Providing a supermarket chain database support, by building resilience in their estate

Xynomix helped improve the recovery point objective and recovery time objective, to safeguard business operations in the event of disaster. Thus, our database consultancy services ensured that trading could continue in the face of a major IT crisis.

Client

Major UK Supermarket Chain

Industry

Retail & Wholesale

Services

Database Resilience

Technologies

SQL Server

Background

A leading UK supermarket chain was undergoing a period of rapid growth and required a new IT system to service this expansion. The system needed to be reliable, robust, and scalable; with a fast database at its core.

Their existing instance of SQL Server had been poorly designed and configured, rendering it unfit for purpose. It was identified that they had high Recovery Time and Recovery Point Objectives (RTO and RPO). As a result, this implied a low level of resilience at the database level. Therefore, business as usual operations had to better safeguarded in the face of an IT disaster.

Our Solution

We began with a detailed assessment of the supermarket chain’s needs.  Next, we proposed a solution that would ensure that their critical systems would be functional. Even in the event of a complete data centre failure.

The solution we devised consisted of a 2-node active-passive Microsoft SQL Server cluster located in two data centre locations. This set up was underpinned by hardware infrastructure that could be scaled-up as demand increased.

Enhanced Database Resilience

Microsoft SQL Server replication was implemented (locally and cross site) ensuring that identical sets of business data were maintained consistently. Thus, this ensured a substantial increase in resilience and a significant reduction in RTOs and RPOs.

This was supported with 24x7x365 database monitoring and management, against which project success could be continually measured. This proactive service keeps the client informed of support and maintenance demands.

The Result

  • RTOs and RPOs reduced significantly and database resilience maintained
  • The supermarket continues to function in the event of an IT disaster
  • Proactive database monitoring identifies potential issues before they affect operations
  • A satisfied client that appreciates the value of an independent database consultancy
  • System capable of handling an average of 12,000+ database transactions per minute

Get Database Support

If your organisation requires assistance with ensuring database resilience to safeguard trading and business operations, contact the Xynomix team today!

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