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Showing posts with label converged. Show all posts
Showing posts with label converged. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Oklahoma Agency Signs Contract Renewal with HP



Press Release : May 30, 2012

Oklahoma Agency Signs Contract Renewal with HP

HP to help improve healthcare claims processing, administrative services for state workers

Topics:Strategic Focus: Cloud, Converged Infrastructure
PALO ALTO, Calif., -- HP Enterprise Services today announced the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) has signed a contract for HP to continue providing claims processing and other services.
The agreement, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2014, is for one year with four one-year renewals. If all five years are executed, the contract is valued at $90 million.
OSEEGIB is a state agency that provides insurance benefits to Oklahoma’s employees and educators. Under the terms of the contract, HP will help OSEEGIB to continue delivering a range of healthcare administration services while helping it prepare for program changes in a cost-effective manner.
As OSEEGIB’s third-party insurance administrator, HP manages the agency’s Health Risk Assessment program, providing online coaching and preventive care suggestions to help plan members better understand their health and how to improve it.
“In today’s economy, both healthcare providers and members have choices, making it critical for us to deliver on our vision to efficiently and effectively process claims and help our citizens improve their overall health,” said Frank Wilson, program administrator, Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board. “HP has already proven its effectiveness by dramatically speeding up our claims processing and using its knowledge of our culture to help Oklahomans achieve healthier outcomes.”
HP will continue to maintain and enhance the HP MetaVance health solution, which automates a number of administrative processes for OSEEGIB. In addition, HP will continue to update the member and provider portals that enable healthcare organizations to administer many program benefits online and provide business process outsourcing services to support ongoing operations and new claims administration.
Recently, HP helped OSEEGIB comply with federal HIPAA 5010 requirements and is currently assisting the agency in meeting the national ICD-10 standards ahead of the deadline.
Under HP’s management, claims processing is more efficient, accurate and faster, with most claims processed in one business day. From its facilities in Oklahoma City, HP processes approximately 3 million claims a year for more than 160,000 members and dependents, which includes state employees, teachers and retirees.
“Insurance providers must focus on everything from regulatory compliance to cost containment and improving people’s health, making service, efficiency and value top priorities,” said Susan Arthur, vice president, U.S. Healthcare Industry, HP Enterprise Services. “The HP team brings a proven solution as well as deep expertise and a passion for helping the agency improve efficiencies and the health of its members.”
HP’s premier client event, HP Discover, takes place June 4-7 in Las Vegas.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

HP Unveils New High-performance Business Solutions


Press Release : May 09, 2012
SHANGHAI, May 9, 2012

HP today announced powerful business products packed with energy-efficiency, security and performance features designed to meet customer needs across industries such as healthcare, retail, and media and entertainment.
Among the products announced for businesses are:
  • The powerful HP t410 All-in-One (AiO) Smart Zero Client, featuring new and innovative one-wire Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology while still providing outstanding multimedia performance and a true PC-like experience.
  • The highly customizable HP RP7 all-in-one retail system with a sleek and stylish design that fits into a variety of retail settings.
  • The HP L6015tm and L6017tm Retail Touch Monitors with multitouch projected capacitive screens for retail and hospitality environments, and the HP L6010 non-touch Retail Monitor for use as a customer or associate-facing display.
  • New high-performance HP Z220 Workstations and HP EliteBook Mobile Workstations, packed with reliable and professional-class features.
“HP’s new high-performing business products allow our customers to get an exceptional user experience with better graphics and video performance, while still keeping operating costs low,” said Jim Zafarana, vice president and general manager, Commercial Solutions Business Unit, HP.
Lower power usage and enhanced performance
The HP t410 AiO operates within 13 watts of power envelope over PoE,(1) delivering great energy efficiency for businesses. It combines an 18.5-inch diagonal display and high-performing smart zero client in one space-saving unit. The HP t410 AiO requires no external power supply because it is powered via Ethernet connection. This offers customers a cleaner, more reliable power source and requires less cabling and set-up time.

The HP t410 AiO supports multiple protocols and can be reprogrammed on the fly. Auto-sensing technology automatically connects to the network and searches for a customer’s existing client virtualization environments, be it from Citrix, Microsoft or VMware. This allows companies with a mix of infrastructures to use the HP t410 AiO across any of these solutions.

