Avocent Cyclades ACS4 Manual

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®ACS advanced console servers to
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.
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
CASE STUDY – Internet
Out-of-Band Management Tools Improve Customer
Service by Providing Remote Server Access to Customers

SOLUTION
Cyclades ACS console server features, ease of implementation and use, scalability
and overall value convinced Strato's management to make Avocent its primary
out-of-band management vendor. Today, Strato uses Cyclades TS3000 terminal
servers and Cyclades PM IPDUs to manage more than 10,000 servers.
The same features that help Strato better manage its business servers are
successfully being used by its individual and small business customers to remotely
manage their own servers.
"We realized if out-of-band management tools could help us run our business better,
it could do the same for our customers," said Ardisson.
For example, if network connectivity to a server is lost, customers can quickly use
out-of-band access to take control and log in to a device from a single, remote
location. They don't have to travel to a locked-down server to power cycle a hung
piece of equipment. Remote management of the AC power supplied to the device
significantly reduces downtime and technical support.
ABOUT AVOCENT
Avocent delivers IT operations and infrastructure management solutions for
enterprises worldwide, helping customers to reduce costs and simplify complex IT
environments via integrated, centralized in-band and out-of-band hardware and
software. Through LANDesk, Avocent also is a leading provider of systems, security,
and process management solutions. Additional information is available at:
www.avocent.com.
RESULTS
• Faster problem identification and resolution
• Improved competitive positioning and
revenue growth
• Fewer support and personnel costs
"Strato was the first company to offer
individuals and small business
customers out-of-band functionality - a
move which enhanced our reputation as
a provider of innovative solutions and
helped us stay ahead of the
competition."
Julien Ardisson
Chief Technology Officer
Strato
Corporate Headquarters
4991 Corporate Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
www.avocent.com
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There and Cyclades are
registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. All other marks
are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2006. Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.
1006-STR-CS