Medical-grade monitors are constructed for rugged use; internal components are designed to withstand chemical reactions, i.e., function in an oxygen-rich environment; and can be kept sterile with antiseptic agents. When the client needed 120 medical-grade monitors immediately, one of its biomedical engineers contacted Kevin. The reason for the rush? A miscommunication with its previous technology provider inadvertently sent standard monitors to install in medical settings.

As Kevin says, “Medical-grade monitors aren’t like off-the-shelf units; they take longer to manufacture and deliver because of specialized assembly and testing. The challenge was to find enough of these monitors and get them to the client fast. Because MicroAge has so many diverse resources, I can do my research and find the right solution.” And he did. After a lot of investigation, Kevin found the right monitors from AlphaView, a line of medical imaging displays designed to meet the rigorous monitoring needs of the health care industry. Kevin was able to offer the client a choice of monitors—offering a proof-of-concept opportunity for the staff to evaluate which model they preferred.

After choosing the AlphaView Solar 17 LCD Monitor Display, all 120 monitors shipped within three days, representing another improvement—previous delivery times were upward of three weeks. As Kevin stated, because MicroAge’s reach is so extensive and diverse, he has the bandwidth to solve issues both creatively and effectively. For this client, whose mission is as critical as it gets, Kevin has proved to be a “life saver.”

Having worked with the client for some time, MicroAge’s John Noble understood its requirements and researched potential alternatives. He found an ideal solution in Hard Dollar Corporation, a leader in project cost management solutions with software that assists with cost management, estimates, and budgeting throughout project lifecycles. “With this software in place, the client’s estimator has been able to create multiple quotes, entertain many more customer bids, and estimate larger projects,” says John.

Specifically, the HD Estimating software took up where the client’s spreadsheet approach left off, easily integrating to provide a comprehensive, expanded estimating tool to bid on all sizes of projects. “Our customers differ in project focus, but they are the same when it comes to estimation needs,” says Ron Babich, Vice President of Hard Dollar. “The estimation side of cost management has to be correct the first time with the ability to quickly make last-minute changes when submitting bids. We provide a solution that gives a true cost estimate the first time and helps to manage the cost through the entire life of the project.”

After viewing a Webinar demonstration, the client saw the value of the solution and ordered it. Easily integrating with the spreadsheet function and backed by manufacturer support, the software was installed through plug-ins and pointers, and became immediately operational. Since then, its capacity for generating quotes has dramatically expanded. “After getting the software, the client could quote larger, longer jobs. Previously, anything lasting more than a week or two was rare—now it’s the norm. The solution has transformed this company, helping to make it a lot more profitable,” comments John. Clearly, it was a road worth traveling.

Like the idea of simplifying your estimating and project cost management practice? Give John Noble a shout. Reach him directly at 480-366-2131 or john.noble@microage.com.

First, a spectral analysis took place to discern dead vs. live wireless spots and interference. The technical team turned on all the broadcast equipment and walked the stadium with instruments that recorded vital data. In addition to uncovering internal issues, the study revealed hundreds of outside Wi-Fi networks emanating from a nearby hotel. As Josh says, “It was a significant client advantage that MicroAge has established partnerships with local resources…we could move fast and get the solution implemented without delay.”

Second, the Wi-Fi backbone was built, starting with a HP ProLiant Gen8 DL380P server in the central data center and fanning out across the facility through a combination of networking switches that included the HP E5406 and multiple switches from the HP 3800 series. The network’s design was carefully planned to accommodate possible expansion. “The system is future-proof,” says Dominic. “This first phase gives wireless access to ticket areas, administration, and players in the clubhouse. For example, batting practice is videoed in the basement batting cages; with the new Wi-Fi network, players can instantly review their swings on personal mobile devices. A future second phase could extend wireless capability to fans—as a high-density network, it can easily handle the expansion.”

Technology closets were placed throughout the stadium and the entire network was protected by two SonicWALL firewall devices. HP Intelligent Management Center software provides complete system management while its Network Traffic Analyzer (NTA) serves as a monitoring and diagnostic tool to ensure optimal performance. David Fox, HP Field Networking Engineer says, “Fundamentally, the success achieved here is indicative of the strong partnership between MicroAge and HP Networking.” The stats say it all—the stadium’s new Wi-Fi network is ready to play ball!

Sam recommended HP E2910-48G POE+ al ProCurve switches, which provided 48 1GB ports per location, which was perfect for each site. An added benefit of these networking switches is their lifetime warranty.

The PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch enabled the installation of a VoIP phone system. VoIP systems typically provide a cost advantage as well as the potential for added security over traditional landlines.

“Having a secure line is very important to the client,” Sam says. “Their system is devised so that office-to-office calls travel through their VPN. And their network is encrypted, plus their firewalls provide another layer of security.”

Next, Sam worked with the client to install the best phone system for their needs. After some research, he and the client agreed to go with a Polycom system – the CX300 and CX600 IP models to be exact - which worked well with the HP ProCurve switching.

“Plus, they were using Polycom sound stations for their video-conferencing,” Sam notes. “So, it made sense to stick with Polycom for voice as well.”

The solution, Sam adds, is scalable, allowing the client to add phones and networking switches as the company grows.

If you’re looking to update your phone system or any other piece of your IT infrastructure, Sam Kruse can help. Contact him at 480-366-2093 or sam.kruse@microage.com.

Having worked with the client for more than a decade, Joseph is very familiar with its core business. When a staff member mentioned that when he had to download a new file, he would start it, go to lunch, and then hope that the download had completed by the time he got back, Joseph identified the critical gap. And with no way to back up architectural renderings to the network, these files often were left on individual devices.

