AHP Private Cloud infrastructure implemented at MAHLE
MAHLE operated a Citrix MetaFrame XPe and Windows Server 2000 based terminal server farm. Citrix ICA is used to provide the about 4,000 employees worldwide (concurrent users) approx. 50 applications. Ensuring the operation and serviceability of the terminal server farm posed a need to migrate the existing farm to Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 under Windows Server 2003.
During the migration existing maintenance and rollout processes also needed to be optimised. These measures contribute to more economic terminal server farm operation, improving the service level agreements (SLA) for the operation and reduce operating costs.
Objective
The terminal server farm is to be replaced by an updated platform featuring Citrix Presentation Server 4.5 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003. This environment is to be accessed through a portal infrastructure and the Citrix ICA Client.
The environment is to be set up with multiple farms. Such multiple farm structure allows a flexible environment set-up which provides optimal support in the event of a disaster (disaster recovery computer centre) and the quality assurance workflow (release change).
Software distribution to the servers within a set time frame must be implemented with an appropriate infrastructure. The configurations of the server HW, the Windows operating system, the Citrix Presentation Server environment and all applications (multi-lingual) as well as user customizations must be fully automated.
The software distribution must support ITIL compliant processes of release management. Administration should simply be done through a suitable front end. It is to allow running installations to be monitored, report completed installations as well as provide access to installation protocols.
CANCOM services
- Farm design & concept based on CANCOM AHP Private Cloud architecture
- Project management and schedule with defined milestones
- Introduction of automation processes for the terminal server rollout
- Fully automated software distribution onto terminal servers by packaging and scripting the applications to be provided in multiple languages (MUI-capable)
- Automation of user environment incl. applications
- Virtualization of infrastructure server (database, enteo NetInstall, management etc.) for the Application Hosting Platform
- Introduction of a three-level quality management: test, quality assurance and production environment
- Compiling an operating manual and a disaster recovery concept
- 24/7 CANCOM AHP Private Cloud operation through CANCOM
Result
The implementation of CANCOM AHP Private Cloud provides the MAHLE computer centre with the flexibility and dynamics expected of a 21st century computer centre. Thus MAHLE can quickly and easily respond to a change in business conditions.
Even business acquisitions or a change in general conditions allows the farm to automatically be expanded. New servers in the farm are recognised, operating systems and applications are quickly and automatically installed and made available to new employees.
In addition the new infrastructure allows revision-proof server farm reproducibility through quick restoration of the previous farm configurations. The new environment provides MAHLE with a dynamic, flexible and service-oriented supply centre to meet the requirements of globalization and progressive concentration.
Conclusion
„A successful project, also due to the good collaboration with CANCOM marked by the project staff’s high level of expertise and the flexibility of our partner, CANCOM.“
Klaus Schneider, Head of Data Center IT Services Europe, MAHLE International GmbH
The MAHLE Group
As a leading global development partner for the automotive and motor industry, MAHLE provides customers with a unique range in the area of combustion engines and engine peripherals.
The MAHLE group is one of the top 3 system suppliers worldwide for piston systems, cylinder components, valve train systems, air management systems and fluid management systems. All known combustion engine manufacturers are clients.
For more than 80 years MAHLE has been vital in driving progress of automotive and engine technology, and continues to set new standards. Driven by performance – MAHLE stands for above-average gusto for performance, precision, perfection and high innovative capacity. MAHLE has a local presence in every world market. About 48,000 employees are working with great dedication in 110 production sites and eight research and development centres.
Worldwide more than 2,500 development engineers and technicians are development partners for customers, working on pioneering concepts, products and systems for advancing the combustion engine.
In 2007 the MAHLE group reached sales in excess of 5 bn. EUR, making it one of the 30 largest automotive suppliers worldwide.
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