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Our business partnerships include some of the UK’s most successful and diverse organisations. Please take time to read some of our success stories below.
Customer Comments
Case Studies
A ‘GREEN’ SOLUTION FOR NORTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL
Server room upgrade
The Challenge: North Tyneside Council had outgrown their individual data centre facilities and needed to design and deliver one main energy efficient, high-density area that could withstand current and future IT/server requirements.
The Solution: Keysource were engaged initially as consultants and then sub-contracted by N G Bailey to design and deliver a 36 rack data centre solution, incorporating cutting edge in-row chilled water cooling with a hot aisle containment set up. Keysource came up with a particularly innovative solution that initiated a free-cooling and in-row ambient air cooling solution which could guarantee energy savings of up to 40%.
The Benefits: North Tyneside Council benefited from Keysource’s indepth and specialist consultative approach that resulted in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient high-density server room with capacity for both current needs and future growth.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT PRICING
Solution for second-phase of data centre installation
The Challenge: KBR were in the process of undertaking works to complete an upgrade to a data centre space at their UK head quarters in Leatherhead. They needed help getting the installation to its final stage and were looking for a competitively priced complete end solution.
The Solution: Keysource tendered for the works and were awarded the contract due to being competitively priced and because they also added additional value added services. Keysource knew that KBR would be looking for added-value reassurance, reliability and quality to take the installation to completion. Being located just a short distance from the site, Keysource were able to give close, on-hand reassurance as well as committing to multiple capabilities. Keysource installed a quality design that included an 80KW N+1 APC Symmetra PX unit, In Row cooling units, multiple rack deployments, a fire suppression system, a VESDA (very early smoke detection alert) system and a standby diesel generator.
The Benefits: By choosing local company Keysource, KBR received a second phase quality installation speedily and successfully at a very competitive price with added-value reassurance and a complete end solution that included maintenance and servicing.
CUTTING EDGE SOFTWARE ADDS VALUE
Complete design & build data centre solution
The Challenge: Schlumberger, the world’s leading supplier of technology, project management and information solutions to the oil and gas industry, were in need of a fast-turnaround complete design & build data centre solution for an existing space at one of their main centres in Abingdon. Having won the tender at the most expensive price, Keysource were keen to prove their technical expertise by challenging some of the consultative input and adding value to the already complex proposed design.
The Solution: With the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling software Keysource were able to demonstrate pre-installation how their proposed design amends would be particularly effective in combating specific air-flow issues. With client approval and within just 6 weeks, Keysource had installed the new facility, with new walls, a new raised floor, a ceiling return, increased racking, a 240kW UPS and cooling system with downflow AHUs to cool 7kW per rack position.
The Benefits: By gaining early client confidence and approval at the pre-installation stage and being able to give added-value expertise and reassurance with CFD software, Keysource were able to project manage the installation in double-quick time and with minimum disruption. They provided Schlumberger with the complete new build they needed with the added benefits of future growth capacity and ongoing maintenance.
SPEEDY UPGRADE FOR CAMDEN
Upgrade of IT department’s data centre
The Challenge: The data centre at London Borough of Camden’s IT Department was in urgent need of an upgrade. The current facility had remained relatively untouched for 15 years and was in need of a complete audit and overhaul of its M&E infrastructure. Crucially, deadlines were tight and it was paramount that the site be kept live during installation.
The Solution: Keysource were initially approached on a consultative basis. Their in-depth audit led to a ‘one stop shop’ solution that involved a detailed design and build refit package, an end-design phase for future expansion, and an ongoing maintenance contract. The installation included a 160KW UPS and 80KW N+1 scalable to 160KW N+1 cooling solution using external packaged chillers and internal APC In Row cooling units.
The Benefits: This ‘one stop shop’ approach allowed Keysource to put their audit into action as efficiently and effectively as possible, with minimum disruption, and within the tight timescales required. They relieved Camden Council of an outdated and inefficient facility and replaced it with an installation that far exceeded the client’s expectations and that was capable of withstanding at least 3 year’s future growth and deployment.
