D ATA CENTRE
Full Solutions Provision for Data Centres All Part of the Service Neil O’Sullivan spoke to Simon Mewett, Managing Director, Easy Group
NETCOMMS EUROPE: What sort of solutions do you offer to your customers?
SIMONMEWETT: The most common types of project we work on include complex data centres installations, network infrastructure on a budget and network poor performance rectification. Having been established since 1991, our core business has been in education, public sector, SME and enterprise. Our engineers’ expertise and
What exactly does being a solutions provider for the data centre industry involve?
knowledge, including Systimax accreditation and Prince2 Practitioner status, enables our specialist teams to implement complex projects for wiring, cabling and network infrastructures, as well as highly confidential data centres across Europe. When it comes to data centre
projects, we would manage the total procurement, copper and fibre installation, Prince2 Project management, ISO Quality Control, testing and commissioning of the entire project.
NE: Can you give an example of a particularly challenging project, and what you did to help the client?
SM: We have a great team of quality engineers with a ‘can do’ attitude.
Recently we implemented a data centre in Europe. This involved quite a logistical challenge, requiring the delivery of over 100 cabinets at various sites. The project was time critical; indeed, the customer needed the job finished earlier than the original specified deadline, so our engineers worked day and night in shifts to complete the work on time and within budget. Our reputation and the success of many complex projects has afforded us to win various contracts throughout Europe and the Middle East.
NE: What makes data centres difficult environments to work in?
SM: Sometimes high levels of security can present a challenge. High temperatures can also be an issue, especially with projects we have worked on in the Middle East. Aesthetics, how the equipment looks, are also extremely important. But one thing is critical above all - no down time for the customer.
NE: What have been the most significant technological trends that you have observed in recent years?
SM: Whilst we have predominantly installed network cabling and complex
infrastructures, more and more of our customers have asked us to help implement their IT systems, telephone systems, and AV equipment both in the classroom and the boardroom. We soon realised that our customers were looking to us for a wider range of solutions, hence it became a natural progression as we grew our business to offer a complete business portfolio, helping to implement total IT communications solutions, including the networks, computers and telephone systems, both landline and mobile.
NE: What about market trends?
SM: Wireless infrastructure and mobility are the most important developments here. I think that the next generation of smart phones and tablets will become even more expandable for any business. Mobile is the operative word; we can now all work and communicate anywhere and this trend is only going to continue.
NE: What strategies have you observed successful companies deploying to weather the recession?
SM: I believe that great customer service is critical to any business. Being realistic on pricing is also important to survive and succeed. However, the customer always has a choice, and price is not always the deciding factor. If they trust you, they trust your brand. It’s your reputation which is vital to retain existing clients and secure new business.
NE: What are your predications for the future of the industry?
SM: Personally, cloud technology has enormous potential, which is why we are involved in so many data centre projects. This is also the reason behind our recent acquisition of Easy Computers to allow us to deliver total IT cloud solutions. Businesses, small or global, no longer need to have their sensitive data at HQ sites. All businesses need resilience, reliability and cost savings which a properly implemented cloud-based solution can deliver.
44 NETCOMMS europe Volume I, Issue 6 2011
www.netcommseurope.com
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