Amtra Case Study

AMTRA contacted Lucid Systems directly because they needed a new web server. They knew that the transfer of data could be complicated, so they required a system which could run side-by-side with their existing server until they were ready to make the switch.

Initially, the client was looking to facilitate a web server which would allow them to undertake web development. However, because their live website was running on a PC with Apache software, it was becoming increasingly tricky to manage. They needed a new web server which would not just have Internet Information Services (IIS) installed, but it would be SQL ready and able to easily become their live website host.

The client first approached us after finding us via a Google web search. As is our commitment to customer care, we quickly went to meet the client in person to discuss their current IT solutions, and to determine what requirements we felt would be most beneficial.

We felt that they would be suited to the installation of a physical server which would act as a hypervisor hosting two separate virtual servers. This would allow them one dedicated web server which would host their live website, whilst a second virtual web server could be used by the client to test and develop a new website. This would allow the client confidence that they could continue their web development plans without comprising the functionality of the existing website until it was ready to go live.

As part of our analysis, we also wanted to ensure that AMTRA was set up as efficiently as they could be to manage the needs of their internal users as well as their external audiences who may require access to their web server. As a result, we suggested that we moved away from a single dynamic IP to a fixed external subnet. This would allow us to install a new firewall and router which could handle multiple web-facing servers. It also had the added benefit of allowing us to create a new virtual local area network (VLAN) which would separate the corporate network for visitor and guest Wi-Fi access.

Finally, we recommended that we relocated the equipment and the new NAS drive into a dedicated communications cabinet. This meant that we could ensure that everything was set up in an easy-to-use manner for the client.

Throughout the process, we worked closely with AMTRA to ensure that they were fully informed of what we planned to do and why. We worked alongside the internal team to schedule the installation at a time that suited them, and regular email updates were managed up until the point that we arrived on site.

When we started the physical installation, it took just two working days to build up the network from scratch. This meant that the client was able to be fully functional in a fast turnaround time.

AMTRA is in full agreement that the installation of the new physical server and the resulting virtual web servers have resolved their issues. They are now able to manage their new server independently and they are aware that in the long run, they now have a system that will meet their changing needs with stronger performance and increased reliability.

“I had been trying for months to find a company to do the work we desperately required completing. From the first moment that I spoke to Lucid’s technical team, I established they were highly professional and well organised.

Having had a long career in business and IT, I have dealt with many companies and many salespeople; Lucid is the first to exceed my expectations. They did everything our company required and more. They had the depth and scope of technical knowledge we needed, were diligent in carrying it out and had that ‘can do’ attitude that most organisations covet.”

John Greenstreet

IT and Communications Exec

Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority

As Technical Director, Karl is our most senior engineer and responsible for delivering solutions and providing support to our 2nd and 3rd line engineers ensuring that they can resolve any technical issues reported by our clients.