EOS Systems in the IT driving seat with Value Cabs EOS Systems have recently completed an IT business continuity project for leading Belfast based taxi firm Value Cabs.  This deal strengthens the ongoing partnership between the two companies.

EOS Systems implemented a solution based on Computer Associates XOsoft High Availability software ensuring that Value Cabs have access to mission critical data in the event of a major disaster.

CA XOsoft software products offer combined business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities for critical applications such as email, database and file storage running on physical or virtual servers.

The solution provided to Value Cabs replicates data in real time from the organisation’s primary server on their main site to a server on another site.  If disaster strikes on the primary server then the system  will ‘failover’ to the replicated server on the remote site ensuring that Value Cabs have continuous data protection.

CA XOsoft HA copies data securely from the primary server to the secondary server via a VPN (Virtual Private Network).  After an initial first data copy, subsequent data changes are sent to the secondary server ensuring fast and efficient network throughput.  The software continually monitors the health of the network and will transfer users to the secondary server in the event of an outage with a minimum of disruption.

In addition to replication, XOsoft also provides a testing facility, ensuring that systems, applications and data are ready in the event of a failure.   Testing can be performed without bringing any of the systems down.  A data rewind facility is also included enabling a snapshot of the system to be taken should the network need rolled back to an earlier instance, this feature is particularly useful in the event of a serious virus attack, system corruption or user error.

”EOS Systems have provided us with excellent IT support for over 3 years.” Stephen McCausland of Value Cabs commented.  “This solution enhances our existing set-up, guaranteeing business continuity should disaster strike.”

Paul Mayne, Managing Director of EOS Systems said  ”Business continuity planning should be a priority for any company that relies heavily on IT systems for their everyday operations.” “XOsoft provides a solution that gives our clients peace of mind, knowing that their data will always be available.”

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BCHA keep their IT house in order with EOS Systems

Belfast Community Housing Association have completed a consolidation of their IT systems and website with EOS Systems.  The move saw the Association update from a non-server based system to a Windows 2003 and Exchange Server solution, providing a stable and reliable IT infrastructure to run their business. In addition to email and file/print services, BCHA implemented their tenant information database on their new server allowing effective management of their assets, tenants and finances. 

Belfast Community Housing Association is a growing social housing provider with over 530 properties in Belfast, Newtownards, Bangor, Newtownabbey and Downpatrick.   Plans are also in place expand their property base in other areas such as Ballymena, Coalisland, Ballywalter, Killyleagh, Lurgan and Portadown.

Such an expansion demands IT systems that are reliable and able to cope with the day to day running of a busy social housing provider.  Dermot Curran Chief Executive of BCHA said, “As a growing business, I consider our IT support systems to be an integral element of good service provision”

Dermot also commented “Our work with EOS Systems since 2006 has improved how we provide our service to not only our tenants, but other clients such as local community groups, political representatives and statutory agencies such as the Housing Executive and Department of Social Development”.

In addition to his duties as Chief Executive of BCHA, Dermot also chairs a Housing Association Joint Venture Group.  The Joint Venture Group is a body of Housing Associations that collaborate in the acquisition of products and services to reduce costs.  Through this scheme he has achieved IT cost savings from EOS Systems for other Housing Associations such as Connswater Homes, Ballynafeigh Housing Association, Presbyterian Housing Association, Filor Housing Association and Flax Housing.

Paul Mayne Managing Director of EOS Systems said, “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to implement IT solutions for BCHA and the other Housing Associations that are members of the Joint Venture Group.  We fully support and endorse the goal of each of the Associations in providing services to areas that have a real need for social housing.”

EOS Systems specialise in providing IT solutions, maintenance and support for organisations in the private, public and community sectors.  If you would like more information please call Paul Mayne on 028 9045 9222 or email paul@eossystems.co.uk

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