The HP t410 AiO delivers a rich multimedia computing experience using an innovative system-on-chip design. It also features a powerful, energy-efficient ARM® processor technology with an integrated digital signal processor that gives the HP t410 AiO the capability to display full-screen high-definition (HD)(2) video, complex graphical content and rich media, while still running at optimum performance levels.
Customizable features for diverse retail environments
The HP RP7 is a powerful and versatile all-in-one retail system that offers a variety of configurations and integrated peripherals that can be customized to meet retailers’ diverse needs.

“HP’s broad retail solutions portfolio, which includes the RP7 Retail System, combines the latest technologies with HP innovation to introduce several exciting new products designed with today’s retailer in mind,” said Ray Carlin, vice president, Retail Solutions, HP.

The HP RP7 is built to handle the rigorous demands of retail environments and includes a 15-inch or 17-inch diagonal touch-enabled display that is sealed to provide resistance against environmental contaminants, such as water and dust. Retailers can add an optional magnetic-stripe reader, biometric fingerprint reader or webcam, and either a two-line or 10-inch diagonal customer display to enhance promotional activities.

The new 15-inch and 17-inch HP L6015tm and L6017tm Retail Touch Monitors feature multitouch projected capacitive touch technology and offer maximum usability and durability, as well as a sleek modernized appearance. The 10-inch diagonal non-touch HP L6010 Retail Monitor is designed for use as a customer-facing display for order verification or promotional activities, or as an associate-facing display in space-constrained environments.
Performance and power for professionals
HP Z220 Workstations deliver new technologies to improve overall system performance and energy efficiency. They continue to set the standard for affordable entry-level workstations and bring unbelievable value to demanding professionals in video editing, mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD), architecture engineering construction (AEC), education, healthcare and government. The HP Z220 is available in either an exceptionally expandable, convertible mini-tower (CMT) or as a highly compact small form factor (SFF) for space-constrained environments.
HP’s most powerful mobile workstation, the HP EliteBook 8770w, offers the highest-performing professional graphics and extreme processing power and is highly configurable with a 17.3-inch diagonal display. The versatile and portable HP EliteBook 8570w includes high-end professional graphics, robust processing power and a 15.6-inch diagonal display. HP’s most travel-friendly mobile workstation, the HP EliteBook 8470w, features workstation-caliber graphics and powerful processing along with a business rugged design that’s optimized around a 14-inch diagonal HD(1) display.
All HP Workstations are certified to work with independent software vendors (ISVs) across a range of industries.
Availability (3)
The HP t410 All-in-One Smart Zero Client; HP RP7, HP L6015tm, L6017tm and L6010 Retail Monitors; HP Z220 Workstations; and HP EliteBook w-series are expected to be available this summer.

(1) The PoE type-1 standard specifies that a PoE switch can deliver a maximum of 15.4W of power. Various factors can affect how much of the 15.4W of power is available to an attached PoE device, including quality and length of wiring as well as the quality of the physical network connections. Ethernet cords of 100 meters or more will reduce the amount of power available to the PoE device. If user implementation exceeds the 13-watt envelope and the t410 AiO intelligently detects that is has additional available wattage from the network switch, it can take advantage of this additional power; or if no additional power is available, it will lower screen brightness to stay within the 13-watt envelope.
 (2) HD content required to view HD images.
 (3) Not all models available in all regions. ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited.

HP Expands Thin and Light Collection with New Ultrabook Systems and Sleekbooks


Press Release : May 09, 2012
SHANGHAI, May 9, 2012

HP today expanded its award-winning notebook portfolio with thin and light Ultrabook™ systems and Sleekbooks packed with the latest technologies for both consumer and business demands.
New additions to the HP collection include:
  • The HP ENVY SpectreXT is an ultramobile premium Ultrabook that delivers an overall premium experience with extraordinary design and performance.
  • Offering both style and substance, HP ENVY Sleekbooks and HP ENVY Ultrabook systems provide the ultimate entertainment experience in 14-inch and 15.6-inch diagonal display options.
  • The enterprise-ready HP EliteBook Folio 9470m was built from the ground up to be everything a business Ultrabook should be, with the security, manageability and reliability features IT demands.
“Building on the success of the HP Folio13 and HP ENVY14 Spectre, we are now offering the most comprehensive Ultrabook portfolio in the industry,” said James Mouton, senior vice president and general manager, Personal Computer Global Business Unit, HP. “Our expanded portfolio of HP Ultrabook systems and HP Sleekbooks for both consumers and businesses delivers uncompromised performance, quality and entertainment experiences within distinctive designs.”

