WESTCOAST SOLUTIONS TEAM

HP VirtualSystem Solutions - Reducing the headache

2012-02-07T16:51:00.001Z

Today enterprise data centers have to be as agile as possible. It is imperative so your datacenter can keep up with the speed and scale of a fast moving/growing business. Using a virtualization solution gives you this needed agility. It has been widely adopted to increase flexibility and optimise return on investment, however as with anything the larger something gets the more complex it becomes.

In order to deploy and manage a virtualization environment, you need to make significant financial and resource investments. It’s no wonder then that the majority of IT managers consider reducing the complex nature of virtualization as one of their top priorities.

Today, HP is making it much easier for your organisation to overcome this complexity by capitalising more fully on virtualization. With the introduction of HP VirtualSystem, HP now offers a faster, simpler path to a virtualized environment by changing the ground rules for the deployment of virtualized systems.

HP VirtualSystem reduces complexity and extends the HP Converged Infrastructure by delivering solutions optimised for server and desktop virtualization. Built, configured, and shipped as a single solution, HP VirtualSystem supplies a complete, high performance virtualized environment with pre-tested and pre-configured server, storage, networking, management, and virtualization resources. Factory and field integrated HP VirtualSystem helps you simplify data center modernization and application optimisation by putting you on a faster path to virtualized environments—and to greater IT agility.

You have a choice of modular systems for medium to very large enterprise deployments—HP VirtualSystem VS1, VS2, VS3, or VS MC1.

HP VirtualSystem VS1 - Designed to support up to 750 virtual machines (VMs)

HP ProLiant DL380/DL360 G7 rack-mount servers: Continuing to deliver on their heritage of engineering excellence with increased flexibility and performance, enterprise-class up time, and HP Insight Control manageability
HP P4500 SAN storage system:Delivering enterprise functionality that enhances virtual environments, simplifies management, and reduces costs; easy to deploy, scale, and maintain, HP P4500 SAN ensures that crucial business data remains available
HP Insight Control: Enabling you to manage your infrastructure in half the time; reduces unplanned downtime by 83%
HP Thermal Logic technology: Providing energy awareness and power optimisation; reduces facility power and cooling costs by 30%

HP VirtualSystem VS2 - Offering support for up to 2500 VMs, HP VirtualSystem VS2 includes HP Thermal Logic and HP Insight Control technologies, as well as the following best-of-breed components:

HP BladeSystem c7000 Enclosure: Providing all the power, cooling, and I/O infrastructure you need to support modular server, interconnect, and storage components today and for years to come; greater density with more blades per enclosure
HP ProLiant BL460c G7 server blades: Offering the ideal balance of performance, scalability, and expandability, making it the standard for data center computing; industry-leading I/O capacity and throughput.
HP P4800 SAN for BladeSystem Storage System: Completely converged within the HP BladeSystem architecture, offering exceptional performance, efficiency, and density with all-inclusive SAN management software; enables affordable enterprise storage functionality.
HP Virtual Connect: Wire-once, change ready infrastructure; uses 95% fewer cables,network interface cards, and switches

HP VirtualSystem VS3 - Focusing on the needs of today’s enterprise, HP VirtualSystem VS3 provides support for up to 6000 VMs. In addition to HP BladeSystem c7000 enclosure, HP ProLiant BL460c G7 server blades, HP Insight Control, HP Virtual Connect, and HP Thermal Logic technologies, HP VS3 also includes:

HP 3PAR Storage System: Advanced storage system that offers multi-tenancy greater efficiency (thin provisioning), high performance, and autonomic tiering.

HP VirtualSystem VS MC1 - Built for customers’ most demanding, mission critical environments, HP VirtualSystem VS MC1 enables customers to consolidate and reduce costs, using the right virtualization technology for a workload’s requirements, isolated as need be, meeting pre-defined service level agreements. Includes the following components:

HP Integrity Superdome 2 Server hardware: Delivering always-on resiliency; dynamic optimisation; and ultimate, electrical isolation between sensitive workloads within a converged, modular, bladed platform that simplifies and unifies IT
Mission-critical HP-UX 11i v3 Virtual Server Environment OE: Offering additional resiliency, scalability, security, and comprehensive, and integrated virtualization and management; instantly adjusts resources to meet dynamic business requirements per pre-defined service level agreements while enabling consolidation, which reduces costs HP 3PAR SAN (F400) storage: For the most efficient thin technology-based storage offering multi-tenancy, autonomic tiering, thin provisioning support, and simplicity of management for demanding workloads; enables organisations to react quickly and non-disruptively to changing application and infrastructure requirements; intelligent non-disruptive storage reduces capacity requirements by 50%

HP VirtualSystem Overview Video — Why HP VirtualSystem is the fastest path to agile and efficient virtualized application solutions and the clear upgrade to the hybrid cloud.

Please click on the below links for Quickspecs to find out more information based on the various VM offerings for the HP VirtualSystem.

HP VirtualSystem for VMware
HP VirtualSystem for Microsoft
HP VirtualSystem CV2 for VMware View
HP VirtualSystem CV2 for Citrix XenDesktop on Microsoft Hyper-V

If you need any help with the HP VirtualSystem, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : Westcoast Launch new SmartResources Site

2012-02-07T10:02:00.001Z

Westcoast are please to announce a new website called Westcoast SmartResources.

This is a great new site that hosts all of our microsites, reseller incentives, events, and tools in one place. This is so you can find everything you need easily and in one place.

The site also hosts our new Gym+ program - this site has ALL our free re-brandable material – you can search by collateral type, or by vendor.

Take a look

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Rack mountable UPS units - A Smarter Solution

2012-02-07T09:50:00.004Z

HP Rack-mountable UPS units focus on the three critical areas in data center environments: Power density, Superior battery management and Serviceability.

HP's On-line On Demand hybrid technology optimises efficiency and heat output during general operation. All HP Rack-mountable UPSs ship with the free HP Power Protector Software that incorporates Enhanced Battery Management which is an exclusive patented technology that doubles battery service life, improves battery charge time and provided advanced notice of battery failure. Hot-swappable batteries and intelligent automatic bypass for continuous power improve serviceability and increase uptime.

A Unique Digital Signal Processing system on most rack mount UPS models incorporates a 3 stage power filter with a double conversion line interactive system to provide all of the benefits of an On-line UPS without the side effects of low efficiency, extra heat, and short battery life

All HP UPS have a three year warranty and are automatically covered by a ProLiant Care Pack in the same rack, eliminating the need for costly extended warranties.

There are a number of different units to choose from ranging from the entry level R1500 to the 3 Phase R12000.

If you want to know which UPS you need you can use HP's online UPS power calculator, This allows you to add in different HP hardware so you can see which UPS will suit your environment best.

Click on the image below to go to the UPS sizer.

If you have any questions or need help with providing a UPS power solution, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking - Free Wireless Access Point with HP's Wireless Starter Kit

2012-02-01T17:21:00.002Z

Going wireless is the easy, versatile way to stay connected. To make it even easier we’ve pulled together three products from our range that when used together will provide the ideal wireless starter set up that can grow as the needs of your business grow.

In order to help your business grow HP are running a promotion where you can claim a Free Wireless Access Point with their Wireless Starter Kit.

How to qualify
Purchase all three products from the qualifying products list, between 1 and 29 February, complete this claim form and HP will refund the cost of the wireless access point!

This offer is limited to ONE qualifying bundle per customer.
Terms and qualifying products apply

If you have a Networking solution you wish to implement or would like help or more details on HP's range of networking solutions, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

February 2012 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2012-02-01T16:57:00.003Z

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

This month HP have a selection of great offers available including a Half Price additional processor when purchased in conjunction with a qualifying HP ProLiant G7 server such as the HP ProLiant DL380 G7.

Other offers throughout February can see customers claim a Free HP ProLiant MicroServer when purchasing HP Windows SBS Essentials 2011, the popular £100 cash back on the HP ProLiant MicroServer and 50% cash back on the HP P2000 G3 Arrays continues for a further month.

Please click the image above to open the PDF for more details.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Claim a free HP MicroServer with HP Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials ROK Edition

2012-02-01T10:25:00.004Z

HP are offering a **Free MicroServer** when you buy Windows® Small Business Server 2011 Essentials ROK Edition, This offer is designed to help micro and small businesses operate at the same technology level as much larger organisations, but without the added costs and complexities of managing an intricate IT infrastructure.

Purchase HP Windows Small Business Server Essentials 2011 ROK Edition (652442-A21) with an HP MicroServer (658553-421), between 1 and 29 February 2012, complete this claim form and HP will refund the cost of the HP MicroServer!

Windows® Small Business Server 2011 Essentials provides a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution, allowing small businesses to retain core infrastructure and enables simple, single sign-on experiences with cloud-based service. It is ideal as a first server for small businesses with up to 10 users

Terms and conditions apply, click here for details.
For qualifying products click here

If you need any help with providing a server solution please do not hesitate to contact the solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : QLogic EMEA Rewards Programme

2012-01-30T17:09:00.001Z

QLogic EMEA Rewards provides you with multiple opportunities to earn points which can in turn be converted into generous rewards for you or your company.

QLogic are not just rewarding you for sales of their products and solutions; points can also be earned for undertaking their training modules, deal registrations and more!

Discover your earning power today

Here are just a few of the great benefits you can expect from QLogic EMEA Rewards:

A wide variety of ways to earn points
A wide selection of rewards to spend your points on
A quick and simple redemption process
An integrated portal with tools and resources to help you grow your business
And more!

If you are an authorised QLogic Channel Reseller or an authorised HP Channel Partner register now to create your personal account and start earning rewards.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

January 2012 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2012-01-04T09:52:00.000Z

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Product Update : ML350 G6 servers now ship with Passive Heatsinks

2011-12-15T16:46:00.001Z

We are getting a number of calls regarding ML350 servers missing CPU Fans.
The current ML350 G6 series servers do not ship with CPU fans as these servers now use Passive CPU coolers.

So please do not be alarmed if your ML350 server does not ship with a processor cooling fan.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking Promotions December 2011

2011-12-02T11:05:00.001Z

18% Discount on 2510/2520 switches
Until the end of December HP are offering upto 18% discount off list price on the below sku's.

J9019B HP 2510-24 SWITCH
J9020A HP 2510-48 SWITCH
J9137A HP 2520-8-POE SWITCH
J9138A HP 2520-24-POE SWITCH
J9279A HP 2510-24G SWITCH
J9280A HP 2510-48G SWITCH
J9298A HP 2520-8G-POE SWITCH
J9299A HP 2520-24G-POE SWITCH

HP 1910 Promo 20% discount
Until 31st January, HP are offering 20% discount on the below sku's

JE005A HP 1910-16G SWITCH
JE006A HP 1910-24G SWITCH
JE007A HP 1910-24G-POE (365W) SWITCH
JE008A HP 1910-24G-POE(170W) SWITCH
JE009A HP 1910-48G SWITCH

HP Networking Trade In Programme
Trade in any vendor networking product against HPN managed switches, Access Points and Access Controllers. Now includes A, E and V Series.

A Catalyst for Change' Trade In Promo
HP Networking's “A Catalyst for Change” Cisco Trade-In Program offers customers (min order of $100k list including services) an additional saving 20% off list price as cash back rebate when purchasing eligible HP Networking A-Series, E-Series and S-Series products and trading in eligible Cisco switches (Catalyst and Nexus), wireless and router products.

Now it's easier than ever for Cisco customers to upgrade their core, data centre and campus infrastructure and get value from their legacy Cisco investment. For deals of less than $100k list the existing trade in program is still available

If you have a Networking solution you wish to implement or would like help or more details on HP's range of networking solutions, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

December 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-12-01T08:57:00.001Z

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Why should you consider Microsoft Lync?

2011-11-29T17:06:00.005Z

Microsoft Lync is a unified communications software which delivers streamlined communications for the users in your business. Work across different locations and time zones using a variety of communication methods such as instant messaging, conferencing, and enterprise voice. Microsoft unified communications can also help organisations reduce the operating costs of travel, telecom and IT, while allowing them to improve their business outcomes in a sustainable way.

The key six benefits of MS Lync

Control Costs
Improve Productivity
Support the mobile workforce
Gain operational efficiencies
Be more responsive to customers, partners, and employees
Maintain regulatory compliance

So why choose Microsoft? – Click on the link to compare Microsoft to the competition in the market place including; Google Apps, IBM, Cisco, Open Office and Salesforce.com

Case Studies from MS Lync in the United Kingdom

If you need any help with providing a unified communications solution for your customer then please do not hesitate to contact the solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Releases 300GB 15k SFF Drive.

2011-11-23T12:01:00.004Z

HP have launched their new 300GB 15k Small form factor drives.

The Part number for this new drive is 627117-B21 and is only available in hot plug at this time.
As always with HP's ENT drives this carries a 3yr warranty...

From now on servers that would need to have these spec drives no longer have to be special builds (CTO), which enables you to keep to strict delivery times as well as keeping the server model you requested.

If you need any assistance with providing a solution for your customer then please do not hesitate to ask.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

To all our readers...We are back!

2011-11-23T09:27:00.000Z

Over the last couple of weeks we have been having a few technical issues with regards to logging into blogger to provide you updates on all the new developments & releases from HP.

As you can see I now have access again, so during the day today I will be posting up all the information that is still relevant to this month and some details of new releases.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : HP Plan to build servers using ARM based Processors.

2011-11-03T12:01:00.008Z

It looks like that HP has announced that they will be looking to use ARM based processors in some of their future server technologies. Whilst we all know that ARM processor technology is currently used in Smart phones, tablets and some terminal client machines for their high processing / low power design, there is an opportunity to use this technology in the Server market.

HP have stressed that while this technology will allow lower running costs (power and cooling) as well as around a 94% decrease in required space, it should be viewed as an alternative rather than a replacement to Intel's more powerful products. For example they mention that ARM based Servers would be good for delivering static web, whilst leaving the current processor giants to do the heavier number crunching applications.

