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EMBL-EBI and data backup services

When EMBL-EBI needs to share breakthrough scientific data without interruption.

Company Details
EMBL-EBI

The outcome

We helped the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), which provides vast quantities of freely available life science data, by delivering a business solution that backs up its most important data in a reliable and cost-effective environment.

As part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), EMBL-EBI is financed primarily by European Member States, the European Commission and major funding bodies in the UK and US. EMBL-EBI develops and maintains the world’s most comprehensive range of public life science databases, enabling researchers to analyse and share scientific information. Our well-connected data centre in Duxford, Cambridgeshire ensures that all data is backed up securely, even in the event of a natural disaster.

Our solution meets EMBL-EBI’s immediate needs, and is scalable enough to support its future space and communications requirements. So, when EMBL-EBI needs to ensure continuous service to the scientific community without fail, we don’t let them down.

The Neos Networks solution

The immense volume of information fuelling work in life science research and development is on a par with the data generated at CERN (The European Organisation for Nuclear Research), so reliable backup is an absolute necessity for EMBL-EBI’s data centres. When the organisation looked for a dependable backup and connectivity solution for its Hinxton data centre, it turned to Neos Networks.

We worked closely with the laboratory to define its specific needs before designing a solution that would deliver against those requirements. There are millions of researchers depending on these services, so it was clear that we would need resilient connectivity routes to link the Neos Networks data centre in Duxford to the EMBL-EBI data centre on the Genome Campus in Hinxton.

One of the main reasons EMBL-EBI chose Neos Networks for this three-year contract was the company’s long-standing, proven ability to deliver uninterruptable, high-density power to EMBL-EBI’s 20 racks.

“We pride ourselves on helping researchers in academia and industry to make the most of the incredible amount of data being produced every day in life science experiments – with the ultimate goal of advancing biology through basic investigator-driven research. As such, it was very important to us that any supplier that we work with echoes this commitment to service delivery, innovation and professionalism. In these respects, Neos Networks ticked all of our boxes.”

Mark Green, Head of Administration, EMBL-EBI

About EMBL-EBI

The European Bioinformatics Institute is part of EMBL, Europe’s flagship laboratory for the life sciences. EMBL-EBI provides freely available data from life science experiments covering the full spectrum of molecular biology. While it is best known for the provision of bioinformatics services, about 20 percent of the institute is devoted to basic research. EMBL-EBI’s extensive training programme helps researchers in academia and industry to make the most of the incredible amount of data being produced every day in life science experiments.

 

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Fred.Olsen and wind farm connectivity

When Fred.Olsen needs wind farm connectivity that’s a breeze.

Company Details
Fred.Olsen

The challenge

The first major challenge we encountered over the course of the project was centred on the location of the control room, which would connect Fred.Olsen’s remote wind farms. During the development and planning stage, the team recognised that the location originally chosen for the room was not suitable due to ground conditions, so needed to be moved by more than one hundred metres. We were quick to alter the plan and even re-submitted a second planning application on behalf of Fred.Olsen.

The wind farms are surrounded by forest – a landscape that is undergoing constant change – so we decided to conduct not one, but two, line-of-sight tests before installing the radio link. The results of these tests led us to reconfigure the structure that would house the radio link and meant we also needed to conduct a further ground survey to ensure it could support the newly designed tower. By thinking on our feet, we were actually able to significantly reduce the size of the tower and once again managed the entire planning application on Fred. Olsen’s behalf.

While these alterations and additional planning applications were in progress, our attention turned to ensuring that the Internet access for the site was pre-configured and tested well in advance of delivery. Our local project manager also made sure the telecom tower and the radio link were built and installed simultaneously, which meant that in spite of the planning change, both Mid Hill and Rothes II wind farms were connected well ahead of schedule.

The outcome

We understand better than anyone just how important fail-safe connectivity is for wind farms; after all, any downtime could impact power generation. We pride ourselves on reliability and are trusted to “keep the lights on” by a diverse commercial customer base, as well as by our parent company, the SSE Group. That is why Fred.Olsen turned to us to connect its two remote wind farms in the Scottish Highlands; Mid Hill and Rothes II.

