Avocent ACS5004 Supplementary Manual

CASE STUDY
– Internet
Out-of-Band Management Tools Improve Customer
Service by Providing Remote Server Access to Customers
OVERVIEW
The Internet connectivity, Web hosting and server rental business is extremely
competitive, as Strato knows all too well. The company has used aggressive pricing
and innovative service features to grow its business from a fledging startup to the
low-cost market leader with more than 1 million active hosted Web pages and 2
million domains.
Strato's growth is due, in part, to its innovative use of out-of-band management tools
®
supported by Cyclades ACS advanced console servers and Cyclades PM intelligent
power distribution units (IPDUs). Building on the success of their dedicated server
offering for individuals and small businesses, Strato introduced remote access and
management as a product feature and differentiator – a move that has helped them
grow their revenues and enhance their competitive positioning.
CHALLENGE
Long before Strato offered a remote access and management feature to its server
rental customers, the company used Cyclades
access and manage its data center equipment in Karlsruhe. The company recognized
the merits of out-of-band management, especially in regards to configuring and
maintaining servers, and providing a level of service quality that customers
demanded.
As Strato grew – adding a data center in Berlin that accommodates up to 30,000
servers – it had to add new hardware and systems as business needs required
without sacrificing its existing management platform. Furthermore, it had to offer
support capabilities 24 hours a day to more than 30,000 customers without
significantly increasing the support costs.
® ACS advanced console servers to
PROFILE
Company
Strato Rechenzentrum AG
Type of business
Internet service provider
Corporate headquarters
Berlin, Germany
Web site
www.strato.de
Application
Remote access and management of servers
"Thanks to you, our customers can access
and manage our servers without our help,
providing savings for us - lower support
costs - and savings for them - low-priced
service."
Julien Ardisson
Chief Technology Officer
Strato