Ingram Micro

Hardware refresh including high availability, 24/7 support and managed services

Ingram Micro Germany is a leading ICT distributor with a focus on technology solutions, cloud and commerce & lifecycle services. The Group is represented in 52 countries on six continents and supplies customers in 160 countries.

The challenge

K&P Computer and Ingram Micro already worked together successfully in 2006 via a joint partner. K&P Computer took over the hardware service and maintenance for IBM Power and x86 servers as well as IBM storage systems. Today, in addition to the current Power9 IBM UNIX servers and IBM All Flash Storages based on IBM Storwize, K&P Computer also supports other manufacturers such as Lenovo. The business-relevant systems are connected to the central K&P helpdesk via remote monitoring. K&P Computer is also the central point of contact for all questions relating to the IBM Spectrum Protect backup software used by Ingram Micro. This includes 1st and 2nd level support as well as advice and the implementation of regular backups and updates. K&P Computer has been supplying Ingram Micro with IBM server and storage hardware for the central warehouse in Straubing for many years. This time, the third tech refresh including hardware replacement was already on the agenda.

The SOLUTION

K&P Computer took over the planning and implementation of the project and the migration to IBM Power9 systems. A server and storage pair was delivered, whereby the servers were set up as a cluster. Ingram Micro has always successfully relied on KPCrac®, the high-availability solution for IBM Power systems developed by K&P Computer. If the productive system fails, the second server node starts script-based and takes over the full system load. KPCrac® ensures smooth operation, meaning that planned and unplanned outages can no longer have a negative impact on operations in Straubing. The support is rounded off with an additional managed services contingent, so that the ICT distributor can count on K&P services at any time, even beyond hardware maintenance.

THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

In addition to a significant increase in performance, the hardware swap also had a positive impact on the database license model due to lower costs. Klaus-Peter Huber, Sr. Manager IT Operations, confirms the savings: “Thanks to the IBM Power9 architecture, we were able to significantly reduce the running costs of our database manufacturer once again. With this refresh of the IBM environment, the individual HA solution, the reliable K&P support with a managed services contract, Ingram Micro is excellently equipped to ensure the very important quality of delivery reliability at all times. OVERVIEW
Planning and implementation of the latest IBM Power technology and full flash storage, including HA solution, support and managed services

Systems + Software

” Server: IBM Power9 ” Storage: IBM FlashSystem 5030 ” SAN: IBM SAN24B-7 (32Gbps) ” Library: IBM TS4300 ” IBM Spectrum Protect

Advantages

” Increased performance ” Improved remote maintenance options ” Lower license costs ” 24/7 maintenance by K&P Computer ” Comprehensive managed services

Status 11/2021