“The Ultrabook is quickly becoming the must-have solution for anyone who wants performance, responsiveness and a secure computing experience in a thin, elegant form factor,” said Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager, PC Client Group, Intel. “HP’s impressive line-up of consumer and business Ultrabooks deliver across the board.”

The HP ENVY SpectreXT, HP ENVY Sleekbooks , HP ENVY Ultrabook systems and the HP EliteBook Folio join the HP thin and light portfolio, which also includes the recently introduced and award-winning HP Folio13 and HP ENVY14 Spectre.
The new HP ENVY notebooks also boast exclusive HP Innovations for an enhanced user experience:
  • Beats Audio™—a high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre—delivers big sound in a small package, while HP CoolSense technology automatically adjusts performance and internal fan settings for a noticeably cooler PC.
  • HP Imagepad provides precise multifinger touch and gesture navigation, and the HP TrueVision HD Webcam produces bright, clean high-definition (HD) images.(1)
  • Optional backlit keyboards are ideal for computing in low-light conditions.

Thinner design. Smarter than ever.
Built with a mix of premium materials, the HP ENVY SpectreXT boasts an all-metal design with stark lines that contrast with a soft texture. Crafted for mobility, the HP SpectreXT measures 14.5 millimeters (mm) thin, weighs 3.07 pounds(2) and includes a 13.3-inch HD(1) diagonal display with a slim bezel line. It also includes 128 gigabytes (GB) of solid state storage(3)) and up to eight hours of battery life.(4)) A full array of ports, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and HDMI, provide more ways to network without compromising size.

The HP SpectreXT supplies the speed users need, with support of an ultrafast mSATA solid state drive(3) and Intel® Rapid Start Technology(5)) allowing for quick boot and resume times.

Powered by the latest Intel Core™ processors,(6) the HP SpectreXT also includes Intel Smart Connect Technology,(7) which automatically updates email while the notebook is in sleep mode.

The HP SpectreXT offers a performance-tuned software image, full versions of Adobe Photoshop® Elements 10 and Adobe Premiere Elements 10. A concierge phone line for technical support is dedicated exclusively to HP ENVY Spectre users.

To safeguard confidential data and thwart cyber threats, the HP SpectreXT is preloaded with one year of Absolute Data Protect; two years of Norton Internet Security;(8) and Intel Identity Protection,(9) which provides advanced security.

Designed for rich audio quality, the HP SpectreXT features Beats Audio over quad speakers and via the headphone jack.

HP ENVY. Up for anything.
As thin as 19.8 mm and starting at less than 4 pounds,(2) the new HP ENVY notebooks feature a soft-touch, slip-resistant base in black or red, making them easy to grab and go.

The HP ENVY Ultrabook, available in 14- and 15.6-inch diagonal display sizes,(10) includes the latest Intel Core processors(6) and offers up to eight or nine hours of battery life,(4) respectively. The Ultrabook systems include an mSATA solid state drive(3) along with Intel Rapid Start,(5) Intel Identity Protection Technology,(9) Intel Smart Response(11) and Intel Smart Connect technologies.(7)

The HP ENVY Sleekbook—available with either a 14-inch diagonal display and the latest Intel Core processors,(6) or a 15.6-inch diagonal display and the latest AMD Accelerated Processing Units (APU)—boasts up to eight or nine hours of battery life,(4) respectively. With optional discrete graphics on Intel platforms and discrete-class graphics from AMD on AMD platforms, users can create and edit videos quickly and experience incredible gaming and multimedia.

