An innovative engineering and risk management consultancy has reduced its own exposure to risk by migrating to Open Source software.
As a venture capital funded spin-off from AEA plc (formerly the Atomic Energy Authority), ESR Technology wanted to free themselves from the financial and business risks associated with vendor lock-in.
Their solution was to deploy a complete Open Source infrastructure across their sites in the UK and Middle East.
Whilst ESR's desktops remain Windows-based, all network services such as file and print, web access, e-mail and group calendaring now run on Open Source software.
ESR worked closely with leading European Open Source firm, Sirius Corporation, to design and implement an enterprise-class solution. A solution that will scale with zero additional costs in software licensing.
An important technical achievement in the project was deploying an Open Source groupware solution including e-mail, webmail, group calendaring and directory services in preference to MS Exchange Server and Active Directory.
Dr. Sean Harmer, ESR Technology said: “We inherited our old proprietary infrastructure but were unhappy with its cost and performance. We wanted more control over our own IT infrastructure and a more responsive service.
“We knew Open Source software works seamlessly with our Windows PCs and delivers a level of performance and availability that you just can't find with expensive proprietary brands.
“Sirius Corporation provided the expert knowledge, experience and professionalism we were looking for to help us in our move to Open Source.”
Mark Taylor, CEO of Sirius Corporation said: “We are delighted to be working with ESR Technology. As a dynamic start-up they are now benefiting from the technical advantages and lower total-cost-of-ownership of Open Source software.
“ESR's staff get to keep their familiar Windows desktop software and use a network that is now fast and reliable.”
About ESR Technology
ESR Technology specialise in providing risk assessment services to the aviation, utilities, space, defence and petrochemical industries. ESR Technology were bought along with a portfolio of companies from AEA Technology plc in October 2005 by Coller Capital. From the date of divestment ESR Technology had six months to identify, design & cost, construct and deploy a complete server-side infrastructure to support over 100 users distributed across 6 locations throughout the UK and the Middle East.
For more information visit www.esrtechnology.com
About Sirius Corporation
Sirius Corporation is a leading European IT services group specialising in enterprise-ready Open Source software including databases, email systems, file & print, directory services, and cross-platform authentication. Client's include blue-chip multi-nationals and public sector organisations.
For more information visit www.siriusopensource.com
