Strategic IT Upgrading for a Leading E&P Organisation

We transitioned a major Exploration and Production (E&P) leader from an unstable Peer-to-Peer network to an advanced server architecture, achieving zero downtime and a 25% uplift in computing efficiency.

Executive Summary

For major Exploration and Production (E&P) organisations, data integrity and network stability are non-negotiable operational requirements. Digital Devices was engaged by a prominent national leader in the Oil and Gas industry to execute a fundamental infrastructure transformation. The shift from a legacy Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network to an advanced server environment, leveraging Cisco technology, resolved severe instability and security risks. The resulting efficient system caters to a 200-person workforce and provides the sustainable foundation required to manage an annual data growth rate exceeding 16%.

The Client Profile

Client stands as one of the most significant entities in the nation's Oil and Gas sector, leading the local market in reserves, production, and assets. With a financially stable, debt-free balance sheet, the organisation is strategically positioned for aggressive E&P activity, demanding an IT backbone that is reliable, secure, and ready for rapid scaling.

The Core Business Challenge - Mitigating Operational Instability

By 2016, the reliance on an outdated P2P network was causing severe impediments to growth and risk management:
  • Systemic Instability and Data Loss: The P2P network was inherently less secure and plagued by instability, often leading to access issues, data loss from viruses and spyware, and general resource-sharing difficulties.
  • Decentralized Operations: A critical lack of a centralised computer server meant poor internal communication, fragmented data management, and the inability to establish a unified database for terabytes of critical information, email, and network files.
  • Security and Access Requirements: The mandate from the Board of Directors required a new infrastructure featuring built-in firewall protection and secure remote access to prevent network intrusion.
  • Unsustainable Growth: With storage requirements increasing at a considerable rate of 16.2% per annul, the existing setup was unsustainable, demanding a long-term, high-capacity solution.

The Strategic Technology Roadmap - Transitioning to a Client/Server Model

Digital Devices provided a well-planned approach, implementing a client/server model based on industry-leading Cisco servers, switches, and wireless access points to deliver enhanced security, scalability, and control.

4.1 Centralised Compute and Storage (Cisco UCS)

The council achieved a smooth transition to its enhanced digital capabilities. The refresh has improved user productivity across the board and established a consistent technology baseline, simplifying IT management and enabling the council to deliver better services to its citizens.

4.2 Secure and Efficient Connectivity (Cisco Switching Fabric)

The solution integrated five high-quality Cisco 48-Port and 24-Port Switches. These components were essential for managing the traffic of 200 employees efficiently. Crucially, each switch provided a 10 Gig Uplink, enabling accelerated data transfer speeds. The use of Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality for the switches eliminated the need for separate power cabling, reducing installation time and complexity.

4.3 Ubiquitous Access and Cost Optimisation (Cisco Wireless Programme)

To solve the challenge of interconnecting employees across different vicinities, we deployed Cisco Wireless Access Points (WAPs). These modern access points provide reliable, high-speed connections, supporting data transfer rates up to 450 Mbps, ensuring that the workforce benefits from uninterrupted networking.

Measurable Operational Impact

The strategic migration resulted in immediate and long-term operational improvements, directly supporting the client's business objectives
Focus:Downtime
Key Delivered:Absolute Zero
Outcome Delivered:As quoted by the CTO, achieving maximum network availability and continuity for E&P operations.
Focus:Network Downtime
Key Delivered:+25%
Outcome Delivered:Driven by the 10 Gig Uplink switches, accelerating data throughput across the network.
Focus:Organisational Revenue
Key Delivered:-5%
Outcome Delivered:Achieved through the efficient deployment and management capabilities provided by the Cisco Wireless Access Points.
Focus:Network Sustainability
Key Delivered:Enhanced
Outcome Delivered:The new server and network infrastructure empowered the IT administrator to effectively monitor, manage, and optimise bandwidth to meet the 16.2% annual data growth.