University
University Transitions to MFaaS Solution Achieving Cost Efficiencies and Stability
This highly acclaimed University wanted to protect and provide short-term mainframe resiliency while its re-platforming activities continued for 3-5 more years. The applications running on the mainframe continue to be critical to the University’s success in serving their students, their faculty and their administration.
Their decision was to make outsourcing the first step of this 3-year mainframe transition project. An RFP was issued, and a strong emphasis was placed on the depth and breadth of the support organization’s experience, the leadership team and organizational stability, references specific to supporting other educational institutions, and having an ability to execute a seamless plan for transition, migration, ongoing support, until they were ready to transition off the mainframe platform.
This University selected Blue Hill’s Mainframe-as-a-Service (MFaaS) solution, while the re-platforming activity continues.
Upgrading to newer technology was also a determining factor. The University appreciated being able to utilize a more robust Virtual Tape system, which included encryption, storage consolidation, faster data restore processes, and increased performance of both backup and recovery operations.
There was also the need to improve their Disaster Recovery capabilities. Blue Hill’s dedicated Disaster Recovery solution guarantees availability in the event of a declared event, provides unlimited test time, and has the flexibility of scheduling/rescheduling tests and associated coordination efforts.
Challenges
- High monthly costs
- Non-effective virtual tape systems
- Low Disaster Recovery capabilities
Solutions
- Have a seamless transition and ongoing support while they focus on modernization efforts
- Reduces Operating expenses, hardware costs, and third-party software costs
- Delivered mainframe hosting services with Disaster Recovery services
Blue Hill provides IBM Mainframe hosting and 24/365 managed services for this University’s Information Technology Services Department including all hardware and hardware maintenance, IBM software and certain ISV/Third Party software, Technical support for IBM and ISV/Third Party Software, Service Desk with ticket integration, VPN connectivity and Network support, and dedicated Account Management. Blue Hill also provides a dedicated Disaster Recovery solution and support from our backup DR facility.
