Why did the Estonian IT company with the highest recommendation index decide to use the services of GDC?

The IT infrastructures of many Estonian organisations cannot keep up with growth or no longer meet international standards or the organisations simply lack the time and people who are good with technology and software. One solution is to find a partner to cover all the above. For example, OIXIO has the highest recommendation index of any Estonian IT company. We asked Martin Luhari, Head of the Data Center and Cloud Services at OIXIO, how the choice between different data centers was made, what moving to a world-class complex entails for an already thriving business, and how to move IT infrastructure painlessly from one location to another.

Martin Luhari, Head of the Data Center and Cloud Services at OIXIO. Photo: OIXIO.

Although OIXIO is well known in its field, how could you summarise your value proposition as simply as possible?

Take a car, for example. Imagine a machine that never needs your attention. The tyres are always changed, the fuel tank is full, everything is serviced and cleaned. Just sit in the car and drive. That is an example of IT that is secure and works undetected. The customer no longer has to think about any issues on a daily basis and can focus fully on their business.

Would it not be easier for the customer to move to a bigger/public cloud or, as in the previous example, use Bolt instead?

That may very well be so. However, it should be borne in mind that, as volumes grow, this can become quite costly. Often, the use of a public cloud leads to hiring a consultant or other people for this purpose, which significantly reduces the expected benefits.

What makes your value proposition special?

Experience. We speak the same language as the customer, even when it comes to technical issues. In addition, our size allows us to be flexible and personalised. This is different from the customer experience at a big corporation, where every call is answered by a different person and problems are solved as if by running the gauntlet. Our help desk is staffed with professionals who can solve most problems on the first call. In addition, we are the most cybersecurity-heavy company in the local market – cybersecurity is at the heart of everything we do.

You seem to have everything under control. What else did you gain from using the services of GDC?

The greatest value is knowing that our and therefore also our customers’ business-critical IT infrastructure is more secure. We have achieved significantly higher reliability and a safer environment. There is also more room at GDC, should we wish to expand in the future. We can simply add another equipment cabinet and proceed. We do not have to worry about purchasing, testing, maintaining, and upgrading support infrastructure, such as backup generators, UPSs, or cooling equipment.

Another argument is the use of 100% green energy and high energy efficiency. Metaphorically speaking, we have taken our cloud infrastructure and data to a ‘bank’ – it might not change anything in the daily activities of the client, but it does provide them more peace of mind.

For example, if you look at the fire prevention system of GDC, the previous data center had taken measures to deal with potential emergencies. At GDC, however, they emphasise prevention. Fire risks are well mitigated by a preventive measure based on a low-oxygen system.

A lot has also been done to ensure the well-being of our staff in the data center. If our specialist is happy, the client will be happy with his or her work results. GDC has all the amenities at your fingertips. You can shower, relax in the kitchen, and have lunch or drink coffee in peace.

Naturally, what our customers think of the data center that houses their business-critical data is also important. To this end, we organised a workshop there after the move, presenting the entire complex and its support systems. The event was both enjoyable and reassuring for customers.

What was the data center selection process like for OIXIO?

We started by looking at today’s trends, analysing what to expect from a data center. We then looked at the possibilities in Estonia – what technologies are used, what security and reliability level is offered, and whether green energy is used. As GDC has an inspiring story and is one of the most forward-thinking companies, it was an easy decision. In addition, geopolitical requirements regarding the ownership of data center was an important selection criterion.

How did you organise the move from one data center to another?

It all started with reviewing the data center. We started more detailed planning about a month before the move. We identified the necessary human resources and responsibilities, drew up a detailed plan of action, including customer information and the transport of the equipment, thought through in detail. To spread the risks, we transported equipment containing backup and production data in different vehicles. In addition, the project involved replacing older network equipment with new equipment. Overall, everything was well prepared by GDC. They received the equipment and we got into the server room without any issues. It was also nice to have a rest area.

All in all, the move took one day, from early morning until late evening. Clients had previously been promised that the move would take 24 hours. We chose a public holiday for the move to disrupt the daily work of our customers as little as possible.

Did you experience any difficulties?

We had anticipated hardware failures. It is a common problem with big moves and we could not avoid it either. One power supply, a hard disk, some fasteners... So in total, 3–4 units needed to have components replaced. As we were ready for it, everything was smooth and the move went according to plan.

Nonetheless, there was also a peculiar incident. During our tour of the data center, we were informed that we should not stay in the low-oxygen rooms for long periods of time, as this can inhibit brain activity and cause mistakes in work due to inattention. So, at one point we discovered that a storage array did not sit correctly on the mounting rails. We looked and wondered how this was possible. When we were standing in front of the rack, we suddenly noticed that the manufacturer’s logo was upside down. We had put the storage array upside down in the equipment cabinet. We then realised that it was time to move out of the zone and into rooms with normal oxygen levels.

Do you have three recommendations for others for a successful move?

First, it pays to plan everything down to the last detail. Who does what, where, and when, and what resources are available and in reserve.

Second, risk management. If X happens, what should we do? For example, with separate car transport, if one vehicle were to have an accident, not all equipment and people would be at risk.

Third, the preparations. For example, network connections. If you plan to use the communication services of a specific partner, it is agreed and set up in advance. Probably the most important preparation is informing customers and making arrangements in good time.

To summarise: how important do you think the data center is for Estonia and local businesses and organisations?

Absolutely essential. If something should happen, it is much safer to keep data at GDC than anywhere else.