To show that HP are serious about using ARM technology they are planning to open discovery labs, so customers can see if ARM based servers suit their requirements. The first one will be in Texas and the others are planned to be in Asia and Europe although dates have not been announced as yet.

So why are there no ARM based servers now?
Well if ARM based servers were to be released now, they will inevitably will run into problems with current operating systems, applications & hardware, as the majority are designed to be used on X86 based platforms. However with the whispers of Windows 8 only being around the corner (Yes I know a desktop OS) and that it will be both compatible with X86 and ARM based processors, Server Operating systems and future ARM based applications would only be around the corner.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Two new HP Networking case studies

2011-11-02T09:35:00.000Z

Nantes Habitat sees a two-year return on investment after implementing an HP AllianceONE solution.

Nantes Habitat, a French social housing corporation, deploys an HP Networking-Aastra solution to increase network performance, availability, security and manageability, and support IP telephony across several sites. It estimates a return on investment of two years.

Customer solution at a glance:

Primary solution
• HP CloudSystem Service Provider including:
• 2 x HP E8200 zl Switch Series
• 2 x HP E5400 zl Switch Series
• 17 x HP E2910 al Switch Series
• 2 x HP AllianceONE Services zl Modules

Primary applications
• Branch office
• Security
• Unified communications and collaboration
• Network software management
• Converged Infrastructure

Primary software
• HP PCM+
• HP IDM
• Aastra 5000 IPBX Call Server

Link to Case Study:
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA3-5464EEW

HP reinvents networking interoperability, readies enterprises for the future at May 2011 Interop in Las Vegas

Networking tradeshow, Interop (by UBM TechWeb), showcases cloud computing, virtualization, security, mobility, and data center advances. HP proved the reality of converged, multi-vendor networking in the cloud with HP FlexNetwork Architecture.

Customer solution at a glance:

HP Services
• Technology consulting for InteropNet

Primary hardware
• HP A12508 Switch
• HP A5820 Switch
• HP A5800 Switch
• HP A5500 Switch
• HP A8808 Router
• HP A6604 Router
• HP S5100N
• HP NJ2000 1Gb IntelliJack Switch
• HP C3000 Blade Enclosure
• HP ProLiant BL495c Server Blade

Primary software
• HP FlexNetwork Architecture
• HP Intelligent Management

Link to Case Study:
http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA3-7400EN W

If you have a Networking solution you wish to implement or would like help or more details on HP's range of networking solutions, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Live like a Millionaire with Microsoft and Westcoast

2011-10-25T17:13:00.004+01:00

Westcoast have launched their latest incentive for our Microsoft resellers.
Its a good one so read on!

The Main Prize!
Is a space for two on a luxury yacht on the Tabacco corner of the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in 2012. You can win one of three spaces for two to watch the Monaco grand Prix in style from the yacht with full hospitality.

There are two other monthly prizes are available..

Month One
You can win a shopping trip for two to Harrods with £250 to spend per person followed by drinks in the Veuve Cliquot Champagne bar in Harrods. Lunch in a top London restaurant and spend the night in a top London Hotel

Month two
You could win a night out in London for two, dinner at an exclusive West End Restaurant, a complementary bottle of champagne and admission to any Top London West End show followed by a night in a 5* hotel

So how you can win?
You will have been set two monthly targets. The first runs from the 17th October – 16th November and the second the 17th November to the 16th December 2011. During this time all Microsoft sales will count towards your monthly targets.

If you achieve your monthly target you will be entered into the draw for one of the monthly prizes, with each 20% you achieve over target giving you one additional ticket.

In order to be entered into the main prize draw you will need to achieve your target for both months and log in at least once every month.

You can gain additional tickets into the main draw for doing one or more of the following:

5 points for attending a Westcoast and Microsoft Event
3 points for sitting your MLSS exam*
3 points for requested marketing material from the Westcoast and Microsoft Gym
3 points each month you place an Open license order
1 point for adding yourself to Microsoft PinPoint*

To Login to the incentive and for full details, click here!

As always, if you need help with a Solution with Microsoft or Servers then please do not hesitate to contact us, we wish you all the best in this incentive.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast’s new Smart Networking Tool

2011-10-25T11:15:00.002+01:00

Click on above Image to access the tool

Do you have a Cisco Networking opportunity?
Westcoast are pleased to announce our new Smart Networking tool, this tool will enable you to provide a HP Networking quote against a Cisco quote. Simply Enter the details of your Cisco quote and receive special pricing on HP Networking products

So what the benefits of using this tool?

48 Hour SLA – Upload your network designs or kit lists to the tool and our technical experts will endeavour to send your quote in under 48 hours*
Pricing advantage – On average a HP solution is 20% cheaper than the equivalent Cisco offering
Increased Margin – Qualifying deals will benefit from at least 10% additional margin**

All you need to do is simply upload your requirement to the portal and receive your competitive quotation back within 48 hours

*Timescale may increase depending on workload
**Specific criteria must be met as per HP’s partner guidelines

We hope that this tool is of use to you however, If you need help with the tool, or have questions surrounding a networking opportunity then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Product Spotlight : Cisco Fabric Extender for HP BladeSystem

2011-10-24T14:46:00.000+01:00

The Cisco Fabric Extender for HP BladeSystem (Model B22HP) provides an extension of the Cisco Nexus switch fabric to the HP server edge. Logically, it behaves like a remote line card to a parent Cisco Nexus 5000 series switch with the Fabric Extender and the parent Nexus together forming a distributed modular system.

The Cisco Fabric Extender for HP BladeSystem forwards traffic to the parent Cisco Nexus 5000 Series Switch over eight 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks. Low-cost uplink connections up to 10 meters can be made with copper Twin-ax cable, and longer connections up to 100 meters can use the Fabric Extender Transceiver. Standard 10Gb optics such as SR and LR are also supported.

Downlinks to each server are auto-negotiating and work with all HP Ethernet and CNA modules allowing customers a choice of Ethernet, FCoE or iSCSI connections. Being a seamless extension of a Nexus 5000 allows traffic to be switched according to policies established by the Nexus 5000 Series Switch with a single point of management.

Performance

Sixteen 1Gb/10Gb downlinks
Each Ethernet downlink supports FibreChannel over Ethernet (FCoE), Datacenter Bridging (DCB), and iSCSI
Each Ethernet downlink can autonegotiate to 1Gb to support legacy NICs and/or Wake On LAN Eight 10Gb uplinks
Each Fabric uplink carries both Ethernet and FibreChannel over Ethernet (FCoE) traffic
Fabric uplinks support .5m/1m/3m/5m/7m/10m twinax, Fabric Extender Tranceiver (FET-10G), 10Gbase-SR, and 10Gbase-LR optics
Up to 24 Fabric Extenders can be managed by a single Nexus 5000 series switch
Ports support Ethernet, iSCSI and DCB protocols

Management

Centralized Management - All configuration & monitoring performed on parent Nexus switch
Up to 24 Fabric Extenders can be managed by a single Nexus 5000 series switch
Supported by CiscoWorks and Cisco Data Center Network Manager
Support for SNMP V1, V2, V3
XML (Netconf) support.

HP ProLiant Servers Supported

HP ProLiant BL2x220c G7
HP ProLiant BL280c G6
HP ProLiant BL460c G7
HP ProLiant BL460c G6
HP ProLiant BL465c G7
HP ProLiant BL465 G6
HP ProLiant BL490c G7
HP ProLiant BL490c G6
HP ProLiant BL495c G6
HP ProLiant BL620c G7
HP ProLiant BL680c G7
HP ProLiant BL685c G7
HP ProLiant BL685 G6
NOTE: Some servers listed above may be discontinued.

HP Integrity BL860c Server Blade
HP Integrity BL860c i2 Server Blade
HP Integrity BL870c Server Blade
HP Integrity BL870c i2 Server Blade
HP Integrity BL890c i2 Server Blade

Cisco Network Switches

Cisco Nexus 5010
Cisco Nexus 5020
Cisco Nexus 5548
Cisco Nexus 5596

For some more in-depth specs of this new Fabric Extender then please click "here".
If you need help with a HP Blade solution then please contact us and we will provide a solution to your customers needs.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : Announcing the Next Generation of Tier 1 storage

2011-10-07T11:31:00.000+01:00

On 23rd August HP announced two new additions to their Converged Storage portfolio, namely the HP P10000 3PAR "V-Class" systems and HP Peer Motion.

Watch the HP 3PAR Thin Conversion & Peer Motion video (5 mins) below to see how HP’s Peer Motion Software non-disruptively moves data and HP’s Thin Conversion Software can help customers rapidly migrate from legacy storage.

HP Peer motion software delivers the industry’s first peer-to-peer storage federation capabilities that span from a virtual storage area network (SAN) software appliance to midrange and high-end storage systems.

If you need help with a 3PAR storage solution then please contact us and we will provide a tailored solution to your customers needs.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : Westcoast Solutions Lab is now open for business!

2011-09-27T09:06:00.006+01:00

Westcoast is proud to announce the new...

The Westcoast Solutions Lab is a multi-vendor, fully functional demo facility that you and your customers can take advantage of to maximise your business. The Lab will always showcase the most up to date products and technologies from a range of manufacturers to keep you ahead of the competition.

The Solutions Lab has an HP Rack system fully loaded with the latest technologies from HP, including Generation 7 BL460c blades and DL380 rack servers, HP 5400zl and A5800 core switches, P4000 SAN storage running Virtual SAN appliance software as well as the full suite of HP management tools and Microsoft software.

Westcoast Solutions Lab

The lab also benefits from multiple tech pods which are available to demonstrate the latest solution combinations from HP, Microsoft and other key vendors, to help you position the benefits to your customers.

The live environment is fully Microsoft Lync enabled so demonstrates the software and technology using various Lync optimised end points.

The Solutions Lab staff can show you and your customers Virtualisation and Management demonstrations using Microsoft Hyper-V and System Centre on an HP Blade Systems platform.

The facility uses the latest AV technologies to ensure presentations and training are of the highest visual standard.

The space can be re branded to suit the audience and the event using the visual display capabilities on site.

Westcoast Solutions Lab

Located in Milton Keynes and with easy access from the M1 motorway the Westcoast Solutions Lab is available for many different types of events free of charge to our resellers including;

Reseller and end user events
Vendor days
Conferences
Focus groups
Breakfast meetings
Training sessions

We would encourage you to please visit the Lab on our open days on the 12-14th October to see what the lab can offer you and your customers. There will be 3 identical sessions at the below times on these days.

10am - 12pm
1pm - 3pm
3.30pm - 5.30pm

Plus! Join us on one of these open days and get entered into a draw for 3 chances to £200 cash back on your next servers, storage or networking order!
One must be given away each day!

Please click the image above to book the lab

We hope that you can make use of this fantastic new facility, so please In the meantime if you need anymore information then please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you wish to book the lab then please either click the Calendar image (above) or go to this link

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast Smart Bid website now extended to HP Networking..

2011-09-20T15:05:00.000+01:00

The new HP Networking section of the popular Westcoast SmartBid website has been now been launched where you can obtain special pricing on specific HP Networking product part numbers.

The site allows you to manage your bids and get a decision within 4 business hours.

Visit the site today and log in with your Westcoast log in details www.westcoast.co.uk/smartbid

If you have a Networking solution you wish to implement or would like help or more details on HP's range of networking solutions, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast at Convergence Summit South (4-5th October 2011)

2011-09-16T16:25:00.001+01:00

With the worldwide IT and Infrastructure changing rapidly over the last 3 or 4 years as organisations of all sizes, commercial and public sector look at ways to reduce costs, increase ROI on investments and maximise their current infrastructure Westcoast have reacted to this challenge.

Westcoast have partnered with Microsoft, HP and Aastra to bring you a complete Unified Communications Solution.

Combining technologies from these three vendors will allow you and your customers to adapt to evolving business needs with a secure communications platform that spans across all the different ways people communicate, including telephone, e-mail, voice mail and instant messaging. Westcoast is also a leading supplier of IT Infrastructure products to the computer reseller channel.

Click here to arrange a meeting with us.

For more details on the Convergence Summit South event please go to http://www.convergencesummit.co.uk

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

September 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-09-02T10:32:00.001+01:00

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HELP : VMware vSphere 5 licensing Explained

2011-09-01T15:49:00.014+01:00

Since the lauch of HP VMware Sphere 5 there have been a number of questions on how it is licenced as there is a little confusion from people moving over from vSphere 4.

In vSphere 5 the licence you use (Standard, Enterprise or Enterprise plus) is partly determined by how much vRAM the virtual machines have been allocated.

vRAM is new in Version 5, Unlike in vSphere 4 where the core and physical RAM entitlements are tied to a single server and cannot be shared among multiple hosts, the vRAM entitlements of vSphere 5 licenses are pooled, aggregated, across all vSphere servers managed by vCenter Server.

So what is a vRAM?
When a virtual machine is created, it is configured with a certain amount of memory available to the virtual machine, this is called vRAM.

What are the new Licences?
The licences are split up into 3 different versions...

Standard 1 Processor licence allow for a maximum of 32GB/entitlement
Enterprise 1 Processor licence allow a maximum of 64GB /entitlement
Enterprise plus 1 Processor licence allow a maximum of 96GB/entitlement

So how do I licence Servers and vRAM?
The easiest way to explain it is to provide an example.

If you were to use two DL380 G7 servers each with two 6 core processors (4 processors in total), 128GB of physical RAM and you wanted to use vSphere Enterprise edition, each physical CPU would require a license. To correctly licence vShpere you would need to purchase a minimum of four vSphere 5 Enterprise licenses (one for each processor). Now as each Enterprise license provides a vRAM entitlement of 64GB this creates a vRAM pool of 256GB.

Next, you would need to create the virtual machines.

In this example lets say you want to create 50 virtual machines each having 4GB of vRAM in each, and planned to deploy them across the two DL380 G7 servers, this would only take up 200GB of your 256GB entitlement. As both of the DL380 servers are connected to the same vCenter Server and are running the same VMware vSphere edition This vRAM pool also allows DRS and VMware vMotion to move the virtual machines between any of the CPUs without needing any additional licenses.

Even if all 50 virtual machines were running on a single CPU, no additional vRAM capacity would be required, because the pooled vRAM entitlement would not be exceeded.

If you increased the memory in the DL380 servers to beyond the vRAM entitlement, you would need to purchase additional processor licences (of the same type) for the additional physical memory you installed in the servers to be used.

For instance If you increased the memory in the servers from 128GB to 192GB each (384GB in total) but only had the 4 Enterprise licences as shown above, you would only ever see an entitlement of 256GB of that 384GB. You would therefore need to purchase another 2 enterprise licences to allow the additional memory in the servers to be used.

So what do the different versions give me?

Below is a table showing what features are with each edition of vSphere 5

I Hope that has helped with any questions around licencing vSphere 5.
If you have any questions please post them below and i will be happy to help or please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : VMware Vsphere 5 now released on HP part numbers.

2011-08-31T11:08:00.002+01:00

VMware from HP provides a comprehensive suite of virtualization solutions designed expressly for mission-critical enterprise computing.

HP offers a complete portfolio of VMware licences Server and Desktop Infrastructure Software.
VMware software from HP includes either a 1year or 3year 9x5 of unlimited support and subscription with uplifts to 24x7 and multiyear support for 3,4 or 5 years. With this support, customers receive installation, configuration and troubleshooting support. HP also offers VMware software bundled with HP Insight Control and the HP P4000 Virtual SAN Appliance software.

The VMware OEM portfolio from HP includes:

All VMware vSphere 5 core server editions and related acceleration kits
Upgrade licenses within the core server editions
VMware vCenter management products including Site Recovery Manager (SRM), Lab Manager, AppSpeed, Chargeback, CapacityIQ
vCloud products including vCloud Director, Request manager
vShield products
VMware View products
VMware ThinApp products
The VMware OEM portfolio from HP includes a 1- or 3-year 9x5 unlimited support and subscription services. Additional care pack services can be purchased separately with 24x7 or 3/4/5 year terms.

For more information (part numbers etc) then please go to the HP quickspecs

If you have a virtual server solution you wish to implement or would like help or more details, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : New Installation services from Westcoast

2011-08-24T10:26:00.006+01:00

A couple of months ago (in this post) I mentioned that we have some exciting new services that were soon to be announced.
I am therefore pleased to announce a whole host of new Installation services that Westcoast are now offering, these include..

Network installation and configuration,
Server & Storage Deployment,
Project Management,
Site surveys,
Capacity planning,
Software Configuration,
Rental

As always the Westcoast Solutions presales team are always happy to help you with your Server and Storage solution and now as we can offer the above services we can provide a full service suite to make your solution concept and implementation run more smoothly.

If you have a solution you wish to implement and would like details on the above services, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Video of the Week : HP 3PAR - The next generation of storage

2011-08-23T15:56:00.001+01:00

Virtualization is transforming data centers. But this shift is also placing new demands on infrastructure that legacy storage platforms were never designed to handle.

The next generation of Tier 1 storage, HP 3PAR Utility Storage was built from the ground up to exceed the economic and operational requirements of even the most demanding and dynamic IT environments. HP 3PAR Utility Storage delivers 100% of the agility and efficiency demanded by the virtual data center and cloud computing. It does this through an innovative, purpose-built architecture that offers secure multitenancy, built-in thin processing capabilities, and unique autonomic management and storage tiering features.

Get the SAN infrastructure performance, scalability, and availability you need to transform your data center and enable virtual and cloud computing.

If you need help with a 3PAR storage solution then please contact us and we will provide a tailored solution to your customers needs.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Why its important to backup your data - UK Riots

2011-08-11T09:56:00.006+01:00

We have all seen the riots in the streets and destruction of businesses around the UK's major city's this past week. Unfortunately as with any disaster man-made or natural, a few of these businesses will never recover due to lost data.

A study was done back in 2003 and it was found that the estimated cost of data loss in the US came to $18 billion and that only 57% of companies actually backed up their data. You can imagine that now in 2011 the cost of losing data would have gone up substantially UK included.

The UK does not really suffer from many natural disasters, however the most recent events proves that destruction of business's can come overnight from any circumstance, so doing regular backups or having a disaster recovery solution this day in age is imperative.

If you need help with developing a backup or disaster recovery solution for your customers then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New Solution team member - Paul Holliday Westcoast HP Storage BDM

2011-08-05T10:40:00.001+01:00

I would like to announce a new member to the Westcoast Solutions Team - Paul Holliday.

Paul has extensive experience within distribution and reseller markets which make him the ideal candidate for Westcoast HP Storage business development manager.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to the team and wish him all the success for the future.

If you need any help with HP storage then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

August 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-08-02T15:28:00.002+01:00

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Hp Networking Offer - Buy a 24-port switch and get 8 extra ports for £1 - offer on the V1410, V1410G and V1810 Switch Series

2011-08-01T11:38:00.000+01:00

Right now, some of HP Networking's best-value switches are better value than ever!

For a limited time, your customers can improve their network at the Edge with a 24-port switch, plus benefit from an extra 8-port switch from the same family for only £1 extra!

It's great news for small and growing business, for a network that's flexible, secure and reliable.
This offer is valid August 1st - September 30th 2011,
Please click here for more information

For more information on what we can do for you please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New Release : 6Gb/s SAS BL Switch for HP BladeSystem.

2011-07-15T15:53:00.002+01:00

HP have finally launched their 6Gb/s SAS switch for the HP Bladesystem.
This means that now you can attach 6Gb/s SAS attached products to the Hp Bladesystem chassis such as the P2000sa SAN unit.

You can purchase the unit either on its own or in a dual pack.

Single unit part number - BK763A
Dual pack part number - BK764A

To attach the blade servers to a P2000sa SAN you will need to make sure a P711m or P712m (with cache module) Smart Array controller is installed in each blade server. The P711m & P712m acts as a pass-through to the P2000 with RAID functionality for shared SAS storage provided by the P2000 G3 array.

If you wish to know more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast to sponsor Microsoft WPC 2011 in Los Angeles - Live Stream

2011-07-13T16:37:00.003+01:00

As you already know Westcoast are sponsoring the UK party at the Microsoft WPC this year.
If you wish to catch up on the WPC then you can either watch the Keynote sessions "on demand" or streamed live.

If you wish to view these sessions then please go to Microsoft WPC 2011

Cheers all.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast to sponsor Microsoft WPC 2011 in Los Angeles

2011-07-06T15:10:00.004+01:00

Westcoast will be sponsoring the UK Party at the 2011 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC). WPC 2011 is a five day conference held in Los Angeles from 10th – 14th July.

Westcoast is one of only four fully authorised commercial Microsoft Distributors in the UK.
WPC gives partners the opportunity to gain insights into the Microsoft business and technology roadmap for the coming 12 months and beyond. Guest speakers this year include Sir Richard Branson.

If you wish to know more information on this event then please do not hesitate to contact the Microsoft Team

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : HP awards Aastra with HP AllianceONE technology partner of the year award.

2011-07-05T16:55:00.003+01:00

Aastra has been awarded HP's AllianceONE best technology Partner of the Year Award.

This award, in the networking category acknowledges Aastra’s IP telephony and Unified Comms applications are fully integrated with HP’s networking infrastructure.

So what is this AllicanceOne award?
HP AllianceONE is a comprehensive partner program focused on HP’s Converged Infrastructure strategy of providing a shared services model to deliver secure, best-in-class applications.

As you already know Westcoast can supply full UC solutions using Aastra and HP. If you want to know more about what Aastra and HP can offer by way of UC solutions then please do not hesitate to contact us with your requirements.

For more information on the Aastra product range please click "Aastra" in the tag cloud on your left. In the meantime we extend our congratulations to Aastra for winning this award.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast Solutions Blog 1 Year old today !

2011-07-04T11:59:00.002+01:00

Well its been a pretty busy and eventful year for the Solutions team here at Westcoast. There have been many new products and technologies introduced from HP which we feel now fill in the "gaps" that the solutions product portfolio had.

For example a few of the big releases this year was the release of the HP 3PAR product range, the new HP server G7 Range and the huge new range of products added to HP's networking brand through the 3Com and HP merger.

I hope that the information posted on the Blog has proven useful for all 2,994 people who have visited this site and for the 1,272 that vist on a regular basis.

One last thing is that we have some exciting new services to announce this year!
So in light of these exciting new services I thought I would give you a quick reminder on the services we currently offer. Westcoast Solutions team can provide technical advice, quotations, sales & marketing support. We can deliver training to your staff on HP and Microsoft with content catered specifically for your business, We can configure servers for you to your specific requests and DOA test them before shipment, We also provide a complete set of tools to help sell the portfolio. Our Microsoft licensing tool (L@W) and our HP Server configuration tool (iQuote) are best in class.

So please keep on looking back at the blog for up to the minute details on these new services and information as it happens from the Westcoast Solutions Team.

Thank you.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

July 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-07-01T14:24:00.004+01:00

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Drops the name Storageworks

2011-06-28T11:35:00.000+01:00

Over the last 24 months HP has completely transformed itself, bringing together storage assets (Storageworks, Lefthand, IBRIX, 3Par & HP Labs) and leveraging storage, server and networking innovations to deliver new storage and storage architectures for the next era of computing.

As from the 6th June HP have dropped the name "Storageworks" in favor for The HP master brand "HP Storage"

Therefore the name "Storageworks" will be removed from all existing materials over the coming months.

If you need any more details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP New product launch

2011-06-27T14:52:00.003+01:00

June has seen the release of a few new Products to add to HP's UPS, Hard Disk and SSD (solid state disk) range. So what has been added?

HDD's
HP have launched a new 3.5" Midline 3TB SATA HDD for use in hot plug and non-hot plug servers. NOTICE: To support HP hard drives exceeding 2.2 TB, HP Smart Array Firmware version 5.0 or later is required for the following controllers:

HP Smart Array P212 Controller
HP Smart Array P410 Controller
HP Smart Array P411 Controller
HP Smart Array P711m Controller
HP Smart Array P812 Controller

To use hard drives exceeding 2.2 TB, you must create a boot volume using offline ACU version 8.75 or later. HP Smart Array controllers do not support boot volumes exceeding 2.2 TB.

SSD's (Solid state disks)
HP have launched a range of new 2.5" SSD's for use in their Proliant servers.
These drives deliver higher performance, lower latency and low power solutions when compared with traditional HDD's.

6G SAS Hot Plug Enterprise Performance Solid State Drives
HP 200GB 6G SAS SLC SFF (2.5-inch) Enterprise Performance Solid State Drive - 632492-B21
HP 400GB 6G SAS SLC SFF (2.5-inch) Enterprise Performance Solid State Drive - 632494-B21

6G SAS Hot Plug Enterprise Mainstream Solid State Drives
HP 200GB 6G SAS MLC SFF (2.5-inch) Enterprise Mainstream Solid State Drive - 632502-B21
HP 400GB 6G SAS MLC SFF (2.5-inch) Enterprise Mainstream Solid State Drive - 632504-B21
HP 800GB 6G SAS MLC SFF (2.5-inch) Enterprise Mainstream Solid State Drive - 632506-B21

HP UPS (Uninterruptible power supplies)

R1500 UPS to go from G2 to G3 - New features include..

New rear panel
New SKU (AF469A, AF40A, AF471)
New internal communication board and firmware
New logo and jackblack color bezel
New management software

R/T3000 to go from G1 to G2 - New features include..

New rear panel
New SKU (AF466A, AF467A, AF468A)
New logo and jackblack color bezel
New management software

T750/T1000/T1500:

New logo and jackblack color bezel
New management software

If you need any more details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Challenge Westcoast and Win £2000 !!

2011-06-23T11:46:00.001+01:00

Westcoast are challenging you to beat the saving that we have made on our new G7 Server Infrastructure. Read our case study to see how we did it!

Westcoast are currently saving £75K per year since upgrading and we are challenging you to beat our saving.

So if you think you have saved your customers more money than Westcoast as a result of upgrading them to a G7 Server, please go to http://microsites.westcoast.co.uk/servers/challengewestcoast/ and fill in the details.

The 3 accounts with the highest customer percentage saving above Westcoast's will win the following:

1st Prize - £2000
2nd prize - £1000
3rd Prize - £500

If you need any more details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEW : HP Converged Infrastructure Case study (Westcoast Ltd)

2011-06-10T14:52:00.004+01:00

As you may be aware Westcoast (us) have been expanding over the last couple of years, now with offices in Theale, Nottingham and Ireland. Our I.T infrastructure was due a refresh so we decided to "practice what we preach" and see if the claims HP made could indeed turn into real £££££ savings.

So with this additional expansion requirement we needed to increase our infrastructure capability whilst keeping return on investment as high as possible. Westcoast decided to look at HP's Converged Infrastructure by using the HP BladeSystem, HP ProLiant BL460G6 servers, P2000 SAN's and Microsoft Hyper-V for virtualisation of our servers.

Please read our HP case study and discover how you too can reduce running costs, after all we managed a saving of £72,000 per year just based on power usage!! Not to mention other savings streams such as management time, recovery and resilience.

Westcoast Deploys HP Converged Infrastructure

If you are interested in looking at reducing your operational costs by consolidating servers and using virtualisation technologies like we have, then please do not hesitate to contact the Solutions team where we can create solutions based on your individual requirements.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Video of the Week : Aastra 6725ip and 6721ip phones for Microsoft Lync

2011-06-09T16:05:00.001+01:00

The Aastra 6725ip and 6721ip are true IP phones that can operate as a standalone Microsoft Lync endpoint. Both phones feature a full color 3.5" LCD screen, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and provide exceptional voice quality.

The 6725ip phone has a separate Unified Communications (UC) presence icon providing direct access to features and presence indications in Lync. When the 6725ip phone is connected to a Microsoft Lync 2010 equipped desktop, it provides a tight integration with the desktop client enabling additional functionality, including Click-to-Dial. Desktop control of calling features such as: Transfer, Hold, Call Park and Conferencing are also enabled providing enhanced call control.

