Dell : Creates End-to-End Enterprise Solution for Wealth Management Software Provider BlueSun

• Server, networking and storage solution deployed in single colocation centre
• Virtualized IT cost savings improve profitability and position BlueSun to grow business by doubling infrastructure capacity
• Consolidated environment improves scalability, availability, security and IT management

Dell has designed and installed a virtualized end-to-end computing environment for BlueSun, an Ontario-based wealth management software provider whose flagship product WealthServ, enables integrated front- and back-office support for the life insurance and mutual fund industry.

BlueSun's customers require a high level of security, data availability and business continuity at an affordable price. The company's new Dell-based environment delivers on all these fronts.

The new virtualized infrastructure consolidates data previously held at three separate managed facilities into a single colocation centre. This move simplifies IT system management, improves customer service and provides capacity for BlueSun to accommodate growth.

The infrastructure also includes a fully-redundant disaster recovery centre, allowing BlueSun to replicate data between the two environments in real time and enabling customer access to up-to-date data in the event of an outage.

The VMware virtualized infrastructure at the colocation facility uses Dell server, storage and networking technologies. The solution includes three Dell PowerEdge R720 rack servers with Intel Xeon processors, Dell PowerVault storage arrays and Dell Networking 8024 10Gb Ethernet switches with two virtual LANs.

BlueSun's previous data centre model was costly and difficult to manage. Data was stored in three separate locations on hardware that was outdated and hard to scale. The Dell virtualized solution housed in the single colocation centre simplifies IT management. Greater visibility allows BlueSun to be proactive about trouble shooting problems. Monitoring is now automated. Upgrading servers can be done quickly with no downtime. Customer data can be easily segregated using the Dell PowerVault arrays, and high-level security is now in place for stored 'data-at-rest.'

The entire solution, including hardware and Dell WhiteGlove implementation assistance to ensure zero downtime, was financed using Dell Financial Services.

Quotes:
"We first looked at new managed service partners and cloud-based solutions, but soon realized that the most effective option was to consolidate our three locations into a single colocation centre. Dell was able to deploy a fully end-to-end solution that could satisfy the all requirements of our Tier 1 clients with regards to data segregation, security, availability, management reporting and costs, as well as meeting our own requirements regarding scalability, simplified system management, business continuity and profitability." - John Peart, vice president of product development, BlueSun.

"Dell Financial Services helped us secure a great rate on leasing which we couldn't get from any bank. Moving from physical servers to a virtualized world gives us much more freedom and flexibility in how we provision our environment, giving us the confidence we can grow as we need in the most cost-effective way." - Steve Wilson, CFO, BlueSun

"BlueSun provides a great example of the improved performance a growing business can achieve through a radical redesign of its IT infrastructure. We're thrilled to help BlueSun achieve its operational and financial goals and look forward to continuing our relationship as they grow their business." - David Miketinac, vice president and general manager, commercial sales, Dell Canada.

About Dell
Dell Inc. listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.ca.

About BlueSun
BlueSun is a leading provider of business solutions to insurance and investment brokers in North America. BlueSun is committed to delivering easy-to-use solutions in a single integrated package, with reliable innovation and excellent service. BlueSun.

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