Joseph suggested to the chief information officer that the company should explore optimizing its wide area network (WAN) with a Riverbed Steelhead WAN Optimization proof-of-concept. The CIO agreed. Once the client experienced all its benefits, they purchased a large unit for headquarters, smaller versions at all remote sites, and locally installed virtual, mobile versions.

Joseph says, “The Riverbed Steelhead alleviates density issues, speeds up performance and data transfer, and overcomes geographical limitations to increase productivity. It optimizes network traffic for all the client’s intensive applications like Citrix, Microsoft, and Office 365. It also allows the client to back up sensitive data correctly and helps with disaster recovery.”

The best part from the user’s point of view? File transfers that took hours now take only minutes—and while that may cut into the lunch hour, it really boosts productivity.

Waiting too long for data to upload? Contact Joseph to learn what your options are for WAN optimization. Call him directly at 480-366-2099, or email him at joseph.baca@microage.com.

The solution was to either add on yet more disparate storage units or migrate to one larger SAN capable of handling the volume and complexity. MicroAge’s Daniel Archer advised the latter option for the client, whose goal is to become the largest medical image provider in the nation. He recommended the EMC VNX 5500 SAN for its considerable storage capability. “The client’s storage requirement equaled half a petabyte—or 500 terabytes—and the VNX 5500 is capable of handling that,” says Daniel.

In addition, the solution was implemented on a tight timeframe, including rack, stack, setup and data migration services. Transferring data to the VNX 5500’s block-based storage makes future transfer easy. Plus, the VNX 5500 clearly can handle the continually increasing volume of images—doubling capacity as needed in the future.

EMC’s Matt Reynolds says, “Daniel’s relationship with the client and EMC’s overall portfolio strength was a winning combination in delivering scalability and performance. The speed with which we delivered the solution and the ability to quickly move into production was critical—the client planned acquisitions that could have been delayed without the VNX 5500 being in place.”

The company’s PACS (picture archiving and communication system) manager couldn’t be happier as the fully scalable VNX 5500 provides increased iOps—the speed of image access—that enables radiologists to read more images faster.  As the PACS manager attests, as images are now stored in one place, the need for patches and replicating on multiple platforms is eliminated.

The positive implications are clear; productivity is increased as more images are read each day and patient care and response times are improved. From standardizing servers and image reading stations to expanding storage, MicroAge has helped the client optimize its technology foundation—providing a clear picture of better patient care.

If you need help overcoming your own server sprawl, Daniel – and his colleague, Martha Banister – are ready to help! Daniel can be reached at 480-366-2125 or daniel.archer@microage.com; Martha is at 480-366-2127 or martha.banister@microage.com.

That’s where MicroAge’s Amber Burkardt came in. After reviewing the client’s needs and consulting with MicroAge solutions architect Darren Wishman, she reached out to longtime MicroAge partner Dell to build a strong network foundation. The proposed new configuration included a Dell EqualLogic SAN (storage area network), three Dell PowerEdge servers, switches, NAS (network attached storage), and VMware virtualization.

Once approved, the speed of implementation and the capability of the new network impressed the client. As Amber says, “The client was amazed at how easy and efficient our process was…he was expecting it to be a lot more labor intensive and much slower. From start to finish, it only took three weeks.”

Impressed by the solution’s cost-effective performance, the client also is confident not only about managing current needs, but also about future capacity. In addition, the skilled and seamless implementation across all four branches only reinforced the client’s favorable view. David Hamm, Dell Account Manager-Global Commercial Channels, says, “I want to thank the MicroAge team and specifically, Amber. It has been a pleasure to participate in a true partnership—Amber and her team showed the utmost professionalism and provided the end user with an unmatched level of support. I look forward to the Dell/MicroAge partnership reaching new heights and success in synergy!”

It’s just how we go about “making it better” for every MicroAge client.

Network bogged down? Give Amber a quick call! You can reach her directly at 480-366-2075 or amber.burkardt@microage.com.

The company was deploying a database as the back end for its intranet site, and they needed a substantial amount of scalable storage. They also wanted something that could scale out over time and last three to five years. They were considering renting space on a hosting company’s SAN, but the IT manager also asked MicroAge’s Jason Lassourreille to suggest an alternative.

“They needed a fair amount of disk space, but that storage only needed to be accessible by this one server,” explains MicroAge solutions architect Darren Wishman, ASP, VCP, CCNA, who worked with Jason to devise the solution. “So, with the narrow use case, the focus was on performance and cost effectiveness.”

In some cases, a SAN might be a good option, but for this client’s needs, Darren explains, a SAN would have been an unnecessary expense. “A SAN is designed with a lot of flexibility and great features, but that comes with additional complexity and cost,” he says. “The direct attached storage avoids additional networking and demands fewer resources – making it less expensive, faster and easier to deploy.”

Jason and Darren recommended a Dell scalable storage solution, specifically the Dell PowerEdge R620 server with a direct attached Dell PowerVault MD1220 storage array. “In this particular case, getting more of the 2.5 inch 10K drives provided for better performance than fewer of the 3.5 inch 15K drives,” Jason says.

Plus, Jason notes, the client is able to add more storage without disruption and they can use the existing rack space they already pay for.

Ultimately, even the server-hosting vendor recommended MicroAge’s solution over their own.

“The total cost of ownership was thousands of dollars per month cheaper than the competition,” Jason adds. “So far, the client is thrilled.”

Make sure you get the best solution for your particular situation. Contact MicroAge’s Jason Lassourreille at 480-366-2051 or jason.lassourreille@microage.com.