Reference report PIKO Spielwaren GmbH: virtualization server and high availability
The challenge
For optimal production and working conditions in the future, the management of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH decided to update the IT to the latest technology. The outdated hardware and software were to be replaced, as the capacity limits had been reached. PIKO's biggest challenges were the increasing amount of data and a lack of flexible expansion options. In this context, storage virtualization and its advantages were examined. Furthermore, a migration of the domain and the groupware solution was scheduled for the near future.
The decision for SIGMA Chemnitz as IT project partner
In order to be able to carry out the renewal of the IT infrastructure in the company in a structured and efficient manner, PIKO was looking for a competent partner.
After a reference visit to Dr. Quendt KG organized by SIGMA Chemnitz with a tour of the IT infrastructure installed there, PIKO decided to work with SIGMA Systemhaus Chemnitz.
The IT project was initially dimensioned by the sales department and pre-planned with the help of an IT sizing developed by SIGMA Chemnitz. This way, the current state could be documented and the goals well defined, so the best solution for PIKO Spielwaren GmbH could be found.
The implementation of the IT project – storage system & virtualization server
First, the goals found during IT sizing were defined in more detail. The resulting detailed planning was done with the SIGMA project manager and the PIKO IT department. "The detailed planning clarifies many questions about the structure and the procedure, but also takes a lot of risk out of the IT project," says the IT manager of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH.
As a result of the preliminary planning, a central storage solution of the latest generation Fujitsu ETERNUS DX100S3 with Fibre Channel and two connected virtualization servers were selected with VMware as virtualization software. An existing server and storage is used again as a backup solution. This ensures a sensible use of the existing hardware. Backup software from VEEAM was installed. The combination of storage, virtualization and backup enables a flexible and available IT system for the future increasing requirements.
The traditional company PIKO Spielwaren GmbH, founded in 1949, is one of the leading manufacturers of model trains. At two production sites in Germany and abroad, PIKO model railway products are manufactured to meet the most diverse needs of model railway enthusiasts. The company's more than 550 employees also produce for industrial and advertising customers. These are mainly individually printed, high-quality promotional items. The range of products includes different gauges and various locomotive and car models, as well as full equipment with buildings, tracks and many other accessories.
The pictures show the owner of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH Dr. René F. Wilfer (left) and a selection from the production range (right). Image source: PIKO Spielwaren GmbH
