Colt delivers a disaster recovery service for online content provision to Sdu Uitgevers

Colt has designed and deployed a disaster recovery solution for Sdu Uitgevers, one of the Netherland’s leading publishers of professional information. Using Colt’s Optimum services for IT, the robust business continuity provision will support Sdu’s online content publication strategy and is the latest service in a decade long relationship between Colt and the publisher.

Sdu Uitgevers specialises in providing content to professionals active in legal affairs, fiscal law, central and local government and regulatory information for industry. As the demand for traditional print declines, Sdu is increasingly focusing on online content distribution – where brand reputation depends on being able to provide customers with fast, reliable access to valuable content on demand and delivering a seamless user experience.

“With more than 250,000 web visitors a month, we need to ensure customers have a consistent, positive and reliable connection to our products,” says Geoff Hack, Manager, IT Operations, for Sdu Uitgevers. “As well as providing 24/7 access to quality content, it’s crucial that our content management, online and order fulfilment systems are fully functional at all times.”

At peak times, up to 6000 concurrent connections are using online products provided by Sdu. Poor service availability can badly damage an existing relationship or lose a lucrative prospect for the publisher. In this competitive market, customer retention is underpinned by the accessibility and stability of Sdu’s technology infrastructure.

After Sdu had reassessed the resilience of its IT environment, Colt worked closely with the publisher to implement a dual site disaster recovery solution. Colt is responsible for the day-to-day management of the infrastructure and the integrity of the backup, ensuring Sdu’s customers have uninterrupted access to the publisher’s online services.

Sander Kerkhoffs, Regional General Manager for Colt said: “In-house IT departments increasingly recognise the need for an experienced and trusted partner to manage business continuity, allowing them to focus on developing their products and improving customer engagement. Colt’s managed services enable Sdu to expand its online presence, with the peace of mind and flexibility that comes from working with an experienced service provider.”

Colt’s agility and experience are particularly valuable to Sdu, as Hack confirms: “Some of the big hosting companies we spoke to don’t have the flexibility we require. Sdu and Colt have a good fit when it comes to size – if we need to make an urgent change, we don’t have to wait a couple of weeks. As well as being responsive, Colt also adds value with proactive support. The relationship is based on deep business understanding, which means we avoid problems with our service continuity.”

The relationship is set to grow as Sdu develops new products. The publisher has already been recognised as a pioneer in its use of IT infrastructure and is looking at shared data requirements on behalf of the group CIO, within the parent company ELS Group. The solution devised with Colt, a move into cloud based service provision, could form part of the proposed solution.

Colt Optimum is the name of the direct-to-enterprise portfolio across IT, Network and Communication Services. These services are differentiated by their unique combination of network reach, integrated technology, service management and commercial flexibility. They complement Colt Ceano, which is designed specifically for Colt’s indirect channel.