Compact IT gives remote communities round-the-clock confidence

A LEADING New Zealand not-for-profit organisation provides emergency relief and support to the Pacific Islands through first aid, communication and disaster preparedness training.

When disaster strikes, its emergency response unit can be deployed to provide IT and Communications support services on the ground. These technical experts are also working to build technology capability and train their Pacific Island neighbours to use technology and conduct basic maintenance.

In partnership with ServerWorks, a Christchurch based IT services company, the organisation was able to design a compact IT solution to give remote communities round-theclock confidence.

KEEPING EQUIPMENT ALIVE IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS

The challenge facing the organisation and its network of Pacific

Islands, was the ability to maintain technology infrastructure. IT and communications were often one of the last considerations in planning despite the growing need for technical resources should a disaster occur.

With few IT personnel on the Pacific Islands, technology systems were often rundown and with many locations susceptible to sea air and sandy dust, technical equipment would degrade at a quicker rate.

This resulted in a higher risk of technology issues occurring, causing slow communication and delayed ground assessments.

A COMPLETE, COMPACT AND DURABLE SOLUTION

ServerWorks designed a telecommunications system called Zero Local Touch (ZLT) – a compact IT solution that holds everything from power redundancy and networking, to cyber security and much more. The system can be easily deployed across the notfor-profit organisation’s Pacific Island network, allowing devices to stay connected wirelessly or via cable and keep communications alive during disaster recovery and to protect it against the elements, from cyclones to extreme heat.

Eaton answered the call, supporting Serverworks to build the Zero Local Touch system ‘in a box’. It was designed and built using the Eaton SC200 Monitor, Eaton Cabinet Fan Controller, Eaton 9PX EM 2kVA UPS with 9PX BM, Eaton MBS, Eaton iPDU, Eaton Surge Filter, Eaton iPM Software, plus aerials, modems, Fortinet and HPE Networking and Server Equipment.

After evaluating a range of different enclosures, Eaton’s ExoCab18 Outdoor Enclosure was the only product that ticked all the boxes.

Kraig Winters, General Manager/Owner at Serverworks said there were a lot of cabinet vendors offering to design something from scratch, but none were able to meet the brief.

“We needed an enclosure that required very few engineering modifications and could withstand challenging environmental conditions. Immediately we saw the value in the longevity we would gain from Eaton’s product which is fully covered by IP rated heat exchange,” said Kraig.

“With Eaton backing up the ZLT, we can expect a long lifecycle. The cabinet is built to last and will service the Pacific Islands for at least the next ten to twenty years.”

Eaton went beyond the supply of products and was available to ServerWorks every step of the design and build process.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

After rigorous testing at Serverworks’ workshop, the ZLT solution was deployed in March to the Tonga Islands.

“Once implemented, the solution has the scalability to meet IT demands of up to 70 staff and leveraged through a fixed line, mobile or satellite commutations to stay online at a fixed location.

“When a disaster occurs, the building may not be habitable and the ZLT can be relocated and operate for up to four hours on back-up power – streamlining aid deliveries from days to potentially hours.

“As we explore new opportunities, we look forward to working with Eaton to leverage new advances in UPS technologies and enclosures,” said Winters.

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