Aastra 6725ip & 6721ip Key Features

Embedded Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition Software
Color screen
Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
Direct desktop integration
Personal presence indicator
USB interfaces
Speakerphone
Standalone IP Phone operation

If you would like to know more about Aastra's range of IP solutions and Microsoft Lync then please see This post back in January this year when the product was released with Westcoast.

If you need any more details on the Aastra range or need help with designing a solution then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast Solutions Blog is now optimised for mobile devices...

2011-06-08T17:50:00.006+01:00

We understand that your not always near a PC to get HP ISS technical product information from the Westcoast solutions team as it happens. Well now you can!

Simply scan this 3D barcode into your smartphone (using a free barcode camera scanner) to be taken directly to the mobile version of the Westcoast Solutions blog.

Now you can access all the information when your on the go.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Proliant Server Portfolio

2011-06-08T10:46:00.005+01:00

In Light of a number of new HP Server announcements, we have attached a link so you can download a copy of HP's entire Proliant Server portfolio to help you in your decision to choose a series of server based on basic Specifications.

Please Click on the image to open the Document

This document actually covers the entire Proliant range from the ML110 to the Superdome servers, It also covers the Storage solutions HP provide from the basic JBOD units (D2000 series) to the P2000, P4000 3par EVA and XP's.

Of course if you are not sure of what solution to choose or which one best fits your customers’ requirements now or in the future then please do not hesitate to call us.

If you need any more details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

June 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-06-03T15:59:00.000+01:00

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Microsoft Rok Cashback Offer - Offer Extended

2011-06-02T16:22:00.003+01:00

Claim up to £200 Cashback with qualifying HP/Microsoft Operating Systems

Purchase a qualifying Top Value ProLiant server together with a qualifying HP Microsoft Operating System (as outlined in the qualifying products), between 1stFebruary – 30th June 2011, complete the claim form and you will receive up to £200 cashback from HP (Values vary with each Operating System)

Attach Microsoft Telephone Support HP Care Pack (U9269E) and you will receive an additional £200 cash back.

Microsoft HP Care Pack Services provide an easy and cost effective way of providing your IT Team with direct access to skilled HP Response Centre engineers who have extensive experience in resolving Microsoft Operating system and application Software issues.

If you need anymore details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP ProLiant Microserver £100 Cash Back - Offer Extended

2011-06-02T16:18:00.001+01:00

Purchase a 1X250GB ProLiant Microserver (part code 633724-421) between 1st February – 30th June 2011, complete this claim form and HP will refund £100 Cashback.

In support of this offer, attach HP Care Pack (UR482E) and claim a further £30

How to Claim

Complete this claim form.
Attach proof of purchase (reseller invoice(s)) to the claim form, with qualifying products and HP part codes circled and make copies for your records.
Product must have been invoiced between 1st February – 30th June 2011.
Mail to: HP Claims Dept, PO Box 7393, Reading, RG27 7JJ. All submissions must be received by Friday 29th July 2011
You will then receive an email confirming the rebate due to you and your individual reference number within 7 days of posting. If you do not receive this email then please contacts us at promotions@out-bound.co.uk.
Cheques will be issued within 28 days of receipt of your correct invoice
You will then receive an email confirming the rebate due to you and your individual reference number
Cheques will be issued within 28 days of receipt of your correct invoice.

If you need anymore details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Hp Networking Offer - 3 for 2 on selected switches in V1810 and V1910 range

2011-06-01T17:02:00.002+01:00

When you buy any 3 identical Smart Managed Gigabit switches you will pay for only 2.

This offer applies on the following switches.
J9449A HP V1810-8G Switch
J9450A HP V1810-24G Switch
JE006A HP V1910-24G Switch
JE005A HP V1910-16G Switch
JE007A HP V1910-24G-PoE - (365W) Switch
JE008A HP V1910-24G-PoE - (170W) Switch
JE009A HP V1910-48G Switch

Offer valid 1st June – 31st July 2011

If you need anymore details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New Release : HP 900GB Hot Plug Small form factor Drive

2011-05-23T17:12:00.001+01:00

HP SFF Drive

HP have launched a new 900GB SFF drive for use with their servers that take SFF hot plug drives (2.5")

619291-B21 - HP 900GB 6G SAS 10K rpm SFF (2.5-inch) Enterprise 3yr Warranty Hard Drive

This should help with configurations which in the past required having to use a different server entirely or moving to HP CTO.

If you need anymore details then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Storage from Westcoast - New Microsite

2011-05-16T09:56:00.003+01:00

This new website is designed to be a resource for you so you can download case studies, keep up to date with the latest offers and locate the tools you need to make your solution easier to understand and create.

http://microsites.westcoast.co.uk/storage/

Managing storage growth is a difficult task on the whole, but the distributed nature of unstructured file-based data adds to the challenge significantly, and drives the need for improved file-serving solutions.

Rapid file storage growth, driven by rich media such as audio, video, graphics, backup files and email, is impacting businesses more now than ever before.

You not only require immediate access to exploding volumes of data, but government regulations and corporate governance are dictating what must be kept, for how long and the speed with which it must be accessed.

Therefore, it is critical that you invest in a cost-effective, modular, file-serving solution that can support your business now and well into the future.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

May 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-05-02T14:25:00.000+01:00

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Podcast : Let Westcoast Simplify Blades for you

2011-04-13T11:00:00.001+01:00

With over 30 years industry experience, the Solutions team is available to help you generate leads, provide training and assist with anything to grow your HP server business. We can plan, design, architect and implement complex cloud and Converged Infrastructure projects.

We can also train your people to adopt change effectively and be up to date with the latest technology.

Please watch the below Podcast and see what we can do for you.
For this Podcast we are focusing on the HP BladeSystem.

If you wish to know more information about the HP BladeSystem or how we can help with your requirement then please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Solutions Team Spotlight & Video of the week : HP Integrated Lights-Out Advanced features

2011-04-11T16:02:00.002+01:00

This weeks spotlight and Video of the week is on HP's Integrated Lights out Advanced features.

Firstly what is Integrated Light out (iLO)?
HP Integrated Lights-Out provides standard and advanced levels of lights-out, remote management functionality. Basic system board management functions, diagnostics and essential Lights-Out functionality are provided as standard features of the server and are referred to as Integrated Lights-Out Standard.

So what are these Advanced features?
Integrated Lights-Out Advanced offer sophisticated virtual administration features for full control of servers in dynamic data center and remote locations, please watch the following video which explains the features of Advanced iLO.

HP Integrated lights out is not only available on its own but it also comes bundled with HP Insight control environment which is a full management suite, for more information on Insight control environment please see this post

if you wish to know more information about iLO advanced or Insight control environment then please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New Release : Two new HP Servers Join the G7 Range

2011-04-08T16:41:00.012+01:00

This week has seen the release of two new servers joining the G7 Range, the ML110 G7 entry tower server and the DL120 G7 entry rack server.

There are some improvements on the spec of both servers to their predecessors.

ML110 G6 vs. G7 Differences include..

Processors used are now Xeon i3 (Dual core) and Xeon E3 (Quad core)
PCI express slots are now all PCI-Express Gen 2
New Redundant PSU options via an enablement kit.
New Hot plug drive option (LFF and SFF)
USB ports have been boosted from 8 to 9 (4 front, 4 rear and 1 internal)
iLO has been upgraded from 100i to the new iLO3 (Dedicated LAN port is optional)

DL120 G6 vs. G7 Differences include..

Processors used are now Xeon i3 (Dual core) and Xeon E3 (Quad core)
New Redundant PSU options - more details to follow
All models are either Cold plug or Hot Plug Hard drive Bays (Cold plug uses hot plug drives but without hot plug capability)
iLO has been upgraded from 100i to the new iLO3 (Dedicated LAN port is optional)

There may be more updates on these specifications so please keep checking the blog.
If you have any more questions then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New Release : HP New Small form factor Drive Size available

2011-04-08T11:58:00.006+01:00

HP SFF Drive

HP have finally launched a couple of new 1TB SFF drives for use with their servers that take SFF hot plug drives (2.5")

605835-B21 - HP 1TB 6G SAS 7.2K rpm SFF (2.5-inch) Hot Plug Midline 1yr Warranty Hard Drive

625609-B21 - HP 1TB 3G SATA 7.2K rpm SFF (2.5-inch) Hot Plug Midline 1yr Warranty Hard Drive

New HP Top Value Avalanche program

2011-04-07T10:15:00.002+01:00

For April only HP are offering cashback to make these servers (see table) even more competitive than ever before!

Combine these with the ROK or AMD Cashback offers where applicable to create an even more compelling offer for your customer!

Part number	Description	HP offer	Cash back
470065-163	ML350 G6 Dual Processor Capable Intel Xeon 5504 Quad Core,	£ 899	£ 50
470065-384	DL385 G7 Dual Processor Capable, 1 x 6128 (2.0GHz) Eight-Core,	£ 1299	£ 75
605029-425	DL380 G7, Dual Processor Capable, Intel Xeon 5640 Quad Core	£ 1799	£ 100

But hurry these offers won’t be around for long!

Purchase any of the 3 qualifying Top Value Avalanche Servers between the 1st April and 29th April then complete the required claim form and HP will refund up to £100 depending on which server has been purchased.

Terms apply. Offer limited to five units per customer.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

April 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-04-05T09:49:00.001+01:00

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

REMINDER : HP Networking E2510G Series Promotion - Buy 2 get 3

2011-04-01T10:00:00.003+01:00

E2510G (48 Port)

Take advantage now of the Buy 2, Get 3 on E2510G series switches.

J9279A HP E2510-24G Switch (click to open the specs)
J9280A HP E2510-48G Switch (click to open the specs)

This promotion will run until April 30th 2011

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking Discount offer Extended until 14th April 2011

2011-04-01T09:55:00.005+01:00

HP Networking 10% Public Sector Discount Extended !!

HP Networking have extended the double discount promotion on Public Sector orders until the 14th April 2011 (This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer)

Public Sector covers Education, NHS, Council, Government and Charities.You will need to provide the Organisation name and a Contact name when placing orders.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking E2610 Switch and £1 Gbic Offer

2011-04-01T09:34:00.004+01:00

HP E2610 Switch

Sell any HP E2610 Switch and give customers this Gigabit SFP Transceiver for only £1 (Promotion Runs from 1st-31st April 2011)

Wired infrastructure solutions
The HP E2610-24 and E2610-48 Switches provide robust and flexible 10/100 edge connectivity. Both products offer four Gigabit uplinks.

Security with network access and traffic control
Enterprise management
Easy to use
Excellent quality and reliability
Lifetime warranty

Convergence solutions
The HP E2610-24-PPoE , E2610-24-PoE and E2610-48-PoE Switches provide PoE (Power over Ethernet) capabilities. An ideal choice for deploying robust convergence solutions.

Ideal for VoIP, Wireless, Video Streaming/Surveillance
Flexible PoE deployment from 12 to 48 PoE ports
Redundant power supply
Robust edge capabilities
Excellent quality and reliability
Lifetime warranty

Switch Part numbers
HP E2610-24-PPoE Switch (J9086A)
HP E2610-24-PoE Switch (J9087A)
HP E2610-48-PoE Switch (J9089A)
HP E2610-24 Switch (J9085A)
HP E2610-48 Switch (J9088A)

HP X121 1G SFP LC SX Transceiver (J4858C).
Adds gigabit fibre connectivity to your customer’s network for seamless integration.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast "Race for the Gold" BladeSystem Matrix reseller incentive.

2011-03-31T17:34:00.003+01:00

HP BladeSystem Matrix

Be the FIRST reseller to order your BladeSystem Matrix from Westcoast and win your GOLD voucher!

The voucher entitles you to one of the following prizes:

West End show
Casino night with hotel stay and dinner
Week end break anywhere in the country
Drive 4 of the world’s most exciting sports cars
Spa or Golf break for 2
Family of four theme park day
Limo/VIP day

For more information on the HP BladeSystem Matrix please click "HP BladeSystem Matrix" in the Tag cloud (to your left) or follow this link

Promotion Runs until the 29th April 2011

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEW: HP UPS Comparison tool

2011-03-30T14:15:00.028+01:00

HP have created a nice new comparison tool for comparing APC to HP UPS units.
Give it try out below or download a copy for yourself (Zip) (if you have trouble reading it)

For more information on HP's range of UPS units, their features please do not hesiate to contact us

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

What are the benefits of using HP Insight control environment?

2011-03-28T15:57:00.013+01:00

HP Insight control Quickspecs (click)

Insight control environment is a suite of services that allow you to manage, deploy and optimize power in your HP infrastructure (HP ProLiant ML/DL 300,500 and 700 series servers and HP BladeSystem infrastructure).

Insight Control software uses an integrated installer to deploy and configure HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM) and essential infrastructure management software rapidly and consistently. These solutions deliver complete management for HP ProLiant and BladeSystem servers and infrastructure. HP Insight Control brings a single, consistent management environment for rapid deployment of the operating system and hardware configuration.

HP Insight Control also includes full capabilities to migrate complete servers (both physical and virtual) to new server (both virtual and physical), supporting conversion from physical to virtual and vice-versa and conversion between virtualization platforms from various vendors. In addition, Insight Control provides proactive health and performance monitoring, power management, performance analysis, lights-out remote management, and virtual machine management for HP ProLiant ML/DL 300,500 and 700 series servers and HP BladeSystem infrastructure.

Insight Control also extends the functionality of Microsoft® System Center and VMware vCenter Server™ by providing seamless integration of the unique ProLiant and BladeSystem manageability features into Microsoft System Center and VMware vCenter Server management consoles.

Insight Control includes several important functionalities:

HP Insight Control remote management, featuring iLO Advanced
This provides comprehensive lights-out remote management capabilities for ProLiant servers, including high-performance virtual KVM for routine and emergency remote administration, remote access to server power control and event logs, virtual media for simple deployment and update of remote servers, and single server power measurement and regulation.

