We have successfully started the implementation of Microsoft Hyper-V, a new technology that adds to the power of the Windows Server 2008 platform.
Hyper-V represents the next era of virtualization, allowing administrators and hosting customers to get the most out of their sever investments and usage. What sets it apart from other virtualization platforms is the ability to run a number of different operating systems in parallel on a single physical server allowing to take full advantage of 64-bit computing.
Hyper-V consolidates multiple servers within a single system that simplifies management processes while reducing costs and maintaining competitive benefits such as flexibility, scalability, reliability and security. Aside from saving money on individual servers, this type of virtualization also provides for lower processing power, cooling and management costs. This results in improved flexibility that allows for the integration of 32-bit and 64-bit operations in the same environment.
Business continuity refers to the ability to reduce both scheduled and unscheduled downtime. This includes time lost due to routine operations such as backup and maintenance as well untimely events caused by failures and outages. Hyper-V offers extensive business continuity features such as live backup and seamless migration capabilities that enable organizations to meet demanding. Fast, reliable disaster recovery and business continuity tools help to ensure minimal data loss and enhanced remote management capabilities.
Testing and development are usually the first functions businesses take advantage of with virtualization technology. The use of virtual machines allows development staff to create and test a wide range of scenarios in a secure, self-contained environment. Hyper-V enables the maximum utilization of test hardware, helping to reduce costs, improve test coverage and life cycle management. With support for numerous operating systems and checkpoint features, this virtualization solution makes an excellent platform for test and development environments.
Server virtualization becomes a hot commodity in the North communities for the potential of benefits that can be weighed on the scales of cost and performance.
Amend, standardise and secure an IT infrastructure
In response to a request by the Kuujjuaraapik mayor's office to amend, standardise and secure its IT systems and to put in place a reliable backup solution, Soleica undertook a technical assessment to analyse the needs of each client of the network and to come up with several proposals.
Each proposal was optimised for the specific needs of the customer, yet always meeting the overall requirements. The proposals also kept in mind different budget models from minimum expenses to higher end solutions.
Finally the Northern Village's mayor's office decided to go with a server/thin client solution.
Thin clients are terminals which connect to the central server via the local area network (LAN). You might look at a thin client as a simple monitor which is directly connected to the server, instead of a local computer.
Thus each user works on his thin client, with his personalised work space and secured access.
All resources (software, data files) are located on the fast, stable and reliable server. Daily backup copies are automatically copied on backup tapes. Tapes are known for their longterm reliability as a backup medium (more reliable than many CDs, DVDs or other media). This helps to reduce as much as possible the risk of data loss.
The new system was put in place during several weeks. Then the users were one by one "converted" to the thin clients.
Some difficulties could be resolved, especially with legacy USB printers which were not compatible to the new server's operating system. Fortunately we could connected the printers differently to resolve this issue.
And last but not least, this kind of infrastructure helps saving energy and desktop space: Only 7 watts power consumption and not bigger than 18 x 12 cm!
Installing the latest technologies while maintaining the customers legacy applications
Soleica just installed a new powerful server in one of Nunavik's Northern Villages.
The physical server configuration is as follows:
This server runs Windows 2008 Server Entreprise and the Hyper-V virtualisation module.
This new architecture permits to install up to four virtual servers on the same hardware. Each virtual server is completely independent from the others and optimised for its specific work load (e.g. as an Exchange Server 2007).
This architecture enables us to run different environnements (Windows 2003, 2008, etc.) on a single hardware server and thus to use the most recent technologies together with our customer's legacy application.
Information Technology Systems for the North
Soleica is specialized in the development of Information Technology (IT) systems for the First Nations and the Inuit. Soleica is very involved in all Cree and Inuit communities.
We work for many Cree and Inuit organizations in Quebec.
Our Customers are:
