CIO's Shopping Guide

Company: Intoto Software  

Current IT Infrastructure In The Company

The current IT infrastructure not only includes desktops and servers, but
also UPS, Digital Generator Sets and International Private Leased Circuits (IPLC)
connectivity that helps in point-to-point connectivity between our US office and
Indian facilities. We presently have around 375 desktops with Linux and Windows
operating systems. Of them, nearly 80 to 90 systems work on Windows, while the
rest operate on Linux. We foresee the migration happening towards Linux. As far
as servers are concerned, we have around 10 Linux-based servers to support 375
desktops that are a mix of both branded and assembled machines. We prefer HP
machines in the branded line of products because of compatibility and support.
We have around 10 UPS systems with half-an-hour back-up capacity besides having
two 200 KVA DG Sets. When power trips, it takes few seconds to minutes for the
UPS to back-up and these DG sets will help the desktops during switch over time.
We also have 10 Dell laptops and around six printers.

Value
Of Existing IT Infrastructure

The IT infrastructure includes all supportive units such as air
conditioners, cabling, etc for which we have spent around Rs 2.92 crore so far.
Though it's not because of price consciousness, but we prefer unbranded
machines as they are more compatible and can be configured as per our
requirements. But of late our employees are inclined to opt for branded machines
and we are looking at it.

Proposed IT Infrastructure For 2005-06

We have decided to increase the existing manpower and so there would be an
additional 3,000 to 4,000 square feet to the existing 22,000 square feet. This
additional space can accommodate another 50 workstations and we intend to go for
HP/Compaq machines this time with minimum of two Linux-based servers. And we
also have plans to buy another two to three laptops for our perusal.

Earmarked IT Budgets For 2005-06

We have charted out our requirements to make an additional 3,000 to 4,000
square feet operational with desktops, ACs, UPS and other equipment.
Approximately, we would be spending around Rs 75 to 80 lakh for the proposed
infrastructure. Of the planned 50 desktops, we might send nearly 15 to 20
machines to our facility in Chennai too. We expect all of these machines to work
on Linux operating system.

Current Systems Supplier

Since we have Dell laptops, we deal directly with its Bangalore support
team. Though the company doesn't have any local support center here in
Hyderabad, we haven't found any problems when support is concerned. Hence, we
would be opting for Dell laptops in the future as well. We coordinate with Rohan
Computers for all our IT needs for the past four to five years.

Qualities You Look In A Supplier

Zero downtime while replacing the system is one factor that we look for in a
supplier. That is one particular reason why we opted for assembled systems as
the supplier could replace the machines in lesser amount of time. For branded
machines, a solution provider takes 24-28 hours for replacement them. Besides,
extending timely and quality support is another important aspect we seek in our
partners. Even for our Chennai facility, we don't have a systems integrator
and would be dealing through the same supplier in Chennai too.

(CyberMedia News)