TeraMach Keeps Telesat on the Leading Edge

A long-standing relationship with TeraMach helps Telesat's Satellite Control Software division stay at the forefront of technology in robust storage and backup solutions, powerful server platforms and efficient client workstations.

SUMMARY

Headquartered in Ottawa, Telesat is a world leader in satellite communications and systems management. Created in 1969, the company owns and operates a fleet of satellites that provide broadcast distribution and telecommunications services, and has become a highly respected consultant and partner in satellite ventures around the world. The Satellite Control Software division is responsible for developing, integrating and maintaining the software and systems used to safely operate Telesat-owned and customer-owned satellites worldwide.

Telesat has always based their mission-critical systems on Hewlett Packard (HP) solutions. Reliable hardware and software and a trusted relationship with HP have come to form the foundation of the partnership which continues to this day. When Telesat's HP sales rep recommended that the customer consult with TeraMach going forward, Frank Smith, Director of Satellite Control Software, was surprised. "We were a bit taken aback that HP would propose to send our business to another company, but we were impressed by HP's confidence that TeraMach could handle our extensive requirements. The decision couldn't have been more right."

After first engaging with Telesat in 1997 for the successful implementation of the complex HP OpenView software, TeraMach has since helped Telesat expand their system to feature the breadth of HP workstations and servers, including RISC servers such as the rp7400 and N4000, and B2600 workstations, all running HP-UX. The system also includes 20-slot Ultrium tape libraries and VA7400 storage solutions.

A LEADING EDGE

Mr. Smith and Lead Systems Administrator, Kevin Edwards, point to TeraMach's in-depth knowledge of the latest technology and the Telesat system as a key added value. "Focusing on our core business - the operation of the system - makes it challenging for us to research the newest options on the market," comments Mr. Edwards. "TeraMach applies their extensive familiarity with our set-up and their experience with the HP portfolio to provide that information for us. They are superb at that."

Upgrade plans are regularly in motion, the latest of which will see the careful replacement of their HP PA-RISC workstations with HP's new ZX2000 Itanium machines. The Itanium family of products promises to be more cost effective and to provide Telesat with the flexibility to expand deployment beyond UNIX to Windows, Linux and other options, all on a single workstation.

TeraMach's ability to fully understand Telesat's advanced requirements alleviates the stress that might otherwise be associated with critical system changes. As an HP Channel Partner, TeraMach is well informed about the solutions the manufacturer has to offer. "At Telesat, we are quite savvy about our technology needs. When we know it's time for a capacity enhancement, equipment upgrade, or a proactive look at future trends, we just call TeraMach, and our sales rep takes the responsibility to identify exactly the right HP products and provide them in a timely and responsive fashion," states Mr. Smith.

THE RIGHT SYSTEMS FROM THE RIGHT PARTNER

Telesat has achieved a high comfort level with TeraMach from technical and business perspectives. "When all is said and done, I can sit back and know that we have the right equipment - and an excellent partner - in place," says Mr. Edwards. Mr. Smith adds, "I have complete confidence that TeraMach knows our needs and I know their purpose, and beyond that, our partnership is founded in genuine respect for each other."