To ensure the success of the implementation, we allocated a dedicated project manager with specialist local knowledge to work closely with Fred.Olsen to create a bespoke solution that would deliver unfailing microwave connectivity to both sites, with 4Mb capacity and Internet access. During the project we overcame a number of unique challenges, yet – because of the expertise of the team involved – still delivered a solution that was in place and fully operational by October 2013, a whole two months ahead of schedule. This is a testament to the excellent work of our project management team, who were on-hand to quickly and effectively resolve any problems as they arose.

“Connectivity is crucial to any wind farm and this can be particularly challenging in remote locations. We needed a provider that understood these challenges and could deliver a truly fail-safe solution to guarantee the day-to-day operation of our wind farms. Neos Networks’ heritage and wind farm experience gave us the confidence that we had chosen a provider with the ability to deliver the level of assurance that is so vital to our business. The level of service and local knowledge provided by our own dedicated project manager was exceptional and they certainly did a great job in ensuring all challenges were resolved with ease.”

Øyvind Lund, VP construction, Fred.Olsen Ltd.

About Fred.Olsen

Established in the UK in 1963, Fred.Olsen Ltd.’s business interests primarily focus on renewable energy, forest management and travel. Based in the UK, but operating globally, the brand’s aim is to build a reputation based on innovation, service and dependability. The company’s origins trace back to 1848, when three Norwegian brothers founded an international shipping business. Subsequent growth and diversification today sees the organisation consisting of several public companies, based in Norway as well as Fred.Olsen Ltd., based here in the UK. Now in the fifth generation of the family, Fred.Olsen related companies cover mostly energy related activities such as shipping, floating production, offshore drilling and renewable energy, as well as cruise, media, real estate and venture capital.

 

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HighNet and converged voice and data services

When business is booming for HighNet’s burgeoning ISP business.

The challenge

Initially established to serve the Highlands of Scotland, HighNet had ambitious plans for business growth. In 2011, the company set out to become a fully-fledged national Internet Service Provider (ISP) and called on Neos Networks to help extend its national network footprint to deliver resilient and scalable solutions – including connectivity, mobile data, disaster recovery and converged voice and data services – to customers across the UK. Three years on and HighNet has achieved its key objective to establish its own successful ISP network, so much so that customer demand had begun to outstrip capacity.

Key to HighNet’s decision to partner with us was our high-capacity UK-wide network and the huge success of the first implementation, which was completed ahead of schedule. As HighNet was confident of the proven quality and reliability of our services, we were the first port of call to deliver the 10Gb core network upgrade needed to continue to grow the business.

The outcome

The geographical reach and speed of our scalable network solution, together with our high-specification, UK-wide co-location facilities, underpin HighNet’s range of enterprise-class services and have played a key part in the impressive growth it has seen over recent years. In fact, in partnership with Neos Networks, HighNet has achieved its ambition to build a private national ISP infrastructure in order to deliver its expanding service portfolio to enterprise customers anywhere in the UK. To make this vision a reality, in 2011, we delivered a high-capacity national virtual private network (VPN), enabling HighNet to broaden its reach from its primary base in Inverness, by co-locating its equipment in key data centre locations including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, London and Manchester.

While the original project was expected to run for five years, HighNet’s objectives were met a year ahead of schedule. This, coupled with a dramatic increase in customer demand for HighNet’s ISP services, prompted its latest requirement to upgrade the network. The 10Gb network capability will not only allow HighNet to support its many new and existing customers; it will also give HighNet the ability to deliver wholesale services and become a network aggregator as well as an ISP.

The upgraded network solution was rapidly provisioned by our highly skilled and experienced team, who go above and beyond, providing a significant amount of support right from the initial deployment stage to the present day. HighNet has benefited from working with the same team from day one and the strong partnership between the two companies has been instrumental in building HighNet’s network from the ground-up.

“Since partnering with Neos Networks in 2011, with the aim of expanding our ISP business, we’ve experienced double digit growth, achieving 17 percent growth over the last year alone. Our initial requirement was for a scalable UK-wide solution, offering the most comprehensive geographical presence possible, to grow our customer base. This has more than been met within four years, which is significantly sooner than we anticipated. Following this great success, we’re keen to ensure that our business continues to grow and we can now be confident that we can keep up with the increased demand from our new and existing customers.”

