Data Center Mastery: CSTX's Strategic Build and Automation Transform Global Pharma Infrastructure
Outcomes:
Global infrastructure:
Successfully built and deployed six new data centers, enhancing the client’s global data management capabilities.
Efficiency Gains:
Automated configuration processes improved efficiency and consistency in device management.
Enhanced Monitoring:
Comprehensive monitoring and backup solutions ensured high service levels and reliable infrastructure performance.
Introduction:
In an effort to enhance global data management and security, CSTX undertook a major infrastructure project for a pharmaceutical client, establishing six new data centers across the globe. This case study details how CSTX utilized Equinix Network Edge and Equinix Metal, along with advanced automation and configuration tools, to achieve a seamless and efficient deployment.
Client Overview:
- Client: Pharmaceutical Company.
- Industry: Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Scope: Establishment of six new data centers worldwide, focusing on advanced network infrastructure and automation.
Challenges:
- Coordinating the deployment of data centers across multiple international locations.
- Ensuring robust network security and efficient configuration management.
- Implementing a comprehensive monitoring and backup system to maintain high service levels.
Objectives:
- Build and deploy six new data centers globally.
- Automate the configuration of network devices and firewalls.
- Implement a reliable monitoring and backup system for ongoing infrastructure management.
Solutions:
To address these objectives, CSTX implemented the following solutions:
- Data Center Deployment: Utilized Equinix Network Edge and Equinix Metal for global data center infrastructure.
- Automation and Configuration: Automated device configuration using Ansible modules, and configured Cisco IOS XE and PaloAlto firewalls.
- Monitoring and Backup: Deployed NetBox as the source of truth, LibreNMS for primary monitoring, Oxidized and SolarWinds for configuration backups, and Cisco PyATS & Genie parser for automated testing.
- Approach: Data Consolidation: Streamlining and consolidating the client’s disparate data clusters.
- Infrastructure Setup: Leveraging Equinix solutions for network edge and metal services to ensure robust and scalable data center infrastructure.
- Automation Framework: Applying Snowflake’s native AI and machine learning tools to enhance data validation and accuracy.
- Service Level Monitoring: Implementing a framework for continuous service level monitoring to ensure performance and reliability across all data center locations.
Project Execution:
- Data Center Build: Delivered end-to-end services including rack and stack, connectivity setup, and decommissioning across all six global data center locations.
- Configuration Automation: Automated the configuration of network devices and firewalls, utilizing a well-defined automation framework.
- Monitoring and Management: Establish a robust monitoring and backup system using the selected tools and technologies to maintain high levels of infrastructure performance and security.
Conclusion:
The successful deployment of six new data centers using Equinix Network Edge and Equinix Metal, combined with advanced automation and monitoring tools, has significantly strengthened the client’s global data infrastructure. CSTX’s strategic approach not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated solutions in managing complex global IT environments.