Doosan Babcock Energy
ICT infrastructure upgrade and support service to ensure standarisation, improved efficiencies and infrastructure security.
In Doosan Babcock Energy Ltd (MBEL) is a multi-specialist energy services company operating in the thermal power, nuclear, petrochemical, oil & gas and pharmaceutical industries. Doosan Babcock is also a leading international steam generation OEM and supplier of the cleanest, most efficient coal powered technology in the world.
The Business Challenge
Northgate previously operated a 3-year managed service contract with Doosan for the provision of on-site staff which expired at the end of November 2004. Since then Northgate were approached again by Doosan to upgrade their corporate IT infrastructure, staffing and support services for 1100 users as part of a 5 year contract. Doosan's objective was to reduce IT spend in the company and in doing this, the drivers for the project were to:
- Replace end of life equipment
- Introduce new equipment which is ready for new technologies
The Solution
The objective of upgrading the hardware was to achieve standardisation throughout the company. To meet this challenge 334 pcs, 150 laptops and 45 servers were installed at all of the 3 main locations (Renfrew, Crawley and Tipton) as well as 50 + remote sites. The upgrade of these remotes sites was a separate project to be undertaken after the completion of the three main sites.
All replacement server, desktop and laptop hardware was sourced from a single manufacturer, Hewlett Packard (HP). Previously a significantly wider range of printers had been supported; however the printing environment has been significantly enhanced.
For optimum performance and resilience each of the three main sites host their own systems and services for example File and Print, email etc. Critical data (i.e. e-mail) at each site is replicated to another server locally or in a separate computer room. In the event of a primary server or storage failure the replicated data server or storage server be brought 'on-line'.
As well as delivering the above services, Northgate also have provided Doosan with a Service Level Agreement which includes the provision of on-site engineers, a remote monitoring service and helpdesk facility.
Key Results
This upgrade of the ICT infrastructure in Doosan was essential to ensuring the overall long term IT spend in the company would be reduced. This was achieved by replacing end of life equipment thus improving staff efficiency and introducing new equipment ready for future technologies, improving flexibility. Overall this ensures Doosan can communicate effectively internally with staff and externally with customers.
Up to date software has improved security and back servers have provided for business continuity, reducing downtime and support costs. Administration costs have also been reduced due to remote administration and centralised management of servers, software, PCs, laptops and printers.
Having now delivered access to new technology, the basis for innovation through the use of emerging technology has bee provided and so the opportunity for enhanced business benefits will arise by enabling projects outlined in the Doosan IT Strategy to be implemented more easily.
Northgate Managed Services is pleased to have shared in this opportunity with such a technology orientated company as Doosan Babcock. Doosan and Northgate will continue to develop these opportunities through partnership in the future.
Key Benefits
- Increased efficiencies
- Improved internal & external communication
- Increased security
- Improved productivity
- Reduced support & administration costs