HP Insight Control helps distributed IT teams effectively collaborate to solve complex IT problems. The shared console capability allows up to four team members to view and share control of a single virtual KVM session. In addition "console replay" captures and saves screen video to enable review of failure sequences and easily document complex configuration administrative tasks.

Key remote management features:

Provides embedded hardware Graphical Remote Console capabilities that can turn a supported browser into a virtual desktop, giving the user full control over the display, keyboard, and mouse of the host server. The operating system-independent console supports graphic modes that display remote host server activities, such as shutdown and startup operations. It works with a standard browser and no additional software is required on the remote server or client system.

The USB-based Virtual Media feature allows an IT administrator to boot the remote server using a standard 1.44-MB diskette on the client machine, a DVD/CD drive or USB flash drive on the client machine, or the image of a floppy diskette or DVD/CD from anywhere on the client's network. After the remote server has booted a USB-capable operating system (e.g., Windows® 2000, Windows 2003, or Red Hat Linux 7.2), the virtual device or ISO 9660 image is available as if it were a local USB device. The Virtual Media features save time and increase efficiency by eliminating the need to visit the remote server just to insert and use a diskette or DVD/CD. This feature allows administrators to carry out any of the following functions remotely from an applet user interface, command line or script.

Integrates with enterprise-class directory services to provide secure, scalable, and cost effective user management. Directory services, such as Microsoft Active Directory and Novell eDirectory, can be used to authorize directory users with assigned user roles to Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) processors. With Active Directory, customers have the flexibility to integrate with or without a schema extension. An easy and reliable installation program is available to install a management console snap-in and extend customer's existing directory schema to enable directory support for the HP lights-out management products. A directory migration tool is available to automate setup for both methods of integration. Also supports the Active Directory nested groups feature.

Provides advanced user authentication with two-factor authentication using digital certificates embedded on smartcards or USB flash drives. Using this form of strong authentication, iLO access can be restricted only to IT individuals possessing a certificate bearing smartcard or flash drive and a PIN.

Integrates with Microsoft Terminal Services to provide a high-performance graphical remote console by automatically or manually switching to Microsoft Terminal Services when the operating system is fully loaded and available on the host system. When the operating system is not operational, continues to provide its secure, hardware-based Lights-Out console for end-to-end remote access to the host server. In addition, the Microsoft Terminal Services session is routed through the management network interface to improve production network security.

Provides enhanced initial HP BladeSystem configuration and setup using the familiar Lights-Out interface. An embedded wizard guides users through initial Lights-Out, blade server and operating system configuration and installation including integrated activation of Virtual Media using the appropriate media such as SmartStart and OS DVDs or ISO 9660 images. In addition, Insight Control remote management automatically renders an HP BladeSystem rack image for easy point and click navigation between blades and enclosures within a single rack.

Insight Control remote management, which incorporates iLO Advanced, supports the latest iLO 3 release for a select grouping of HP ProLiant server platforms. Users of HP iLO 3 (version 1.05) can enjoy the following enhancements:

Support for the next generation of HP ProLiant servers
Faster Remote Console incorporating the newest technologies
3x Faster Virtual Media for ProLiant ML/DL series servers
Launch URL or scriptable Virtual Media from Remote Console
Streamlined user interface using Web 2.0 technologies
AES (in addition to RC4) encryption in hardware for improved performance

HP Insight Control power management
HP insight control power managment is an integrated power monitoring and management application that provides centralized monitoring and control of datacenter power consumption and thermal output. This software solution provides new energy instrumentation levers into HP Systems Insight Manager for greater Unified Infrastructure Management, and is compatible with any operating system residing on the managed server. Insight Control power management provides efficient and effective tools needed to increase the capacity of your datacenter by reducing power and cooling requirements of ProLiant servers to an amount that accurately reflects the workload of your server. Built upon ProLiant Power Regulator technology it provides performance when you need it, and cost savings when you don't.

Key power management features:

Provides a central location where power and thermal data for tens, hundreds, or thousands of servers may be viewed and managed.

Limiting the server(s) power consumption to an average level, power capping can be set to minimize overall power consumption and heat output.

Data Center Power Control is a new feature within Insight Control Power Management that allows customers to reduce their energy costs and take control of their power and cooling during catastrophic events. Customers set pre-defined rules to handle power and cooling rules. These rules act selectively on systems based on attributes and relationships to gracefully shutdown the OS or change iLO power regulator state. In addition customers can take control over their energy usage and power down non-essential servers during peak hours.

Integration with facilities management software allows customers to do their planning on actual power data instead of estimates. Information from facilities management software will be imported into Insight Control power management allowing us to provide an electrical inventory along with load data.

Discovery of metered PDU's allowing Insight Control power management the ability to measure power consumption for a heterogeneous environment. Includes the capability to monitor leading non-HP power distribution units (PDUs).

Dynamic Power Capping represents a significant advancement in power management. Unlike previous power capping technologies Dynamic Power Capping will safely limit power usage with no performance degradation and without risk to electrical infrastructure. For single rack servers, power caps applied via the iLO management processor will limit power usage to a specific Watt or BTU/hr level. For enclosures of blades, users will set an enclosure level power cap, and the Onboard Administrator will dynamically adjust individual server power caps based on their specific power requirements. By capping power usage at historical peak power usage instead of significantly higher face-plate, ROM burn, or power calculator default values, IT organizations can fit up to 36% more servers in their existing rack infrastructure.

Intelligent Power Discovery enables visualization of datacenter thermals with the management of mixed environments, with automatic detection of wiring errors and automatic updates for electrical inventory. Discovery capabilities have been enhanced with 'outlet control', which enables the intelligent power distribution units (PDUs) to manage each outlet where a device is plugged in - for enhanced power monitoring with remote control from Insight Control.

Each graph has an Analysis dashboard that summarizes key information for the selected server(s). The data displayed varies for each graph and includes total power consumed in kWh, the estimated costs of powering and cooling the selected server(s) and the estimated costs saved through the use of policy-management based on HP's Power Regulator technology.

Insight Control power management supports taking action on the selected server(s). Insight Control can change the HP Power Regulator settings on a single server or on multiple servers all at once. These actions may be executed immediately or scheduled to occur at a future time or on a recurring basis. Action scheduling can be used to set time-based power policies on single servers as well as collections of servers.

Insight Control performance management
HP Insight Control detects, analyzes, and explains hardware bottlenecks on HP ProLiant servers. HP Insight Control provides the tools you need to receive proactive notification of building bottleneck conditions, and debug existing performance issues. The performance information is analyzed to determine if there is a building or existing performance bottleneck issue. You can interactively display this information, log the information to a database for later analysis or reporting, and set up proactive notification using the HP Systems Insight Manager notification mechanism.

Key performance management features:

Monitors the hardware performance continuously, compares it with known performances capabilities of each component and determines, in real time, what components are experiencing performance issues.

Creates events when the performance state of a server changes. Insight Control detects these changes early, displaying a warning before an actual bottleneck happens.

Provides an interactive, online debugging tool that can be used in real time to understand and correct performance issues. The tool provides precise indications of what the issue is, why it is of concern, and what can be done about it. Features such as real-time performance graphing allow system administrators to decide whether an issue needs to be addressed immediately or corrective actions can wait.

Can be configured to log server performance data. This data can later be extracted and replayed in offline analysis just as if the user was sitting in front of the server when the performance issue happened. When used in conjunction with the dynamic performance graphing and altering features, administrators can determine if an off-hours performance issue needs to be addressed immediately or corrective steps can be put off until normal business hours.

Analyzes the configuration of server components and determines if the server configuration contains potentially problematic configurations. Potential issues such as PCI bus imbalance, SCSI drives operating at reduced speed, and inactive network ports are detected and reported.

Supplies a summary report that shows the percentage of time the server was in a bottleneck state or near-bottleneck state and overall performance utilization for a system broken down by its subsystems combined with a complete inventory report of that server.

Supports performance monitoring and analyses of select MSA shared storage devices. This functionality provides full drill-down capabilities from a server to attached shared storage devices, and from there "drill-up" to the attached servers.

Insight Control server deployment
HP Insight Control offers a complete deployment solution for HP servers. Insight Control automates the process of deploying and provisioning server software, enabling companies to quickly and easily adapt to changing business demands. Insight Control server deployment includes the ProLiant Integration Module (PIM) and Integrity Integration Module (IIM) which consist of software optimizations for HP servers, including the HP scripting toolkits, configuration jobs for industry-standard leading operating systems, sample unattended files, and HP server support packs that include software drivers, management agents, and important documentation. Deploying servers can be accomplished either through imaging or through scripting. Insight Control supports deploying Windows, Linux, VMware ESX and Microsoft Hyper-V systems.

Key server deployment features:

Provides a fast, easy, drag-and-drop solution for deploying standard server configurations and software builds in an automated fashion from a remote console

Simplifies automated server deployment allowing companies to rapidly respond to changing workloads

Improves overall consistency of configurations across multiple servers

Establishes virtual presence and control for server deployments and redeployments within the data center or at remote locations, eliminating the need for IT personnel to be physically present

Reduces IT resource requirements during large-scale deployments

Provides scripts developed, tested, and supported by HP to enable rapid deployment of HP servers

The ProLiant Integration Module provides latest versions of the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit, HP optimized drivers and management agents pre-loaded in the deployment console

HP supplied deployment events and scripts, using SmartStart technology, maximize productivity -by automating the process of server configuration and software deployment - driving world-class levels of IT efficiency and decreasing the Total Cost of Ownership

Operating System integration is a snap with HP supplied configuration events for both Microsoft Windows and Linux further simplifying the initial OS deployment and driver integration steps all in an automated fashion

Supports SAN Boot or SAN Attach deployment on ProLiant BL servers and select ProLiant DL servers.

HP BladeSystem deployment optimizations:

Enables rapid serviceability with Rip-and-Replace features. Pre-failure alerts enable proactive replacement of blade servers for service. New blades automatically assume personality of previous server based on location in enclosure and rack.

Blade servers are easy to identify by physical location in racks - blades are displayed with easy to understand icons of rack, enclosure, bay

With Virtual Rack, Enclosure, Bay features, users can now assign an event to be executed the first time a blade is inserted into the bay. The user will have the ability to create a virtual enclosure and its associated virtual bays via a console interface and the ability to associate a single event with the bays of the enclosure when they are created.

Insight Control server migration
HP Insight Control makes it easy to upgrade or replace your existing server, or to implement virtualization. HP Insight Control enables you to replicate your well-functioning, but under-performing or over-provisioned server to a new physical or virtual server in an automated, accurate and affordable way.

Key server migration features:

Perform Physical-to-ProLiant (P2P), Virtual-to-ProLiant (V2P), Physical-to-Virtual (P2V), or Virtual-to-Virtual (V2V) migrations from a single integrated user interface

Supports Migrations from any x86/x64 server regardless of vendor to the latest HP ProLiant or BladeSystem server technologies

Source can be any x86/x64 server with a supported OS or a supported VM-type

Destination can be a supported HP ProLiant or BladeSystem server or a supported virtual machine

Heterogeneous virtualization platform support: Ability to migrate between virtualization platforms; VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V and Citrix XenServer

Automates the migration of the OS, application and data from an existing physical server or virtual machine to a new ProLiant server or virtual machine. Manual steps required to do the migration are eliminated. Automatically install the latest PSP when migrating to a ProLiant server (P2ProLiant or V2ProLiant).

The extremely intuitive user interface enables migration to be kicked off with no prior training required.

The source server is always available just the way it was running before the migration since no additional drivers are installed on the source server. No modification to the source server ensures a consistent image between source and destination.

Having no source device driver dependency enables the migration of any x86/x64 source server running a supported operating system.

Match availability of drive space on the destination server by excluding drives and partitions and/or resizing NTFS partitions during the migration. The size of the NTFS partitions may be increased or decreased.

Tried and tested with the correct destination device drivers for all supported destination servers.

Support for migrations in a SAN environment when migrating to HP BladeSystem c-Class, including migrating servers from direct attach storage to boot from SAN.

Insight Control virtual machine management
The HP Insight Control significantly extends HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM) capabilities to manage virtual machines. HP Insight Control seamlessly merges hardware and heterogeneous virtualization management of VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, and Xen (on RHEL & SLES environments) virtual machines

Insight Control enables you to get the most out of a unified physical and virtual server infrastructure. Insight Control offers the only-out-of-the-box solution that can receive a predictive failure alert and automatically evacuate all VMs from a VMware ESX host server by initiating VMware DRS.

Key virtual machine management features:

Provides associations between virtual machines and physical host and integration into a single console and enables all tasks to be run from the Insight Control console, leveraging existing discovery, identification and notification processes.

Provides control functions for virtual machines in VMware ESX, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer and Xen on RHEL & SLES from a central console that allows users to manage virtual machines in a consistent manner irrespective of virtualization layer.

Provides start, stop, pause, reset, move, copy, backup, create template and restore functions for VMs remotely from the Insight Control console.

Flexible move capabilities allow multiple usage scenarios. In high-availability situations that do not allow service interruptions, Live Move (initiate VMware vMotion technology from Insight Control - requires VMware vCenter) can be used (for VMware ESX hosts only). Where flexibility is required to execute fast moves between dissimilar host hardware, SAN-based fast move can be enabled (VMware ESX hosts only).

In high-availability situations, quick move capabilities can be used for HP integrated Citrix XenServer 5.0 or above (resource pool environment only) and Microsoft Hyper-V (MSCS clusters only).

Where the VM Host is not connected to a SAN, a file-copy move can be used.

Enable Failed Host Recovery situations by assigning alternate hosts to VMs. If host fails, quickly restart VM on new host.

Make informed decisions on workload optimization with "at a glance" single view of virtual machine and associated host server performance. Set usage thresholds for CPU, memory, and disk usage and proactively receive alerts in SIM when thresholds are exceeded and take corrective action.

Automatically respond to predictive hardware failures on VMware ESX host servers by relocating VMs before a server fails, reducing downtime.