CAREFUL PLANNING LEADS TO MINIMUM DISRUPTION
Upgrade to air-conditioning at existing facility
The Challenge: Elsevier Publishing, leading publishers of science and health information, needed an upgrade to the air-conditioning at their existing Kidlington data centre to improve redundancy and increase capacity. The facility was around 8 years old and the units were out-dated and inefficient for server needs. The existing room had to stay operational during the refit and there were construction implications for the laying of new pipework.
The Solution: Keysource proposed a staged upgrade that would achieve minimum disruption to the working environment. They replaced 4 out of the 8 existing air handling units one at a time, installed ceiling returns to tackle the air-flow issues, as well as a VESDA (very early smoke detection alert) system. Particular care was taken when digging a 5ft deep trench through a back-service road to expose existing pipework and lay new pipework.
The Benefits: Keysource had demonstrated their technical expertise at an early stage. They provided Elsevier with an upgraded energy efficient facility with improved redundancy and increased capacity and an upgrade solution that had come in on time, to budget and with minimum disruption. Keysource have since been contracted on a further ‘electrical upgrade’ project.
FROM ONE NEW SPACE TO THREE
New server room build
The Challenge: The General Medical Council was an existing client and their data centre spaces at their ‘listed’ building office in Manchester were aging and not designed for high density IT. They needed expert help and advice to turn an existing office area into an efficient, resilient and well-performing facility.
The Solution: Keysource began with a technical audit of the existing computer rooms to understand the current infrastructure and followed this by developing concept designs to help the client understand how a high density, resilient data centre could be deployed. Due to building/planning constraints, a chilled water solution could not be deployed, but with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics software, Keysource verified a design using a ‘traditional’ downflow DX cooling solution providing resilient cooling to 7 racks for up to 9kW per rack position. The project also included the formation of a new plant room to house an 80KW N+1 UPS solution as well as a new office area.
The Benefits: By involving Keysource at the consultative stage and being able to see exactly how the proposed design would work, the GMC were guaranteed a turn key service that gave them the highly-efficient, resilient data centre that they needed.
TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW SHINES THROUGH
Air-conditioning upgrade for 15 year old facility
The Challenge: The existing 40 rack data centre at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council was 15 years old and in urgent need of an upgrade. The air-conditioning units were outdated and inefficient for server needs.
The Solution: Keysource were involved at the consultative stage and, based on their technical know-how, were asked to carry out the works. They installed 3 new air-conditioning units at 50kW per unit and upgraded the main PDUs which involved the introduction of electrical connections back to the main switch gear.
The Benefits: By choosing Keysource, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council benefited from a more energy efficient data centre with increased capacity, improved redundancy and an electrical upgrade to surpass industry standards.
A ‘HIGH RISE’ CHALLENGE
A high-density 7th floor data centre installation
The Challenge: CHP Consulting, a worldwide leading supplier of software solutions and consultancy services with offices in the USA and Australia, were an existing client. They had earmarked a particularly confined space for a high-density server room at their 7th floor central London offices. There were tough installation challenges both in terms of the restricted access and confined environment, as well as requests for minimal impact on their day-to-day worldwide operations.
The Solution: Keysource rose to the challenge of both complexities. With careful and detailed planning and project management of the logistical issues they were able to install a high-density APC design with UPS and In Row cooling units, with a capacity for 7 server racks and an environmental and monitoring package, with minimum disruption and minimal ‘shut down’ time.
The Benefits: Keysource had listened carefully to CHP’s challenging requirements and were able to think ‘outside of the box’ in terms of presenting and installing a suitable solution in a difficult environment and with delicate timings. CHP were particularly pleased with the end-solution benefit of ongoing maintenance.
SUCCESS IN SIX WEEKS
Upgrade to existing server room
The Challenge: London’s Imperial War Museum’s existing server room was not suitable to deploy high density IT equipment and the client had identified a new space and was in urgent need of a complete design & build server room solution.
Solution: The turnaround that Keysource achieved from initial meeting, to submitting a proposal, acceptance by the client, and final completion, was outstanding. Within just 6 weeks, a raised floor and suspended ceiling had been constructed, an 40KW N+1 Symmetra PX UPS with 2 downflow air handling units and capacity for 7 racks were installed, and a Netbotz environmental and plant monitoring package secured.