In addition to Beats Audio, the ENVY Sleekbooks and Ultrabook systems contain dual speakers and a subwoofer for movies and music that look and sound their best. The HP Imagepad also includes a spun finish design.

The design users crave with features IT demands. No compromises.

The new HP EliteBook Folio 9470m is the first HP Ultrabook to provide a stylish, lightweight design without compromising its enterprise features. Measuring 14 inches diagonally and weighing 3.6 pounds,(2) this 19-mm-thin Ultrabook offers a full array of key ports and connectivity options for business users, including optional built-in 4G wireless WAN, full-sized Ethernet, VGA, DisplayPort and USB 3.0 connections.

Ideal for mobile professionals who spend a majority of time away from a desk, the HP EliteBook Folio offers all-day battery life to get you through the business day(4) and the option for a secondary battery that provides extended freedom from the power outlet. It also features a user-replaceable battery. The enterprise-class docking capability provides multidisplay support, integrated charging capability, and additional USB and legacy ports for enhanced productivity when used at the desk.

The HP EliteBook Folio delivers a cleaner, faster user experience with the HP Premier Image.(12) This includes the full set of HP EliteBook business software and antivirus protection—without trial-ware or disruptive notifications.

It also offers enterprise-class manageability and multilevel security features, including HP Bios Protection,(13) which keeps systems running with enhanced protection against virus attacks and other threats.

The HP EliteBook Folio features an optional solid state drive(3) the Windows 7 Professional(4)operating system that enable quick boot up. The Ultrabook’s third-generation Intel Core vPro™ processor(14) also delivers intelligent performance with embedded security.Additional IT-friendly features include an integrated Smart Card reader, fingerprint reader, embedded TPM security chip and choice of management tools.

The HP EliteBook Folio is part of the HP Global Series Program, which means it’s available in consistent global configurations that allow for product standardization in up to 151 countries worldwide.

The sleek HP SpectreXT and HP ENVY Ultrabook also deliver configurations equipped with Windows 7 Professional for business productivity, providing an answer to the “consumerization of IT” trend. The HP SpectreXT additionally offers an embedded TPM security chip that protects data in email as well as information on the solid state drive for security-conscious users. Both Ultrabook systems, including the small business-focused HP ENVY Pro, also feature a-band wireless capabilities and optional three-year limited warranties.

To help ensure a safe and reliable computing experience for customers, all HP Ultrabook systems worldwide will ship with genuine Windows.

Pricing and availability(15)
  • The HP ENVY SpectreXT is expected to be available in the United States on June 8 with a starting price of $999.99.
  • The HP ENVY Ultrabook systems with 14-inch and 15.6-inch display sizes are expected to be available in the United States on May 9 with starting prices of $749.99 and $799.99, respectively.
  • The HP ENVY Sleekbook with 14-inch display size is expected to be available in the United States on May 9 with a starting price of $699.99. The HP 15.6-inch Sleekbook is expected to be available in the United States on June 20 with a starting price of $599.99.
  • The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m is expected to be available in the United States in October.
(1)HD content required to view HD images.
(2) Weight will vary by configuration.
(3) For SSD drive, 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. Actual formatted capacity is less. Up to 30 GB of system disk is reserved for system-recovery software.
(4) Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality and power-management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. Additional details are available at MobileMark07 battery benchmark.
(5) Requires a compatible Intel Core processor, Intel software and BIOS update, and optional Solid State Drive (SSD) or mSATA flash cache module. Depending on system configuration, results may vary.
(6) Multi-Core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. 64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers, and applications enabled for Intel 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering is not a measurement of higher performance.
(7) Requires Intel Core processor. Wireless access point and internet are required and not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited.
(8) Internet access required. Subscription required for live updates.
(9) Intel IPT security requires a separately purchased Symantec VIP software service subscription and must be activated and configured. Requires a website that uses Symantec VIP Authentication Service. Requires Microsoft® Windows® and a system with vPro or any Ultrabook. Intel and HP assume no liability for lost or stolen data and/or systems or any other damages resulting therefrom.
(10) The commercial HP ENVY Ultrabook offers only 14-inch diagonal form factor.
(11) Requires a compatible Intel Core processor, enabled chipset, Intel Rapid Storage technology software and a properly configured hybrid drive (non-SED HDD + optional mSATA SSD flash cache). Intel Smart Response Technology is only available on select 2012 HP systems. Depending on system configuration, results may vary.
(12) Internet access required. Use of the HP image required. Opt in required to receive updates from Microsoft Security Essentials.
(13) Requires an HP Tools partition; must not be deleted to use automatic recovery.
(14) Some functionality of this technology, such as Intel Active management technology and Intel Virtualization technology, requires additional third-party software in order to run. Availability of future “virtual appliances” applications for Intel vPro technology is dependent on third-party software providers. Microsoft Windows required.
(15) Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary. Intel, Intel Core, and Ultrabook are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Adobe and Photoshop are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