Launch VMware vCenter or Microsoft System Centre Virtual Machine Manager from Insight Control to perform tasks as needed. View VMware ESX host cluster and resource pool properties from VMware vCenter in the Insight Control console.

Collect events from VMware ESX and VMware vCenter to use HP Insight Control as your central event consolidation and alerting tool.

Enables the safe and orderly shutdown of VMware ESX hosts when the VMware's DPM has freed up a VMware ESX host to shut down for power saving purposes.

For more information on HP insight control, its features and what it can do for you please do not hesiate to contact us

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast config department catch up.

2011-03-18T15:36:00.015Z

We catch up with our resident Blade building expert Dean Stocker as he puts the finishing touches on HP's latest and greatest Blade System.

We found Dean (Donk) building one of HP's c7000 Blade Enclosure's, fully loaded with 16 X BL460 G7 for the server horsepower, and HP's Flex-10 technology providing the connectivity. Only 5 more to go!

Dean working hard to install and configure HP's Blade servers in line with customers requested configuration.

Westcoast offer a full range of configuration facilities across the HP range, including Hardware build and test, software install, imaging and asset tagging.

Speak to your account manager today for more information or contact the Solutions Team.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Half Price Tape Drive Offer - 14 March - 30 April 2011

2011-03-17T16:35:00.004Z

HP’s tape technology continues to flourish because of its ability to meet the needs of the Small and Medium Business (SMB) market. Tape delivers one of the most cost-effective, reliable all-round solutions for data protection, disaster recovery, and long-term data retention.

· DAT Tape Drives, for Affordable, entry level backup
· RDX systems, for Easy-to-use removable disk backup
· Ultrium Tape Drives, for Solid performance; simple integration

Attach an HP Tape Drive to your HP ProLiant purchase* between 14 March and 30 April 2011, then simply complete the claim form and HP will refund 50% of the tape drive.
*Does not include the ML110’s and HP Microserver

Please refer to the qualifying product table for further details.

If you have any questions please do not hesiate to ask.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEW : Westcoast Solutions Team Tag Cloud

2011-03-16T11:54:00.005Z

We have now a Tag cloud on the left of your screen under "Other useful sites"
This will allow you to view posts based on the subject matter of the post.

We hope you like the new feature and that it makes it easier to find the information that you need.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011 now on HP ROK (Reseller option kit)

2011-03-11T16:47:00.011Z

Hp have launched the BIOS locked version of SBS 2011 Standard and with Premium add on.

Designed and priced for small businesses with up to 75 users, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard delivers enterprise-class technology in an affordable, simple-to-manage, all-in-one solution. Windows Small Business Server 2011 helps protect your vital business information from loss by backing up your network data, recovering accidentally deleted files, and helping your company be more productive by providing features like e-mail, internal Web sites, remote web access, and file and printer sharing. Their intuitive and streamlined management tools simplify administration, reduce guesswork and helps you optimize your time.

SBS 2011 Standard incorporates best-of-breed 64-bit product technologies to deliver a complete server solution environment well suited for small businesses. The product technologies include Exchange Server 2010, SharePoint Foundation 2010 and Windows Server Update Services.

Increase Data and Network Protection. Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard helps you focus on your core business objectives and not worry about the status of your IT, by providing automatic local backup and restoration of all their business critical data on the server.

Take Advantage of a Scalable Platform that Grows with the Business. As your business needs change, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard grows with you and meets your changing demands with a highly scalable platform. Easily add users, servers and applications, or expand into other Microsoft technologies as business needs evolve.

Stay Connected. Enable your users to easily access e-mail, contacts, and calendar to connect with their clients, vendors and suppliers seamlessly from virtually anywhere.

SBS 2011 Standard components are:
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard technologies
Exchange Server 2010 Standard SP1 based email and sharing
Windows SharePoint Foundation 2010
Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP2
The optional Premium Add-on also provides SQL 2008 R2 Standard for Small Business

And features like:
Remote Web Access (formally Remote Web Workplace)
Broadest support for business critical applications including simple file-sharing and the optional Premium Add-on provides SQL Server 2008 R2 Edition for Small Business and second instance of Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard technologies to be used within the SBS 2011 Standard domains with certain exceptions.)
Windows Mobile configuration

System Requirements:
Processor: Minimum Quad core 2 GHz 64-bit (x64) or faster for 1 socket (due to Exchange Requirement)
Memory: Minimum: 8 GB / Recommended: 10 GB* / Maximum: 32 GB
Hard Drive: 80GB or larger

If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

March 2011 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2011-03-07T11:59:00.005Z

In order for you to have your own copy of this months offers, We can now offer them in a easy downloadable PDF for you.

Please click the image above to open the PDF.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking E2510G Series Promotion - Buy 2 get 3

2011-03-07T10:59:00.005Z

Take advantage now of the Buy 2, Get 3 on E2510G series switches.

J9279A HP E2510-24G Switch (click to open the specs)
J9280A HP E2510-48G Switch (click to open the specs)

This promotion will run from March 1st- April 30th 2011

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New HP Networking and HP Care Pack Promotion Bundle

2011-03-07T10:40:00.011Z

Buy any E2610 or E2910al switch with a HP Care Pack as listed below, and get up to 25%* extra discount off your usual contractual prices. The selected HP Care Pack service will provide enhanced off-site/on-site, same day hardware support for 3 years as follows:

* Remote problem diagnosis and support to reduce risk of lengthy unplanned potential downtime
* 4 hour on-site response where issues cannot be resolved remotely
* Access to support services for core hours: Monday through Friday, 08:00 to 21:00**

Qualifying products
J9085A + U4683E HP E2610-24 Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9086A + U4683E HP E2610-24-PPoE Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9087A + U4683E HP E2610-24-PoE Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9088A + U4683E HP E2610-48 Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9089A + U4683E HP E2610-48-PoE Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9145A + U2855E HP E2910-24G al Switch+ 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9146A + U2855E HP E2910-24G-PoE+ al Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9147A + H4496E HP E2910-48G al Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite
J9148A + H4496E HP E2910-48G-PoE+ al Switch + 3 Yr 4 hr/13x5 Onsite

So why recommend the E2610 and E2910al switch series?
Whether the requirement is for edge or core connectivity, you have the best of both world’s with the fully managed capabilities of the 10/100 E2610 and the Gigabit E2910al families.

* Securely configure and manage each switch through an integrated Web GUI or CLI / SNMP based management platform
* Cluster multiple switches as a single virtual switch for ease of management and configuration

HP Networking and HP Care Pack Bundle Promotion terms.
This offer is valid from 1st March 2011 through 30th April 2011 inclusive
Promotion is only valid in EMEA through authorised EMEA HP Networking distributors
This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount
This offer is subject to availability
Offer only applies in regions where HP Care Pack support can be provisioned. Check with your HP Networking Wholesale Account Manager for details.
*Actual discount applied is subject to local in-country pricing policies. Available discounts vary dependent on bundle chosen.
** Extended business hours, standard business days: Service available 08:00 – 21:00, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Samsung thin client solutions (TC190 & TC240)

2011-02-25T16:24:00.007Z

The Samsung TC190 and TC240 superior specifications and stylish design are maximized for user comfort and confidence.

The greatest advantage of using Thin Client monitors instead of individual PC’s is that they are controlled by the central server, thus ensuring the latest software downloads and security features are available on each monitor at a much lower cost to the owner, whilst guaranteeing that the user can enjoy the highest quality web gaming and surfing in a secure and comfortable environment.

The Samsung TC190 and TC240 Thin Client LCD monitors makes them ideally suited for use in a wide range of business and enterprise scenarios. Their embedded remote management software, Magic RMS 3.0 and support for Symantec’s Altiris deployment management software enables you to create a premium-quality server based network that is simple to install and easy to maintain. With a rich versatility of applications and uses, Samsung Thin Client monitors offer a unique perspective upon how a business can be run more smoothly and made more efficient.

A central server system is not only cost-effective to maintain due to lower software outlay, but it allows the system administrator to control, manage, and update the entire system from one location, making his or her job a lot easier. Because the IT administrator can dedicate their time working on the central server, time and money is saved, making the system easier to manage and maintain.

If you want to know more about Thin client and server solutions the please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Event Reminder - Start your Microsoft Journey with Westcoast

2011-02-21T12:00:00.006Z

MLSS Including Academic - 23rd Feb 2011 London - Click to register

MLSS including Academic
The morning of this event is focused on improving your understanding of Microsoft Licensing and will allow you to sit your MLSS exam and become accredited as a Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist. Achieving this accreditation will ensure customers see you as a trusted Microsoft advisor, and will help boost your bottom line.

In the afternoon there is the NEW Academic session where you will learn about Academic licensing and the selling opportunities it presents.

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Video of the Week : HP LeftHand P4000 SAN Solutions

2011-02-10T09:33:00.007Z

The HP StorageWorks P4000 G2 SANs, deliver enterprise functionality that enhances virtual environments, simplifies management, and reduces costs. They are easy to deploy and to maintain. They ensure that critical business data remain available through using multiple nodes, Network raid and replication capabilities and technologies.

The features of the P4000 G2 systems include Storage Clustering, Network RAID 0, 5, 6, 10, 10+1, and 10+2 (Synchronous Replication), Thin Provisioning, Application Integrated Snapshots, Remote Copy (Asynchronous Replication with Bandwidth Throttling) Multi-Site HA/DR Solution (Synchronous Replication across several locations), Online Volume Migration and automated Software Upgrades, Self-Healing Storage.

All P4000 units use Hot plug drives, redundant PSU's as well as the option of running 10Gbe connections, battery backed write cache is used on all storage controllers.

HP's innovative approach to storage provides a unique data protection level across the entire SAN which reduces vulnerability without increasing costs. Each P4000 SAN includes hardware, software, and 3yrs support to get you up and running in one swift motion.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking Promotions February 2011

2011-02-02T10:58:00.009Z

V Series Promotion
HP Networking is offering 20% discount on select wired and wireless products in the HP V Series. Whether you need a highly cost-effective unmanaged solution or a more robust infrastructure, pick the solution that’s right for you.

J9559A - HP V1410-8G Switch
J9560A - HP V1410-16G Switch
J9561A - HP V1410-24G Switch
J9449A - HP V1810-8G Switch
J9450A - HP V1810-24G Switch
JD877A - HP V1905-8-PoE Switch
JD990A - HP V1905-24 Switch
JD994A - HP V1905-48 Switch
JE005A - HP V1910-16G Switch

10% Public Sector Discount
HP Networking are offering double discount on Public Sector orders during February and March, to support the Public Sector year end.
Public Sector covers Education, NHS, Council, Government and Charities, you will need to provide the Organisation name and a Contact name when placing orders.
Cannot be combined with any other promotion

Double Energizer Discount
HP Networking are offering double discount on all Energizer quotes, meaning you can now get 8-10% discount on a number of products.
Please speak to your Account Manager for more information.
Cannot be combined with any other promotions.

HP Networking Trade In Programme
Trade in any vendor networking product against HPN managed switches, Access Points and Access Controllers. Now includes A, E and V Series.
www.hp.com/eur/networking/tradein

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Microsoft ROK Cashback - February 2011

2011-02-01T17:13:00.010Z

For February, when customers purchase a qualifying HP Microsoft ROK in conjunction with a qualifying Top Value server they can claim up to £200 cashback!

HP Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 589256-B21 £50 Cashback
HP Microsoft Windows SBS 2008 SE 578891-B21 £75 Cashback
HP Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise 589257-B21 £200 Cashback

Double your cash back with HP Care Pack Services
Add HP Care Pack U9269E –10 Incidents MS Op Sys Applications and Software Support Pack and claim additional £200 cashback Visit: http://h40059.www4.hp.com/msrokcashback/

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Video of the Week : HP Networking and the 2010 Ryder Cup

2011-01-24T09:30:00.006Z

Organisers of The 2010 Ryder Cup required a highly reliable wired and wireless networking infrastructure to satisfy the needs of the media, spectators and hospitality users.

“Thanks to HP Networking, we had no downtime, With live golf action, there is no second chance; there is no room for failure. HP helped to make The 2010 Ryder Cup a roaring success.” Graham Gifford, ICT Director for the European Tour and Ryder Cup Europe.

With players regularly shooting birdies and eagles throughout the competition, the highly reliable HP Networking solution rapidly conveyed the latest scores from wireless Access Points, ensuring spectators, the media and hospitality users quickly knew about the latest action.

Photographers and journalists used the network’s Internet connectivity and email capability to despatch images and reports to publishing houses worldwide whilst its open standards technology and Quality of Service (QoS) features allowed the event’s organisers to employ Mitel IP telephony. “By introducing this technology into our scoring network, we have eliminated the human error associated with the old paper-based process.

So when a player scored a birdie, everybody knew about it as it happened, not five minutes afterwards,” adds Gifford. “This clever technology also allows us to define varying levels of connectivity in different areas in a very straightforward way, making life simpler for all.”

Ryder Cup Europe staff also benefited from the solution’s ease of configuration and manageability. “The HP switches are easy to setup and configure and, unlike other vendor solutions, you do not need a degree in rocket science,” comments Gifford. “The management component of the solution is ideal because we could rapidly deploy wireless access to different areas and, if there is a network issue, we can see it and deal with it instantly, all from a single console.”

“For a global event like the Ryder Cup, it is crucial that our networking infrastructure works seamlessly. The HP Networking solution did just that,” concludes Gifford

If you have a networking solution you would like us to help you with then please contact us and we will be than happy to help.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Video of the Week : HP Flex Fabric Technology

2011-01-20T15:57:00.009Z

HP Virtual Connect FlexFabric Modules are the simplest, most flexible way to connect virtualized server blades to data or storage networks.

VC FlexFabric modules eliminate up to 95% of network sprawl at the server edge with one device that converges traffic inside enclosures and directly connects to external LANs and SANs.