The Benefits: By responding to such aggressive deadlines quickly and efficiently, Keysource relieved the client of a fast-failing facility and replaced it with a much-needed upgrade with capacity for future growth. Keysource went on to complete two further installations including one at London’s cabinet war room.
PLEASANT SURPRISE FOR BIBBY
Server room upgrade
The Challenge: Bibby Distribution, a major logistics and shipping company based in Liverpool needed to refurbish their existing data centre with minimum disruption to the day-to-day working of the organisation.
The Solution: Keysource had been recommended to Bibby and were invited to undertake a thorough audit with recommendations of how the current facility could be converted within the tight specification remit. Keysource presented a design solution that incorporated 9 racks supported by a single 80kW UPS system and cooled using a ‘front-discharge’ cooling system. Keysource were required to work at weekends to avoid disruption to the ‘live’ data centre and surrounding office areas.
Benefits: Keysource provided added value in terms of project delivery. The feasibility of their proposed design was initially questioned by the client, however with added reassurance, technical know-how, a close working relationship and vision for the complete end-solution plus the willingness by Keysource to work out of hours, Bibby Distribution was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the end result.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Data centre installation in ‘listed’ building
The Challenge: Wakefield District Council were faced with an aging data centre in County Hall and had identified a new space at a different building to create a new facility. The new space presented particular ‘listed’ building constraints as well as a limited ceiling. Keysource became involved at the initial audit stage and were asked to work with WDC to design the facility and compile the tender specification.
The Solution: Keysource won the tender and rose to the challenge of the room constraints by designing a ‘bowling alley’ cooling solution with a ceiling return air plenum. The 120KW UPS system was installed in an adjacent room and a 440KVA diesel generator was installed externally in a brick enclosure to meet strict building regulations.
The Benefits: Keysource’s indepth technical audit and follow on design tackled the restricted environment and presented an achievable solution for combating the inevitable airflow issues.
Newcastle College
The data centre process: Consultancy > Design > Build > Manage
The Challenge: Newcastle College needed a single source supplier to completely refit and modernise their data centre. The College needed to go out to tender, however they were unsure of exactly what was required from the refit and how to go about sourcing and providing specifications for the tender documentation.
The Solution: Keysource carried out an initial technical audit of the existing data centre to better understand the commercial and operational needs as well as providing specifications for the tender documentation. Keysource provided a ‘best practice’ solution for the new facility as well as a Performance Specification that could be built into the tender documents. The tender went out to the market, Keysource fully met the brief and won the contract.
The Delivery: keysource’s structural team raised the floor and installed a suspended ceiling for the new data centre. Our installation team installed 18 APC Netshelter racks, an 80KVA UPS system which was supported by a 275kVA Generator capable of providing 9 hours autonomy. The room was made secure by installing air conditioning units to provide 80kW N+1 cooling and Fire suppression including an FM200 system and a VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Alert) system. Security is assured by installing a new door access systems using proximity entrance cards and the data centre is monitored by APC Netbotz system which monitors temperature, humidity and leak detections. This is also configured to monitor Air Handling Units, UPS, Generator and fire alarm system common alarms.
Home Group Ltd
Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling consultancy
Housing Association Home Group Ltd of Newcastle upon Tyne commissioned Keysource to conduct a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of its existing data centre. The CFD experts at Keysource created a Virtual Facility © - a 3-D mathematical representation of Home Group’s existing facility.
The CFD analysis highlighted potential hotspot and airflow issues which could not have been predicted without the use of the CFD technology. Mark Robson: "the CFD findings showed that there were indeed significant airflow issues which needed to be addressed if the facility was to be used to it’s full potential".
From the CFD analysis, Keysource were able to highlight suitable corrective actions and recommendations to the server/rack layout to help optimise capacity and mitigate the risk of downtime.
To read the full case study click here
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Dow Corning
High density computer room design and build
Keysource designed a solution based around keeping Dow Corning’s IT services up and running at all times – with no downtime during install. Having attended a number of design meetings, Keysource submitted proposals supported by room layout drawings for approval. It was our ability to make it easy for the client that ultimately won the deal. Keysource managed the project from end to end, providing a dedicated site supervisor throughout.