UniCredit and HP to Optimize Payroll Production, Human Resources Processes


Press Release : May 08, 2012

UniCredit and HP to Optimize Payroll Production, Human Resources Processes

Topics:Strategic Focus: Cloud, Technology and Innovation, Converged Infrastructure
MILAN -- HP Enterprise Services Italia today announced that UniCredit Business Integrated Solutions SCpA, an Italy-based global service company, has signed a 15-year agreement with HP to optimize payroll operations and information technology related to human resources administration processes across the organization.
These services will be provided through a jointly owned, dedicated company called ES Shared Service Center SpA.
HP will assist UniCredit in adopting common tools for human resources activities and payroll production, providing HP Human Resources and Payroll Services for the firm’s active and retired workforce located in Italy and Austria. Based on HP best practices and UniCredit technical skills, the new delivery model will generate benefits for the bank such as economy of scale, reduced administrative costs, higher transactional quality and improved workforce and payroll reporting.
“As one of the largest financial institutions in Europe, it is important for UniCredit to seek and create value partnerships with strategic players so we can continue along our path to business growth and capitalize on opportunities to strengthen our market position,” said Massimo Schiattarella, general manager, UniCredit Business Integrated Solutions. “HP is a proven ally that will support our initiatives with business process and technology expertise, allowing us to remain focused on serving our broad customer base.”
UniCredit will migrate its current multiple human resources/enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms to a standard, unified enterprise model running SAP® solutions. HP will provide HP Applications Transformation and HP Modernization Services to lead the bank’s transformation to the SAP solution-based platform. The global implementation of SAP enterprise applications will provide employee and manager self-service functionalities with a streamlined portfolio of supporting applications and tools.
HP will host UniCredit’s SAP solution-based platform from its data centers, providing UniCredit a full scope of Infrastructure, Security and Network services. HP Data Center Services will help to ensure high availability of IT services, continuous reliable operations and scalability for needed processing volumes and future growth.
“To succeed in today’s market environment, financial institutions need to focus resources on creating and delivering quality, innovative services to their customers,” said Mike Nefkens, senior vice president and general manager, Enterprise Services—Europe, Middle East and Africa, HP. “As a long-term technology partner of UniCredit, HP will support their initiatives to improve performance and services for their customers.”
HP has worked with UniCredit for more than 10 years, delivering services to manage the company’s technology infrastructure, applications, desktop and printing environments.
About UniCreditUniCredit is a major international financial institution with strong roots in 22 European countries and an overall international network present in approximately 50 markets, 9,500 branches and 160,000 employees as of 31 December 2011. In the CEE region, UniCredit operates the largest international banking network with over 3,800 branches. The Group operates in the following countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine. www.unicredit.eu.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

HP Launches HP 3PAR Program Guaranteed to Double Performance in VMware Environments


Press Release : May 02, 2012

HP Launches HP 3PAR Program Guaranteed to Double Performance in VMware Environments

HP customers boost server virtualization return on investment with industry-first program

