eHosting DataFort implements private cloud for EFS

eHosting DataFort (eHDF) has implemented what it claims to be the first private cloud in the UAE for EMCOR Facilities Services (EFS), an integrated facilities management service, operation and maintenance solution provider in the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) region.

EFS conducted an in-depth cost benefit analysis of working with an external data centre service provider as opposed to investing in an in-house data centre. An external feasibility audit was also conducted and validated by leading audit firm CapGemini. An informed decision was subsequently made to migrate the systems to a hybrid model. By this, EFS invested in high-end computing hardware and security, including servers and firewalls, while the data centre infrastructure, core switching, perimeter security, load balancers and storage area networks were leased from eHDF.

eHDF is currently hosting EFS’ main business application suite, the Oracle JD EnterpriseOne, which being a Tier-1 application required a competent technology delivery platform. To deliver a full technology stack, with a quick turnaround at lower CAPEX and ensuring compliance could only come at costs that cloud computing would permit.

eHosting DataFort was selected from a pool of five competent global vendors for its expertise in providing fully managed services. In addition to working with global market leaders, EFS needed to ensure that its hardware and data are stored and protected within national boundaries. eHDF’s ability to meet this requirement through extending strong local support proved a key factor that influenced EMCOR Facilities Services’ decision.

Yasser Zeineldin, CEO at eHosting DataFort, said: “As customers adopt a mixture of hosted and on-site solutions, the hybrid model will soon become a reality that will dominate for years to come, until the market transitions into a completely new environment. EFS’ decision to build a private cloud was driven by strategic, operational and financial factors. The objective was to help boost the bottom-line by investing in a partner that facilitates long term agility.

“In a private cloud environment, EFS will gain flexibility in business while having control and security on the infrastructure. This will enable the organisation to push workloads requiring faster implementation across the environment. The choice to move to the new hybrid model will allow the facilities management company to focus on its main role of being a leading service provider. It will also reiterate its status as an integrated technology user that drives people and processes through a unique value proposition.”

Terence Sathyanarayan, Head of Group Technology, EMCOR Facilities Services, said: “EFS were looking to migrate to a model where investment was required only in core infrastructure, while the rest was shifted to a lease model. This strategy was essential as it allowed us to focus on future investments in people, processes and applications. In the project, one of most important elements for EFS was the service provider’s strategy to deploy a qualified team for the project.

“It is crucial for a facilities management company to have high availability computing, 24/7 access and most of all streamlined backend processes. The operations of our clients, which includes government agencies, are spread across a combined area of over three million square meters in diverse geographic locations. It is, therefore, vital to host an environment that features an upgraded, updated and consolidated technology portfolio.”

The private cloud project is part of EMCOR Facilities Services’ overall management decision to consolidate infrastructure and create a centralised model. This requires service-oriented architecture, coupled with governance and industry best practices, to be encapsulated into a new high availability data centre to ensure business continuity. The company manages over 15 companies across the region.