360is VMware History
Our consultants began using VMware in the late 1990's, mainly in development and test environments. We found it useful for proof of concept work around intrusion detection systems, allowing a host running snort to monitor a server running (say) IIS without need for physical ethernet switches, span ports and carbon copy flows. At the time, hardware and the VMware software was not suitable for mission critical work within the ISP/Telco environment in which we were operating, but VMware workstation became an essential tool on laptops. Today we deploy VMware ESX or VI widely in production and Fusion is the weapon of choice on laptops.
360is consultants used Linux widely while working for the worlds largest ISP in the 1990's. VMware makes extensive use of Linux for its user-space environment, specifically RedHat Enterprise Linux 3 in ESX 3.x.
Our VMware Projects
The backbone of our consulting practice is around enterprises, investment banks, fixed line and mobile operators. As a result of this we find ourselves working with VMware both for tactical and strategic reasons. At the opposite end of the spectrum we have also implemented the free VMware server on Linux platforms for some clients.
While working at large software company our consultants used VMware to virtualize 2500 physical servers distributed around the globe. The project was to consolidate a distributed estate out of local offices and into a small number of regional data centres. Thereby creating savings through consolidation, and enabling higher quality support for 75,000 staff. Granular integration with Active Directory was essential as different parts of the VMware farm were to be controlled by different groups within the company. With any large and complex implementation, performance bottlenecks can occur. This particular project required adjustment of the storage regime on EMC arrays in order to provide zero downtime and backups.
Using our experience with VMware, we are able to turn what would otherwise be a 3 month project covering Assessment, Design, Implementation, Training, and Support, into a 1 month project. At the same time we are able to reduce overall project risk and enhance the benefits of a virtualization deployment. Consequently, our consultants are often called upon to rescue failed or underperforming virtualization projects, correcting design errors and getting the program back on track with minimum fuss.
As a vendor neutral company whose business is professional services, our input to hardware design and specification often leads to a less capital intensive solution that still delivers the performance and reliability demanded by your users. Traditional server, storage, and networking resellers may not recognise these economies when they see them.
Our VMware Consultants
Our consultants are experts, having worked previously in senior roles for the worlds largest and most successful ISP. With an estimated 70% of the Internets traffic passing over their network, they deployed and managed thousands of systems securely for blue-chip Times Top 100 and Fortune 500 customers. Staff are highly referenceable via previous engagements with top 5 Investment Banks, Telcos, and Vendors. Our certified trainers are also field consultants, which means they are not just "book smart" powerpoint jockeys.
Our VMware Clients
Our client list consists of a broad spectrum of over 40 UK and Multinational firms. What they have in common is a need to virtualize their estate quickly, without major capital expenditure or risk to their ongoing business operations. The vast majority of our engagements result in ongoing support, upgrades, and regular consultation around future projects. Some of our larger clients are allocated their own consultant, who is able to develop a deep understanding of their IT operations and business demands, and provide expertise and advice accordingly.
Research & Technology
We have a range of hardware appliances specifically optimised for running VMware in high density, mission critical, capital constrained environments. We are uniquely qualified in this regard.
Why Three Sixty?
We are a specialist, UK, vendor-neutral, professional services firm with expertise in virtualization and security in mission critical environments. Founded in 2002, many of our consultants have a history together going back to 1995. We are open and transparent in our philosophy and are retained solely to work for you, the client.
Contact us to benefit from our experience with VMware and virtualization in general;
- Faster projecy delivery times
- Lower overall capital equipment costs
- Reduced risk to existing operations
- Stronger support for your IT staff
- Greater savings though increased VM density
VMware Server
Virtualization Assessment
