprehensive training sessions and documentation to IT staff to ensure ability in managing and supporting the new HPE ProLiant DL Gen 11 Servers
Testing and Validation
- Carried out rigorous testing and validation processes to verify the functionality, performance, and reliability of the new solution
- Ensured that the solution met expected standards before full deployment
Deployment
- Implemented the solution in phases or according to the established plan
- Monitored and provided support during the transition period
Post-Deployment Evaluation
- Conducted a thorough post-deployment evaluation to assess performance
- Addressed any outstanding issues and made necessary optimisations for ongoing efficiency and effectiveness
Results
Cost Savings Drive Efficiency
Migrating to ProLiant DL Gen 11 Servers resulted in substantial cost savings. The use of more standard components, as opposed to proprietary ones associated with Bladesystems, contributed to a streamlined hardware acquisition and maintenance process, enhancing overall cost efficiency.
Performance Surge
ProLiant DL Gen 11 Servers brought a notable performance boost. Faster processing speeds, increased memory capacity, and enhanced storage capabilities improved overall system performance, providing the company with a competitive edge in operational efficiency.
Scalability for Growth
The servers’ enhanced scalability allowed for seamless adaptation to changing needs. This flexibility enabled easy addition or replacement of servers, reducing the time and resources typically needed for infrastructure adjustments and ensuring readiness for future growth.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The adoption of ProLiant DL Gen 11 Servers contributed to improved energy efficiency, translating to potential operational cost reductions. The move towards an eco-friendly IT infrastructure displayed the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Reliability Leading to Reduced Downtime
ProLiant DL Gen 11 Servers showed increased reliability, resulting in reduced downtime due to hardware failures. This improvement significantly contributed to business continuity, minimising disruptions, and enhancing overall operational stability.
“Thanks to the infrastructure upgrade, made possible through collaboration with Datcom, Trinity is poised to deliver top-tier services with confidence for the next five years.”
Peadar Donnellan
Technical Lead, Trinity Grammar School
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