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Sybase offers a wide range of enterprise software and services. Its products, world-class professional services, and partner technologies provide a comprehensive platform for delivering the integrated solutions businesses need to be successful.
Sybase’s Maarssen offices are approximately 12-years-old and house 200 staff, working on 8 floors within a 12 floor building. A centralised voice and data network was previously expanded incrementally to accommodate the company’s expansion plans, but a stalemate was reached when there was no room left in the risers to incorporate any more cable. It was then decided to install a completely new decentralised Category 6 network.
Molex Premise Networks’ PowerCat 6 is a complete cabling network system comprising patch-panels, patch leads, outlets and connectors. Components are designed for reliability and ease of installation. Patch panels come with integral cable management, multi-coloured patch leads have matching coloured boots.
Business Operations Manager for Sybase EMEA, Ingrid Groeneweg, explains why the company opted for a Category 6 system: „We wanted the best possible performance and the most future proof solution. We are always looking to make use of new business technologies as they become available and so improve our efficiency. To do this we need a network in place that will support these advances.”
For example, Sybase is currently considering switching from conventional telecom lines to Voice over IP (VoIP). The potential savings are considerable and Sybase is convinced that it is more economical to invest in bandwidth rather than phone lines. The old network was not reliable enough to support VoIP, but tests run by Sybase on the new PowerCat 6 network were 100 percent successful.
The new Category 6 voice and data network consists of a fibre backbone with a computer room on each floor in a classic structured cabling star topology with 16,000 points. An important factor was to provide eight points for each existing workstation and so allow room for future expansion. Every point is connected throughout, so any moves, adds or changes can be accommodated without having to make new connections or reconfigure patch panels. The network is designed to last for between five and 10 years.
Ramon Weldam, Senior Network Engineer, Sybase: „One of the key advantages of installing a new network from scratch is that we have been able to properly label and document every link, wall plate and patch lead. We know exactly where each piece of cable goes.” He adds, „We chose Datra Systems to install the network because they have worked for us before. We know them to be flexible and reliable.”
Beginning in March 2001, installation of the network and a complete refurbishment of the building was completed floor by floor over 10 months. During this period Sybase took over a new floor in the building enabling them to move staff around while work was carried out. Maintenance on each floor took four weeks.
„Working together – installer, manufacturer and end user – was very important in getting this project completed,” explains Ingrid Groeneweg. „Datra Systems had never installed a Category 6 system before so Molex sent some of their people over to train them. Everyone worked very hard to make sure the project didn’t slip, sometimes staying through the night or over weekends to keep on schedule.”
John Titman, Datra Systems: „Molex provided us with a lot of technical support and assistance. The comprehensive Molex Premise Networks product warranty is also very important.”