Keysource striped out the existing room including all existing data cabling, power and air-conditioning. A new 180mm raised access floor and a new suspended ceiling was installed.
A 40kW Redundant Powerstruxure UPS, scalable to 80kW N+1 was commissioned. For cooling provisions, the design criteria was 34kW N+1 but by using the APC ISX Hot Aisle Containment system, this capacity could increase to 51KW N+1. Additional standby power was provided by an onsite generator.
Environmental Monitoring provided full Temperature and Humidity Monitoring. Security was assured by Access Control and the room was protected by Fire Suppression. The project delivered extremely great value, whilst providing redundancy and future scalability for Dow Corning’s IT services.
BMRB
Data centre: design, build and management
BMRB is one of the UK’s longest established research agencies and today it is also one of the largest and best resourced agencies in Europe.
Keysource were invited to design, build and maintain a high availability and secure data centre to support business operations. The new facility needed to accommodate IT equipment with increasing power and cooling demands.
Keysource design and built the data centre, accommodating a roof mounted, 250kVA standby diesel generator. An 80kW APC Silcon UPS (80kVA N+1 solution) were housed within APC Netshelter VX racks and these are cooled by CRAC units. FM200 fire suppression and VESDA smoke detection coupled with Physical security and CCTV monitoring, provides a safe, reliable environment.
To read the full case study click here
Brunel University
UPS, Generator and Air Conditioning
Brunel University has become one of the country’s leaders in providing education in engineering, science, technology and social sciences. With rapid student growth, high availability of scaleable IT services is vital.
Keysource were invited to tender for the project of providing a secure power solution for Brunel’s network centre. The project was initiated as a result of major network failure, during a two day power outage at the University.
Keysource’s mission was to provide a stable and resilient network power, and guarantee IT uptime at a location undergoing heavy redevelopment with an already unstable mains supply. The APC InfraStruXure Solution, 60kW N+1 APC Symmetra UPS, Wall mounted CRAC units and 275kW standby diesel generator were installed to achieve this aim.
Keysource continue to work with Brunel in 2007 as they plan to undertake their next stage of IT expansion.
To read the full case study click here
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Bayer UK
Data centre design and build
The Bayer UK/Ireland Region is part of the global concern Bayer AG, which has a yearly turnover of 30 billion Euro's across its three main business areas - HealthCare, MaterialScience and CropScience.
Keysource were invited to provide an end-to-end datacentre design and build service to help Facilities meet IT demands for zero downtime at their UK headquarters in Newbury.
Keysource’s solution was to install an APC InfraStruXure Solution, 2 x 40kW APC Silcon UPS (2N), 3 x 20kW floor standing air conditioning units based in a raised floor environment. Keysource also successfully won the tender to provided annual maintenance on this equipment.
To read the full case study click here
Ecclesiastical (EIG)
Ecclesiastical (EIG) are specialist insurer for charities, care homes, schools, nurseries, and heritage properties. Keysource were successful in winning the competitive tender to design, build and provide a secure power solution for EIG’s reconditioned data centre.
Keysource first task was to rearrange the existing room layout and install raised access flooring to provide a single large room. Next by installing an air conditioning system, Keysource were able to eliminate hotspots within the data centre. Keysource installed UPS-backed electrical services to new room, including automatic changeover connection to existing generator and installing fibre-optic data cabling and termination to room. Finally by installing CCTV, a secure door access system and a smoke detection system to the room, Keysource were able to provide a secure environment for EIG's new data centre.
Kroll
Data centre design and build
Keysource succeeded in a competitive tender to design and build Kroll’s new data centre in July 2006. In order to deliver a facility which met the demands of Kroll operational requirements, Keysource installed a new UPS systems and UPS-backed electrical services to the new room. These units were backed up by a Generator with 48-hour fuel tank in basement car park.
To keep the data centre secure and fully operational, Keysource install an air conditioning system, a gas-based fire suppression system coupled with VESDA fire detection system. Security is assured with full environmental monitoring.
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