Topics:Strategic Focus: Cloud, Converged Infrastructure
PALO ALTO, Calif. -- HP today announced the HP Get Virtual Guarantee Program,(1) enabling clients to improve server virtualization return on investment by doubling physical server virtual machine performance when deploying HP 3PAR Storage in VMware environments.
The HP Get Virtual Guarantee Program promises qualified participants a minimum two times increase(2) in virtual server density by doubling the total virtual machine workload on existing physical servers. This program can reduce the costs of a customer’s rapidly growing VMware virtualization environment.
If a two times increase in virtual server density is not achieved, HP will provide participants with the disk capacity and related HP software and support necessary to achieve the guaranteed program results.(1)
A key component of HP Converged Infrastructure, HP 3PAR Storage delivers high storage-performance levels for the unpredictable workloads typically generated in virtual server environments, as well as in public, private and hybrid cloud environments. HP 3PAR Storage is integrated with VMware vStorage technologies and combined with unique built-in features such as the HP 3PAR Gen4 ASIC, automatic load balancing, wide striping and a Mesh-Active clustered architecture, enabling clients to maintain peak infrastructure performance levels as new virtual servers are brought online.
“We needed to significantly boost capacity without adding to the physical or administrative footprint of our virtual server environment,” said Gary Collins, founder and director at Intercept, a hosting service provider. “HP 3PAR Storage was the only system that allowed us to support twice as many virtual machines on each of our physical servers while meeting all of our data center upgrade goals.”
“To manage exponential data growth, organizations need a storage architecture that can meet their requirements without increasing data center size and maintenance expenses,” Gary Green, vice president, Global Strategic Alliances, VMware. “HP’s Get Virtual Guarantee Program, leveraging high-performance HP 3PAR Storage and VMware cloud infrastructure, can help our customers maximize physical resource utilization and drive down costs.”
Program availabilityThe HP Get Virtual Guarantee Program is available to clients globally through HP and HP-authorized channel partners. To participate in the program, qualified participants must purchase an HP 3PAR Storage System with HP 3PAR Optimization Suite Software for autonomic load balancing and HP 3PAR System Reporter Software. Clients also must be running VMware vSphere version 4.1 or higher.
HP’s premier client event, HP Discover, takes place June 4-7 in Las Vegas. 

(1) This news release is intended to highlight certain aspects of our Get Virtual Guarantee and does not contain the full terms, conditions, limitations, definitions, and other provisions ("Terms") of the Get Virtual Guarantee. The Terms shall be contained in a written Get Virtual Guarantee Terms and Conditions which shall take precedence over the above. Qualification for the Get Virtual Guarantee is subject to your acceptance of the Get Virtual Guarantee terms and conditions and compliance with such terms. A copy of the Get Virtual Guarantee Terms and Conditions will be provided by HP sales representatives.
(2) Clients deploying HP 3PAR systems with VMware vSphere, version 4.1 or later are guaranteed a 2x increase in virtual machine density on physical servers in comparison to their VM density with previously installed storage.

Monday, April 30, 2012

HP Revamps Email Communications for Central Alabama’s St. Clair County Board of Education


Press Release : April 30, 2012

HP Revamps Email Communications for Central Alabama’s St. Clair County Board of Education

Board leverages HP Converged Infrastructure to expand use of digital and social communications

Topics:Converged Infrastructure
PALO ALTO, Calif., -- HP today announced that the St. Clair County Board of Education has selectedHP Storage as part of an HP Converged Infrastructure to improve productivity and enhance the user experience for its email messaging platform. 
The IT division for the St. Clair County Board of Education provides email messaging services for more than 1,100 users across 20 schools and county government agencies in northern Alabama.
With email as its primary means of communication, the St. Clair County Board of Education needed to ensure reliable email access from a wide range of devices, along with significant archiving capability. However, the organization’s existing system, which was more than four years old, was oversubscribed and experiencing latency issues that resulted in a slow user experience.
Working with HP Enterprise Storage Specialist reseller 
Technical & Scientific Application Inc.
, the St. Clair County Board of Education upgraded its Microsoft® Exchange Server 2007 system to the HP E5500 Messaging System for Microsoft Exchange 2010. This purpose-built turnkey solution is designed to improve business communication, simplify deployment and reduce costs.
The HP E5500 includes server and storage capacity configured with Microsoft Exchange 2010 to help deliver high availability in a single appliance for ease of procurement, deployment and management.
The HP E5500 enabled the St. Clair County Board of Education to quickly and easily install Microsoft Exchange 2010 and help prepare for the migration of users’ mailboxes. Rapid deployment and simplified management enabled the organization’s IT staff to reduce the time spent troubleshooting email issues, allowing them to focus on critical IT projects. As demands change, storage capacity or appliances can easily be added as needed.
“Email messaging is the No. 1 form of communication and is one of the most important business tools in our environment, in addition to the student grading systems and our financial systems,” said Russ E. Stewart, director, Technology, St. Clair County Board of Education. “Upgrading to the HP E5500 allows us to not only meet our current email needs, but we are now well prepared to handle future growth.” 
HP solutions have enabled the St. Clair County Board of Education to: 
  • Deliver continuity of service and improve support by reducing daily Microsoft Exchange maintenance time from more than an hour per day to 20 minutes.
  • Simplify management by increasing mailbox sizes by 33 percent for most users, with flexibility to provide additional storage as needed.
  • Ensure secure, consistent user experience across PCs, browsers and phones, while eliminating discovery and data protection risks associated with local user PST files via centralized archiving of mailbox files and 24/7 access from any device.
Clients can see the E5000 in action at HP Discover, HP’s premier client event, which takes place June 4-7 in Las Vegas.

Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Canada’s St. John Ambulance Chooses HP to Revive Ailing Storage Network


Press Release : April 26, 2012

Canada’s St. John Ambulance Chooses HP to Revive Ailing Storage Network

HP storage and server solutions deliver cost-effective scalability to first aid training and community services organization

Topics:Strategic Focus: Cloud, Strategic Focus: Software, Technology and Innovation, Converged Infrastructure
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- HP today announced that St. John Ambulance has selected HP storage and server solutions to improve scalability and increase availability to support the organization’s daily operations of providing first aid services and training across Alberta, Canada.
Recently, St. John Ambulance began working with HP reseller partner Metafore IT Solutions on a transition to a virtualized environment using VMware vSphere 4.0. As the company moved applications into this virtualized environment, it was apparent that a VMware cluster with centralized storage would offer the scalability needed to easily adapt to changing business needs while ensuring continuity.
The organization evaluated various options for centralized storage, including solutions from EMC. Ultimately it chose HP LeftHand P4500 Storage – a virtualized iSCSI-based storage solution – and HP ProLiant DL380 G6 servers to run applications such as its file servers, email server, Active Directory server and Linux applications.
The network RAID feature offered in HP LeftHand Storage enabled St. John Ambulance to protect multiple copies of data and eliminate a single point of failure, allowing continuous availability of business-critical applications.  
Thin provisioning, an efficiency technology that increases overall storage system utilization, enabled the organization to easily set up servers without overprovisioning dedicated storage capacity, as the system automatically uses only the space it needs. The HP LeftHand snapshot feature provided the ability to roll back an application configuration for quick restore, with a minimum of capacity required.
“One of the biggest benefits delivered by HP LeftHand Storage is the cost savings that results from elimination of extra software licenses typical of competing storage solutions. HP’s solution provides for enough redundancy, computing and storage power to meet our needs in one system,” said Joe Zasada, manager, Technical Services, St. John Ambulance. “We get enterprise-level features, but not the enterprise price – and it scales so easily we can grow without worrying about redesigning everything from the ground up.”
Simple setup, easy upgrades and improved redundancySt. John Ambulance discovered that the setup and management of its new storage environment was surprisingly simple, offering 99.999 percent uptime with a clustered configuration, and a major reduction in management time.(1) In addition, rapid download and installation of storage upgrades reduced maintenance costs and enabled St. John Ambulance to expand its storage network on the fly.
HP LeftHand Storage ensures business continuity. Features such as multisite storage area network (SAN) availability can stretch a single system across two sites by assigning storage nodes in the cluster to different locations. This provides cost-effective high availability with failover and failback across sites.
“To facilitate the delivery of innovative first aid services and training, St. John Ambulance needed to refresh its storage network with a solution that was easy to deploy, scale and maintain,” said Jeff Wilson, national sales manager, Storage, HP Canada. “HP LeftHand Storage delivered enterprise functionality that enhanced their virtual environments, simplified management and reduced costs, while ensuring their crucial business data remained available.”

(1) Based on client results.