Using Flex-10 technology with Fibre Channel over Ethernet and accelerated iSCSI, these modules converge traffic over high speed 10Gb connections to servers with HP FlexFabric Adapters (HP NC551i or HP NC551m Dual Port FlexFabric 10Gb Converged Network Adapters or HP NC553i 10Gb 2-port FlexFabric Converged Network Adapter).

Each redundant pair of Virtual Connect FlexFabric modules provide 8 adjustable downlink connections (six Ethernet and two Fibre Channel, or six Ethernet and 2 iSCSI or eight Ethernet) to dual port10Gb FlexFabric Adapters on servers. Up to eight uplinks are available for connection to upstream Ethernet and Fibre Channel switches. VC FlexFabric modules avoid the confusion of traditional and other converged network solutions by eliminating the need for multiple Ethernet and Fibre Channel switches, extension modules, cables and software licenses. Also, Virtual Connect wire-once connection management is built-in enabling server adds, moves and replacement in minutes instead of days or weeks.

If you wish to know more about HP's Flex fabric technology or you wish to discuss your server requirements in more detail then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Servers continue to deliver 1st place results for four-processor and two-processor Linux performance on two-tier SAP® Sales and Distribution

2011-01-19T15:38:00.008Z

Great 1st place results on the DL580 and DL380 G7 on SAP Linux

The HP DL580 G7 server achieved the 1st place for four-processor Linux performance on the two tier SAP SD standard application benchmark using the Intel Xeon 7500 series processors. Which means the DL580 G7 server beat the previous best four-processor result by 2.19X!!

The HP ProLiant four-processor server scales up with more than 2X the performance compared to the 1st place two-processor Linux result using the HP ProLiant DL380 G7 server.

The ProLiant DL380 G7 achieved on the two-processor Linux result and improved its performance over the previous generation HP ProLiant DL380 G6 by almost 20% SAP SD benchmark users.

The HP ProLiant DL380 G7 also achieved 23% and 11.7% more SAP SD benchmark users than two-processor servers NEC Express5800 Model R120a-2 and Dell PowerEdge R710.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Westcoast new Product Launch : Aastra Telecom business telephone systems.

2011-01-19T10:30:00.039Z

Aastra Telecom is a leading manufacturer of business telephone systems in the UK.

Aastra offers one of the most complete portfolios of communications solutions which are individually tailored to satisfy customer’s requirements. Aastra also globally develop and markets open standard IP-based and traditional communication networking products, systems and solutions.

Aastra's products comprise a full range of VoIP solutions including communications servers, gateways, telephone terminals and advanced software applications for small and medium businesses, as well as enterprise markets.

Aastra's Microsoft Lync Compatible Phones
Aastra’s 6725ip and 6721ip IP phones for Microsoft Lync, are the latest additions to the award winning line of IP phones.

First of all what is Microsoft Lync?
Microsoft Lync is a unifed communications software which delivers streamlined communications for the users in your business. Work across different locations and time zones using a variety of communication methods such as instant messaging, conferencing, and enterprise voice. Microsoft unified communications can also help organisations reduce the operating costs of travel, telecom and IT, while allowing them to improve their business outcomes in a sustainable way.

For more information on Microsoft Lync Please click here to go to Microsoft's website or speak to our Software team

Aastra 6725ip
The 6725ip is a true IP phone that can operate as a standalone Microsoft Lync endpoint. When connected to a Microsoft Lync 2010 equipped desktop, it provides a synchronized integration with the desktop client enabling enhanced functionality, including click-to-dial and desktop control of calling features such as transfer, hold, call park and conferencing. The 6725ip features both a full color 3.5” LCD screen and a separate Unified Communications (UC) presence icon providing direct access to features and presence indications in Lync. Exceptional voice quality is provided through the use of Microsoft audio codecs in both the handset and hands-free modes.

Aastra 6721ip
The 6721ip is unique to the Aastra Lync model line, and provides a lower cost option for users who still require the benefits of a true IP phone, including dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and message waiting light indicator – but do not require the full UC desktop integration capabilities of the 6725ip. The 6721ip is an ideal selection for Hot-desking applications and common areas, such as lobbies and meeting rooms.

So what are the benefits of the 6725 and 6721?

“Always on” Operation - It is no longer necessary to have a phone connected to an operating PC to enjoy the benefits of Lync. Both models of Aastra’s Microsoft Lync phones are true stand-alone IP phones and have the Microsoft Lync 2010 Phone Edition embedded in the phone. The 6725ip has the additional advantage of being able to be connected to a local desktop PC via a USB cable, enabling desktop PC phone control, multi-media call escalation and synchronized PC and phone locking.

Intuitive Interface - An ergonomic and user friendly hard key layout, used in conjunction with selectable soft keys, a large 2-way navigation key and a 3.5” LCD display screen, provide an efficient and intuitive interface.

Simplified Deployments - Both models are designed to save your business time and money. Dual autosensing switched Gigabit Ethernet ports eliminate additional wiring and simplify installations without compromising the bandwidth required by “power users”. Integrated IEEE 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet allows easy deployment with centralized powering and backup.

Aastra's range of SIP phones
All of the SIP phones are fully compatible with Leading IP telephony systems, features XML embedded browser capability, full duplex speaker phone, Extensive storage for directories and Hi-Q wide band audio technology.

6730i SIP Phone
Exceptional Value for an Entry level phone
3 Line LCD Display
Supports up to 6 lines with call appearances

6731i SIP Phone
Dual autosensing switched Ethernet ports
3 Line LCD Display
Integrated POE standard (802.3af)

6739i SIP Phone
5.7" full colour high resolution VGA touch screen display
Built in Bluetooth and USB port
Multiple headset connections
Support for up to 9 Lines with call appearances

6753i SIP Phone
Elegant Design
3 Line LCD Display
Supports up to 9 calls simultaneously

6755i SIP Phone
144 x 75 Pixel backlit LCD display
6 dynamic context-sensitive soft keys
Supports up to three Aastra 536m modules each with 36keys and LED indicators to create a feature rich attendant console

6757i SIP Phone
Suited for heavy use
Supports up to three of the Advanced Aastra 560m modules each with 60keys with a screen based LCD display and LED system

610d SIP DECT Phone
Basic model suited for the business environment
Monochrome display
Telephone book for up to 200 contacts
Noise filter
Hands free operation
5 user profiles

620d SIP DECT Phone
High end mobile phone for the professional
Colour Screen
Mini USB interface
Headset connector
3 Programmable side keys
Bluetooth Support

630d SIP DECT Phone
For tough working environments
Complies with Industrial standard IP65
Capable of withstanding 2m falls onto concrete
Integrated "Man down" alarm
Additional Emergency call key

If you need any more information on these or other Aastra products then please do not hesitate to contact us

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Save Time and Money by using the HP Bladesystem Matrix

2011-01-13T10:13:00.016Z

HP are the first manufacture to offer the industry’s first converged infrastructure solution which delivers the major benefits of shared services. This solution is called the HP BladeSystem Matrix. This new solution allows you to provision complex infrastructure and applications in minutes rather than months and cuts the total cost of ownership up to 56%!! versus traditional infrastructure.

The HP BladeSystem Matrix is designed to decrease the complexity associated with the deployment of applications and services. The HP BladeSystem Matrix optimizes IT capacity across physical and virtual environments and ensures predictable delivery and service levels. It includes an integrated service designer, self-service portal, auto-provisioning capabilities, and all the tools to manage and optimize the resources pools as well as a recovery management solution.

HP BladeSystem Matrix is a pre-integrated hardware, software and services solution which is built on the industry proven HP BladeSystem, and associated technologies such as Virtual Connect, Insight management software, ProLiant and Integrity blade servers and HP's fibre channel SAN's.

To see how much of a ROI you can achieve please go to the HP BladeSystem Matrix ROI Calculator

So how do i go about Ordering a HP BladeSystem Matrix??

The method for purchasing HP BladeSystem Matrix is simple.
You need to start by ordering a HP BladeSystem Matrix Starter Kit (please contact us for details) which contains the infrastructure needed for a fully-working environment supporting up to 16 HP ProLiant half-height server blades (or 8 Integrity blades)

If you need to increase the size of your Matrix you will simply have to add Expansion Kits.
The central management server host implemented in the Starter Kit simply extends its domain to manage additional infrastructure that might be added by adding Expansion Kits.

If you would like to know more information on the HP BladeSystem Matrix then please contact us and we will be more than happy to help you.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

New Microsoft Event - Demystifying and Opening the Public Sector Opportunity

2011-01-12T11:23:00.026Z

If you are currently selling into the private sector through OPEN licensing then we will take you through how easy it is to approach the public sector, how best to engage and how you can utilize the existing knowledge within your business to become “business as usual”.

These events will bust the myths of the Public Sector and prove to you that you can make money and show you how to remove the barriers to entry often associated with the Public Sector. These latest readiness & sales training sessions aimed at targeting the Public Sector that can help you to:

Reach and Engage local public sector organisations as a local business
How Microsoft can support you by removing the barrier to entry for AERs and improvements to licensing programmes
Compete & make money from the Public Sector
Leverage resources and tools from Microsoft to help engage this market
Transition from selling OPEN licensing from the private into the public sector.

Agenda
9:00 – 09:30 - Registration and Coffee
9.30 – 10.15 - Welcome

The Public Sector opportunity

How can you make the most of the opportunity?
How can reach and engage Public Sector organisations?
How can partners engage with Public Sector organisations?
What is the low-hanging fruit you can easily pick?

10:15 – 10:40 - Understanding Open Licensing for Government and the eligible organisations?
10:40 – 11:00 - Coffee & Opportunity to visit pods
11:00 – 12:00 - Utilising the advantages of EES-OVS licensing: Changes from CASA – what does it mean to you
12:00 – 12:15 - How can you maximize the opportunity
12:15 – 12:30 - Question and Answers

To register for these events, then please click on the following venues
(You will be redirected to Microsoft's website)

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

January ISS NEW Product Releases !!

2011-01-11T16:49:00.022Z

There have been a number of New releases this month.
All products are now quotable and orderable, however, as with any new product, please allow 4-6 weeks for initial deliveries as production ramps.

HP NC553m 10Gb 2-Port FlexFabric Converged Network Adapter (Blade servers)
For customers demanding high-performance network and storage connectivity for increased virtualization and application workloads while trying to reduce cost and complexity.

Integrated SERDES for backplane (Additional Cost and Power Savings)
Improved small packet performance
DDR3 (128MB) external memory supported
Integrated PHY

HP NC523SFP 10Gb 2-port Server Adapter
Improves business results by delivering the utmost in networking bandwidth to ProLiant servers

Latest 10GbE networking ASIC from QLogic, the P3+ silicon (cLOM8214)
SRIOV (Single Root Input Output Virtualization) support in OS environments supporting SRIOV
Enhanced performance and reduced power requirement compared with the previous generation product (HP NC522SFP)

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6

Increased scalability for larger systems with more CPU sockets and cores, more memory, and larger file systems on HP ProLiant servers.
Solid focus on Reliability, Availability, Scalability (RAS) existing and emerging features in HP ProLiant servers.
New packaging and pricing of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux product portfolio allowing for greater choice and flexibility.
Reduced system power consumption, integration into HP ProLiant Dynamic Power Capping and features that better withstand hardware failures.
Better system efficiency, serviceability, and resource management leading to higher performance and reduced operating costs.
Streamlined and simplified HP RHEL subscription purchase, registration, and tracking process

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 (x86)

Free! SLES High Availability Extension through June 30, 2011
New part numbers (SKUs) based on HP’s unified infrastructure (entitlement + registration) compliant process.
Single step to register both the Novell subscription and HP Support.
Receive one entitlement certificate for all subscriptions on the order (N:1).
Register multiple subscriptions in a single transaction.
Novell entitlements available immediately upon registration/renewal.

And Finally... A New 32GB Low voltage Dimm (Dual Rank x4 PC3L-10600 Registered CAS-9) has been released for increased Memory capacity and power savings across the BL460, DL360 & 380 servers.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Reminder - Start your Microsoft Journey with Westcoast

2011-01-11T10:27:00.009Z

MLSS Including Academic - 23rd January 2011 London - Click to register

MLSS including Academic
The morning of this event is focused on improving your understanding of Microsoft Licensing and will allow you to sit your MLSS exam and become accredited as a Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist. Achieving this accreditation will ensure customers see you as a trusted Microsoft advisor, and will help boost your bottom line.

In the afternoon there is the NEW Academic session where you will learn about Academic licensing and the selling opportunities it presents.

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEW FEATURE : HP Video of the Week

2011-01-10T15:47:00.020Z

New to the Blog we will be uploading a HP video of the week - Enjoy

For more information on HP networking please visit our HP Networking Microsite

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

January 2011 Networking Reseller Times

2011-01-05T09:33:00.004Z

NEW – 10% off wired and wireless connectivity for SMB’s – V Series savings
For a limited time only, HP Networking is offering 10% discount on select wired and wireless products in the HP V Series. Whether you need a highly cost-effective unmanaged solution or a more robust infrastructure, pick the solution that’s right for you. Click here for more information
Offer valid 1st Jan – 28th Feb 2011

NEW – Price drop on selected E Series Switches
HP Networking is pleased to announce price moves on selected switch models of the HP E2510/2520/2615/2915 series. Changes are effective January 1, 2011 and will be shown in the January price list. Please contact your account manager for more information.
Click here for more information
Valid from 1st Jan 2011

EXTENDED - Double Points on HP Accelerate
In January, HP Networking is offering double points on all HPN products on HP Accelerate, HP’s rewards programme for resellers.

So what are you waiting for, get selling and get claiming! If you are already registered on Accelerate, just continue to log into your account and claim for sales as usual. If you are new to Accelerate, please go to www.hp-accelerate.com to register.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

January 2011 HP Server and Storage offers

2011-01-05T09:30:00.002Z

Update on Windows Small Business Server 2011

2010-12-16T10:28:00.008Z

As you have heard Microsoft officially announced the launch of the next version of Windows Small Business Server. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you with the launch of Windows Small Business Server 2011 and Windows Small Business Server Essentials.

