For Software as a Service (SaaS) providers, scalability and performance aren’t just luxuries — they’re essentials. When one Midlands-based SaaS company faced the challenge of an aging infrastructure that was struggling to keep pace with its growing customer base, Intelligent Servers stepped in to deliver a powerful, future-proof solution.
Outdated infrastructure was holding back growth
The client - a SaaS provider specialising in bare-metal server, storage, and networking platforms integrated with a custom GUI for Microsoft Windows Server, SQL, Exchange, Active Directory, and Azure training - had reached a critical juncture.
Their ageing SaaS infrastructure requirements and setup - built on multiple HPE C7000 Blade Chassis, HPE BL460c Gen8 Blade Servers, and HPE 3PAR 7450c SAN Storage Arrays - was nearing capacity.
To support their growing customer demands and ensure smooth operation, the company needed:
- Modern Blade Servers to replace their outdated BL460c Gen8 systems.
- High-Performance Storage with significantly improved Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS).
- Expanded Capacity with enhanced Ethernet and Fibre Channel speeds for seamless connectivity.
Bespoke infrastructure upgrade helped hit goals
Understanding the client's need for a robust and scalable solution, Intelligent Servers’ Professional Services Team crafted a tailored infrastructure upgrade designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Here’s what we provided:
- HPE BL460c Gen10 Blade Servers:
- Equipped with Intel Xeon 2nd Gen Scalable Processors.
- Configured with 1TB RAM to handle demanding workloads.
- HPE Virtual Connect FlexFabric 20/40Gbit F8 Switches:
- 10/20Gbit Ethernet downlinks to Blade Servers.
- 10/40Gbit Ethernet uplinks to the core network.
- 16Gbit Fibre Channel switches for superior SAN connectivity.
- HPE 3PAR 8450 SAN Storage Array:
- A 4-node, 100TB SAN Storage Array.
- Designed to deliver top-tier IOPS for high-load scenarios.
- HPE B-Series 16Gbit Fibre Channel SAN Director Switch:
- Doubled the client’s bandwidth by upgrading from 8Gbit to 16Gbit Fibre Channel SAN Fabric.
Seamless implementation by expert engineers
To ensure a flawless transition, Intelligent Servers carried out comprehensive build and test procedures at our warehouse facility. Once the hardware met stringent firmware and performance standards, two senior HPE engineers deployed the solution onsite at the client’s data centre.
During implementation, the team:
- Racked, cabled, and configured the infrastructure.
- Set up Blade Server Profiles, UplinkSets, and VLANs on the HPE Virtual Connect Switches.
- Configured Fibre Channel zoning between the Blade Servers and the SAN Storage Array.
- Delivered remote training to empower the client’s team to manage VLANs, Fibre Channel zoning, and 3PAR LUNs independently.
The Results: Performance and Capacity for Future Growth
The upgraded infrastructure positioned the SaaS provider for exponential growth. Key benefits included:
- Enhanced Performance and Capacity: High-computing power, faster storage, and expanded networking capabilities.
- Streamlined Support: Free 3-Year Remote Setup and Support ensures ongoing peace of mind.
- Hardware Reliability: A free 3-Year Hardware Replacement Warranty protects against failures.
- Zero Downtime: Meticulous pre-deployment testing and professional onsite configuration minimized disruption.
Why Intelligent Servers?
This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering customised, high-performance solutions that empower SaaS providers to scale with confidence. By combining technical expertise with outstanding customer service, Intelligent Servers creates IT environments that stand the test of time.
If your SaaS business is ready to scale, we’re here to help. Call us today on 01423 223430 or use our Contact Form to discuss your infrastructure needs. Together, we’ll build a solution that supports your growth and ensures success in a competitive market.