Ohmeda Incorporated was overdue for a checkup.
Having originally called The Root Group to design and install internet access and security, the relationship continued over several years as Ohmeda would occasionally call for specific help with UNIX systems administration, and to tend to various, and increasingly frequent backup, storage, and general system blips, glitches and emergencies as needed.
"Our system needed an overhaul and we knew it," said Chuck Logan, Technology Development Manager, "and I was looking for expert advice on reconfiguration." Ohmeda called The Root Group. A series of discussions eventually led them to select The Root Group as their provider of choice for onsite and remote support of their UNIX and NT networks.
After discussions to determine objectives and analysis of existing systems, The Root Group began a phased installation of network architecture and support equipment and software throughout the company. Ohmeda's server and file systems were upgraded to Solaris 2.6. Their desktop configurations were cleaned up and standardized. A new backup system - as well as a help desk - were implemented. And finally, an Information Notebook was created to document and explain all facets and functions of their UNIX network.
"They designed and installed a much more consistent, cohesive network" reports Logan, "which significantly reduced our system administration requirements."
The prognosis was good.
Until a problem with their storage array occurred. Not part of The Root Group's original SUN architecture, this less than best-of-breed equipment hiccupped a few times and then just died - a very unfortunate incident which completely disabled Ohmeda's one and only UNIX server. Without hesitation (and within twelve hours from 5 o'clock one afternoon until 5 the next morning), The Root Group rallied all their available online storage to serve as temporary storage to replace Ohmeda's non-Sun array. For 36 hours, Root Group systems administrators were able to restore complete network operation, guiding Ohmeda through rough seas until a new Sun array could be located, delivered and installed.
Today, the relationship with Ohmeda continues with additional NT projects and upgrades. "The Root Group has really become an integral part of our operation" concludes Logan. "They took the initiative during our RAID array crisis... and what could have been a complete disaster turned into a well-managed event... as far as I'm concerned they will handle all our network needs."