Milestones and Dates
Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard edition and Windows Small Business Server 2011 Premium Add-On were released to manufacture on 12 December 2010. Corp are making the final steps to bring the product to the market so that our customers can acquire throughout our large network of partners. We are currently finalising international versions, delivering the product to distribution channels and supplying it to our OEM partners so that they can begin pre-installing the software on new servers.

Starting in early January, customers will find SBS 2011 Standard and Premium Add-On in Volume Licensing, and from mid-January customers will be able to download a trial copy from our website. Finally, the products will be available in TechNet and MSDN before the end of the December.

General availability and our launch activities for SBS 2011 Standard are scheduled for mid-March when we also expect to be closer to RTM of Windows SBS 2011 Essentials (Aurora).

Product & SKU overview
Designed and priced for small businesses, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Standard provides an affordable and easy-to-use solution to help secure and protect customers’ business data, manage and share their documents, and support the applications they need to run and grow their business. With SBS 2011, customers can organize and access their business documents from virtually anywhere, with centralized storage and remote access, while easily connecting to the cloud-based applications they need to make your business more productive.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials
Windows Small Business Server, 2011 Essentials is the ideal first server for small businesses with up to 25 users who want an easy-to-use solution to protect, organize, and access and share business data from virtually anywhere and easily connect to the cloud.

Key Benefits
• Daily automatic backups of clients and servers
• Organize and access files from virtually anywhere
• Easily connects to online services for e-mail, collaboration and line-of-business applications

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard
Windows Small Business Server, 2011 Standard is the ideal on-premise solution for small businesses with up to 75 users. SBS 2011 Standard delivers enterprise-class technology in an affordable, high performance all-in-one solution designed to meet the needs of small business customers at various stages of growth..

Key Benefits
• Enterprise quality functionality and productivity capabilities (Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange Server 2010, SharePoint 2010)
• Affordable and easy to deploy, use, and maintain
• Complete, network-wide security and backup with integrated state of the art data protection and recovery technologies.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : We now Supply HP 3PAR® Utility Storage!!

2010-12-08T15:28:00.014Z

3PAR® is the global leader of utility storage, highly virtualized, multi-tenant, tiered storage arrays built for public and private cloud computing.

HP 3PAR® Utility Storage is the only enterprise storage platform that delivers 100% of the agility and efficiency required by virtual and cloud data centers.

• Efficient: Reduce acquisition and operational costs by 50%.
• Autonomic: Increase storage management efficiency by 10x.
• Multi-tenant: The new Tier 1 Storage for cloud computing.

If you have any questions then we will be more than happy to help, please contact us
Please check back regularly or subscribe to the blog for more information on HP 3PAR®

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

December HP Networking Reseller Times

2010-12-08T09:58:00.010Z

NEW – Up to 22% off SMB Switches
Right now, your customers can benefit with up to 22% off the HP V1405 and V1410, unmanaged switches for plug-and-play connectivity, and HP E2510 for full management capabilities. All our special offer switches deliver the simplicity and reliability your customers want. Choose now from a highly cost-effective unmanaged solution or a more robust infrastructure.
Click here for more information

Offer valid until 31st December 2010

NEW - Partner for Growth – good news from HP Networking
Partner for Growth continues to allow HP to profitably partner with our channel. Effective immediately we have made two exciting changes:

For a pilot period of two months only (December 2010 to January 2011) we have opened up PfG to all Preferred Partners.

The PfG deal threshold for HP Networking has been LOWERED from £50,000 to £20,000

Terms and conditions apply, please speak to your HP Networking account manager.

NEW - Double Points on HP Accelerate
For the month of December, HP Networking is offering double points on all HPN products on HP Accelerate, HP’s rewards programme for resellers.
So what are you waiting for, get selling and get claiming! If you are already registered on Accelerate, just continue to log into your account and claim for sales as usual. If you are new to Accelerate, please go to www.hp-accelerate.com to register.

UPDATE - HP Networking Trade-in Program now includes A, E and V Series
HP Networking trade-in program allows your customers to claim cash back in exchange for their old networking and wireless equipment when purchasing new HP networking equipment – this now includes A, E and V Series! Not only is this a great cost saver but we’ll even collect and recycle all products returned so it’s great for the environment too!
For further details see www.hp.com/uk/tradein

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

December HP Server and Storage offers

2010-12-08T09:53:00.003Z

December 2010 - HP Server and Storage offers.

2010-12-01T10:51:00.012Z

HP Free Blade Enclosure Offer
Customers can save up to £23,020 with this month’s HP BladeSystem promotion.
Customers purchasing enough qualifying HP BladeSystem servers to fill half an enclosure, the enclosure and a pair of qualifying interconnects will get the cost of the enclosure and one of the interconnects back via cashback. That’s a saving of up to £23,020.

... but there's more!! - Attach Proactive Select HP Care Pack and claim an additional £700 cash back with the HP BladeSystem offer.

Terms and conditions apply, see www.hp.com/uk/freebladeenclosure for details.

HP ProLiant G7 Options Offer
Purchase at least £1,000 of qualifying ProLiant G7 Options alongside a qualifying G7 Top Value server and claim £200 Cashback.

HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 Launch Promotion
The HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 has arrived!
Offering great capacity to tackle large storage needs the new P2000 is a flexible solution for small or large customers and comes at a great price. Following the release of the new P2000 G3 Modular Storage Array Systems, HP are offering customers the chance to claim a free ProLiant DL360 or DL380 G7 Server with any purchase of a qualifying P2000 G3 System.

If you have any questions then please do not hesiate to contact us

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP ESS Software bundled support is changing!

2010-12-01T10:36:00.004Z

HP are changing the support thats bundled with their ESS software.

So what is exactly changing?

iLO and Insight Control licences to include 3 year 24x7 telephone support & updates rather than 1 year

The HP VMware licences currently available with both 1 year and 3 year bundled support will have the 1 year bundled support SKUs discontinued.

Why make the changes?
Matches software support to hardware warranty
For iLO/IC, purchase of support past 1st year is usually overlooked
For VMware, improves customer experience as 3yrs update entitlement automatically seen on VMware portal.

What benefit does it provide for the customer?
For iLO/IC, no surprises, access to software updates continues (average of 3 updates per annum). Essential for maximising usage and associated cost saving.

For VMware, continuous access to software updates on VMware portal, no reliance on HP/VMware entitlement synchronisation. Note: For lowest Total Cost of Ownership, support term should still be extended to 4 or 5 years with relevant Care Pack

When will the change happen?
Applies to products purchased in the UK and Ireland from 1st December

Will there be new product numbers?
No, product numbers and associated Care Pack numbers will stay the same.
Prices and some local product descriptions will change for the UK and Ireland only.
(For VMware no price or product changes, just current 1yr 9x5 licence SKUs made unavailable).

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Reminder - Start your Microsoft Journey with Westcoast

2010-12-01T10:28:00.001Z

Join Westcoast and Microsoft at one of our events and discover how a better understand of Microsoft can boost your business.

Westcoast and Microsoft are hosting a series of events to help you sell more Microsoft, With new afternoon sessions to help broaden your Microsoft knowledge even further, you will leave confident when selling Microsoft to your customers.

The Westcoast and Microsoft Events Timetable
Please Click the below links to register,

Here are the outlines of the sessions below.

MLSS and Virtualisation
The morning of this event is focused on improving your understanding of Microsoft Licensing and will allow you to sit your MLSS exam and become accredited as a Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist. Achieving this accreditation will ensure customers see you as a trusted Microsoft advisor, and will help boost your bottom line.
In the afternoon there is the NEW Virtualisation session where you will be shown the benefits of virtualisation and the opportunities this opens up.

MLSS including Academic
The morning of this event is focused on improving your understanding of Microsoft Licensing and will allow you to sit your MLSS exam and become accredited as a Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist. Achieving this accreditation will ensure customers see you as a trusted Microsoft advisor, and will help boost your bottom line.
In the afternoon there is the NEW Academic session where you will learn about Academic licensing and the selling opportunities it presents.

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

NEWS : Microsoft Server 2008 going obsolete.

2010-12-01T10:22:00.001Z

The launch version of Server 2008 and Server 2008 SP2 will become obsolete on 31st of December.

For more information on the current part numbers please contact the Microsoft Team

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP Networking - Reseller Discount Promotion

2010-11-11T15:51:00.006Z

All these special offer switches are specially designed for small and growing networks, to deliver the simplicity and reliability you want.

Whether you need a highly cost-effective unmanaged solution or a more robust infrastructure, pick the solution that’s right for you” By giving up to 30% off.

This promotion runs from the 15th November 2010 to the 31st December 2010.

Part Number	HP Networking Switch	Reseller Discount
JD866A	HP V1405-5 Switch	30%
JD867A	HP V1405-8 Switch	30%
JD858A	HP V1405-16 Desktop Switch	30%
JD986A	HP V1405-24 Switch	30%
JD869A	HP V1405-5G Switch	25%
J9559A	HP V1410-8G Switch	25%
J9560A	HP V1410-16G Switch	25%
J9561A	HP V1410-24G Switch	25%
J9019B	HP E2510-24 Switch	25%
J9020A	HP E2510-48 Switch	25%
J9279A	HP E2510-24G Switch	20%
J9280A	HP E2510-48G Switch	20%

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

Windows Small Business Server 2011

2010-11-10T10:43:00.011Z

Since Microsoft announced the availability of the beta version of Windows Small Business Server Code name “Aurora” and Windows Small Business Server “7”, both products have been downloaded more than 9000 times through both the partner and customer community.

Today as Microsoft moves forward with these new releases, Microsoft is announcing the final names, licensing and estimated availability for the next generation of the Small Business Server family currently in public preview.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials (formally Windows Small Business Server Code Name “Aurora”) is ideal as a first server for small businesses, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution to help protect data, organize and access business information from virtually anywhere, support the applications needed to run a business, and quickly connect to online services such as Office 365, hosted e-mail, collaboration and CRM. Windows SBS 2011 Essentials can be used by up to 25 users and requires no CALs for user access. Microsoft intends to deliver an affordable entry level pric to meet the needs and budget of small businesses. Windows SBS 2011 Essentials is expected to release in H1 2011

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard (formally Windows Small Business Server “7”) is designed and priced for small businesses with up to 75 users, delivering enterprise-class server technology in an affordable, all-in-one solution. Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard helps protect business’ information from loss by performing automatic daily server backups and greater productivity through on-site features like e-mail, Internet connectivity, internal Web sites, remote access, and file and printer sharing. Licensing for Windows SBS 2011 Standard is consistent with previous versions of Windows SBS 2008 Standard, which required both a Server License, plus CALs for each user. Windows SBS 2011 Standard is expected to release in December 2010.

Windows Small Business Server 2011 Premium Add-on, consists of an additional server that provides support for SQL Server based LOB applications and access to Window Server 2008 R2 technologies in a cost effective solution for a small business environment. The Windows SBS 2011 Premium Add-on includes Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard, and SQL Server 2008 R2 for Small Business and can be added to both Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Standard editions. The Premium add-on provides the ability to run a vast number of line-of-business applications on an additional server and the capacity to make more informed business decisions with rich analysis and reporting technologies. It is ideal for role based deployments such as LOB application support, Remote Desktop Services, Backup domain controller, and Virtualization though Hyper-V. The decision to move to an add-on model was taken to provide our customers with more flexibility and deployment options providing the ability to purchase additional servers either up front or as needed. While access to the Windows Server components for the Windows SBS 2011 Premium Add-on will be covered by the Windows SBS 2011 CAL model, users will still require Premium Add-on CALs for access to SQL Server. The Premium Add-on will also be available with the release of Windows SBS 2011 Standard in December.

To learn more about Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, download the datasheet.

To learn more about Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, download the datasheet.

To learn more about the Windows Small Business Server Family, download the family overview brochure.

To download previews of Windows SBS 2011 Standard and Essentials, you can visit here.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

November HP Server and Storage offers

2010-11-05T16:43:00.001Z

Event Reminder - Start your Microsoft Journey with Westcoast - 18th November MLSS and Virtualisation.

2010-11-02T10:07:00.001Z

MLSS and Virtualisation - 18th November London

MLSS and Virtualisation
The morning of this event is focused on improving your understanding of Microsoft Licensing and will allow you to sit your MLSS exam and become accredited as a Microsoft Licensing Sales Specialist. Achieving this accreditation will ensure customers see you as a trusted Microsoft advisor, and will help boost your bottom line.
In the afternoon there is the NEW Virtualisation session where you will be shown the benefits of virtualisation and the opportunities this opens up.

If you have any questions please contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team

HP P4000 Half Price Expansion Offer 1st – 30th November 2010

2010-11-02T09:57:00.006Z

Claim up to £6,775 Cashback!

Purchase a qualifying P4000 and claim the qualifying expansion option for half price*

Storage needs are changing in light of server virtualization, data growth, business continuity demands and cost pressures. Looking for storage that meets these goals and can be added easily into your infrastructure? HP StorageWorks P4000 G2 SAN Solutions are proven for virtual servers, client virtualization, database, email and business applications. With a pay-as-you-grow, all-inclusive pricing model (3-year support included) and intuitive storage management, this SAN is perfect for the budget-minded.

How to qualify
Purchase any one of the qualifying P4000 Systems, together with the qualifying expansion option between 1st and 30th November 2010, then complete this form and HP will refund the cost of the server. Please refer to the qualifying product table for further details.

This offer is limited to ONE claim per customer. Terms and qualifying products apply.

How to claim:

Complete this claim form

Attach proof of purchase to the claim form, with qualifying products and HP part codes circled and make copies for you records.

Product must have been invoiced between 1st and 30th November 2010.

Mail to: HP Claims Dept, PO Box 7393, Reading, RG27 7JJ. All submissions must be received by Friday 31st December 2010.

You will then receive an email confirming the rebate due to you and your individual reference number within 7 days of posting. If you do not receive this email then please contacts HP at promotions@out-bound.co.uk.

Cheques will be issued within 28 days of receipt of your correct invoice

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards

Technical ISS Solutions Team