David Alldrit, Technology and Innovation Director at HighNet

About HighNet

Founded in 1994, HighNet initially marketed call routing services to customers in the Highlands of Scotland and the company has been expanding its service portfolio and geographical reach ever since. Today, HighNet is Scotland’s leading business communications provider, providing access to a wide range of telecoms services, while always ensuring a high level of service and value for money for its customers. The company’s services are sold through more than 120 channel partners across the country.

 

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TalkTalk and reliable connectivity solutions

When TalkTalk need a secure line.

The business requirement

To maintain TalkTalk’s extensive network and provide customers with a reliable and cost-effective service, Neos Networks works closely with TalkTalk to provide data connectivity solutions that help the business.

Neos Networks’ high availability optical connectivity solutions are available throughout the UK, providing TalkTalk with the capability to deliver services to their customers. TalkTalk required a strategic partner that is reliable and financially stable.

The Neos Networks solution

Neos Networks high capacity Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) services offer TalkTalk a bespoke service expansion plan into market-leading next generation broadband throughout the UK. This bespoke approach allows TalkTalk to configure a network that fits the requirement of its customers.

Neos Networks values client relationships and looks to build long term partnerships, working to constantly review and improve process and delivery. This approach is essential to the development of TalkTalk’s network.

Outcome

When choosing a strategic partner, TalkTalk demands service reliability, competitive pricing, network quality and the ability to meet strict timescales.

Throughout the sales process, the implementation and the in-life management of it’s solution, Neos Networks demonstrated that it could meet the criteria.

“Neos Networks is a key supplier for our Next Generation Network, providing excellent support since 2006 with high availability optical services. They have consistently proven themselves in the provision of quality, critical infrastructure and are both small enough to be flexible and big enough to provide strategic nationwide capacity services.”

Graham Bishop, Engineering Director, TalkTalk Technology

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E.ON: connecting some of the most remote places in the UK

When E.ON need to know which way the wind will blow.

The challenge

E.ON needs to be in constant real-time contact with its remote wind farms in the Scottish Highlands, to ensure optimum performance and reliability for its five million UK customers. In order to guarantee a continuous connection between its wind farm estate and its Nottingham HQ, E.ON sought a telecommunications service provider with an extensive network reach in Scotland and England and a proven track record of delivering mission critical services to the utilities market.

We worked with E.ON to design and deliver a flexible and scalable solution to meet its connectivity demands – implementing a national Ethernet VPN, Internet access and extended telephony services to some of the most remote sites in Scotland. Our solution offered unrivalled geographical reach and a willingness and skill set to work in distant places in challenging environments, enabling E.ON to connect even the most isolated locations. The robust and reliable service that we provide is critical to the efficient day-to-day operation of E.ON’s sites, and to its ability to supply energy into the National Grid without interruption.

Neos Networks’ track record for service delivery – as well as that of our parent company SSE – provides E.ON with the assurance that its renewable energy projects are consistently achieved on time and within budget.

The outcome

With Neos Networks’ national Ethernet services, E.ON is able to manage its expanding wind farm estate in the Scottish Highlands with confidence, while we focus on delivering the fully meshed, highly available network services that connect E.ON’s alternative energy generation sites to the national power network.

Our network guarantees that the critical communications systems that enable the control and live monitoring of each site are always available – no matter how remote the location or how bad the weather. This ensures that E.ON delivers optimum performance to its customers, without fail.

As both an energy generator and telecoms company, E.ON trusts us to understand its business challenges and deliver critical infrastructure support services to ensure an absolutely minimal risk of downtime. This sense of shared responsibility makes this a truly winning partnership.

“As we pride ourselves on providing a first-class service to our customers by delivering quality and secure data centre solutions as standard, our expectations were extremely high at the outset. With a service provider as trusted as Neos Networks on board, we are in no doubt that our current and long-term needs are fully understood and can be met without fail. Crucially, we are also able to approach our plans for further expansion with confidence, as we look to establish a site in the M25 periphery in the near future.”

Simon Moody, Asset Information Manager at E.ON

About E.ON

E.ON is one of the leading power and gas companies in the UK, generating electricity and retailing power and gas. It is part of the E.ON Group, one of the world’s largest investor-owned utilities companies. With a total of 23 wind farms, E.ON is always looking at ways to make energy cleaner, and is committed to delivering the highest standards of service to its customers. We ensure that E.ON can communicate with all of its national power generation, production and distribution assets 24x7x365.

 

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