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ONVIF has been garnering a lot of attention from manufacturers, integrators and the media. Even though it was started in 2008, which is an eon in the rapidly changing world of IP security technology, ONVIF has been steadily working to ensure all IP-enabled physical security devices can interoperate with each other and their governing security management systems. The words standardization and interoperability are thrown about, but what does ONVIF actually do? What are the organization’s goals and plans for the future? As the industry evolves, ONVIF is taking center stage in the increasingly global IP physical security industry.
ONVIF is a global and open industry forum with the goal to facilitate the development and use of a global open standard for the interface of physical IP-based security products. Or in other words, to create a standard for how IP products within video surveillance and other physical security areas can communicate with each other. ONVIF is an organization started in 2008 by Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems and Sony.
ONVIF membership is open to manufacturers, software developers, consultants, system integrators, end-users and other interest groups that wish to participate in the activities of ONVIF. The ONVIF specification aims to achieve interoperability between network video products regardless of manufacturer.
The cornerstones of ONVIF are:
• Standardization of communication between network video devices• Interoperability between network video products regardless of manufacturer• Open to all companies and organizations.
The benefits of an open standard for network video include:
• Interoperability – products from various manufacturers can be used in the same systems and speak the same language
• Flexibility – end-users and integrators are not locked within proprietary solutions based on technology choices of individual manufacturers
• Future-proof – standards ensure that there are interoperable products on the market, no matter what happens to individual companies
• Quality – when a product conforms to a standard, the market knows what to expect from that product.
An Open and Independent OrganizationONVIF is open to all companies and interest groups who would like to participate in the work of the forum. It is a nonprofit organization with the goal to create a global standard for IP-based physical security products. Membership comes at three levels of engagement, and the organization has clearly defined membership rules. This ensures that decisions within ONVIF are taken in a democratic manner; the forum is driven by the interest of its members; all members have equal voting rights (one company=one vote); and there is transparency and clarity in all forum activities.
Focus on InteroperabilityProduct interoperability is a driving force behind ONVIF, and this means that there must be a way for manufacturers to verify their implementation and to ensure that their products conform with the specification. ONVIF makes this possible by providing a test specification, a test tool and a formal conformance process.
Organization and ImplementationONVIF has moved forward following the plans laid out in 2008. The first versions of the ONVIF core specification and test specification were made public in the end of 2008. Since then, several working groups within the forum have been formed to develop the specification further and to enable the members to develop and market conformant products.
Anixter Verified ONVIF Conformance with New Test BedAnixter recently developed a test bed using ONVIF’s Conformance Test Tool v1.02.4. The purpose of this test bed is to verify conformance of ONVIF conformant network video transmitter (NVT) devices from Anixter’s manufacturer partners. ONVIF defines an NVT as a network camera or encoder device. This unique test bed also provides a neutral site for Anixter’s manufacturer partners and customers to verify device conformance. The testing setup is part of Anixter’s effort to increase awareness for the importance of ONVIF and a global IP-based security interoperability standard.
“The goal is to allow end-users and integrators to select the best possible products and for manufacturers to follow the conformance standards of ONVIF so their products can be integrated seamlessly into any security network,” said Matt Powers, Anixter’s Technical Director for Security Solutions. “The objective is to provide the freedom of choice to select any camera for the network.”
For more information on the ONVIF and Anixter’s involvement with standards bodies, visit ONVIF’s website.
Meeting Industry Standards Compliance with the Open Network Video Interface Forum
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Virtualized Data Center Requires Enhanced Infrastructures to Maintain Performance
One of the hottest trends in data center design is virtualization, which works by migrating several servers to one. Instead of having individual servers for specific functions (e.g., e-mail), the functions are partitioned into different parts on one server. Dedicating a server to one application creates inefficiencies and adds costs. With more than 390 GB of data created every second, the world’s appetite for more feature-rich information keeps grow-ing, and with it, comes the need for data centers to store and process that information. However, as the worldwide pool of data grows, corporations are increasingly consolidating and centralizing data center operations to save costs associated with their operation and maintenance, such as real estate, taxes, utilities and other physical support groups (e.g., security, electrical and mechanical systems). These new high-density data centers save on physical costs by reducing equipment and floor space costs for servers in remote offices, cutting software licenses and distribution costs, and reducing operating expenses.
One consolidation strategy is server virtualization, which harnesses the computing power of multiple servers into logical groupings, known as virtual servers, running concurrently on the corporate network. Virtualization essentially breaks the link of the physical server and the software applications that run on it. Because the software applications run on virtual machines, virtualization realizes greater computing and power efficiencies by maximizing the utilization of the physical servers that support the software. Virtualization provides network administrators with essential flexibility and agility in managing data center environments while delivering rapid deployment, rapid adoption of change and flexible disaster recovery.
To implement a virtualized environment, data center managers need to plan for higher kilowatt data centers and supplement existing environmental controls with state-of-the-art cooling and power systems. A Category 6A copper or OM3/OM4 fiber cabling plant needs to be installed to handle the higher bandwidth requirements for the individual servers.
From a physical hardware perspective, the use of high-density blade server technology facilitates server virtualization. By containing multiple servers in a single chassis-based enclosure, blade servers maximize CPU processing power per watt of power consumed. However, its higher density platform changes the design paradigm on which traditional data centers were built. As computing resources consolidate into smaller physical footprints, the kW usage per square foot increases as does the associated cooling require-ments. With next-generation data centers consuming upward of 1 megawatt of electricity and producing as much as 20 kW of heat on a per cabinet basis, data center managers will need to contend with power and thermal management challenges as well as increased distances between stand-alone and redundant data centers. Even with these concerns, or-ganizations are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a network of servers distributed across the country or world and are turning to data center consolidation to cut IT costs, tighten data security, meet regulatory requirements and improve operational efficiency.
To fully realize the many organizational benefits of consolidation and virtualization, there are inherent design challenges that must be overcome. An understanding of the complexi-ties associated with provisioning of high-output, high-efficiency three-phase power distribution systems used to support blade server technology is essential. Once the power requirements for supporting the computing load is understood, the correct thermal man-agement or cooling strategy can then be developed. A passive or active cooling solution with the ability to provide enough capacity for upwards of 20 kW a cabinet heat loads will
be needed. Virtualization also requires an improve-ment of network bandwidth and latency performance. High-bandwidth technologies such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet using laser-optimized 50-micron fiber (OM3 and OM4 rated) and Category 6A twisted-pair cabling will alleviate the potential bottlenecks associated with aggregating computing resources using virtualized servers and storage platforms. Lastly, following the TIA-942 and ISO/IEC 24764 data center standards will ensure the cabling infrastructure is designed to effectively support virtualized server environments as well as scale with network growth.
Server Virtualization of Anixter’s Data CenterWhereas many companies hire third-party consultants to help with their server virtualiza-tion efforts, Anixter’s I/S organization chose to do this in house to learn more about virtualization and to lower the costs of implementation. For the past three years, I/S has been addressing the server virtualization of its data center at its corporate headquarters in Glenview. To date, about 80 percent of the 250 plus servers have been virtualized.
As a leader in data center infrastructure, it is important that we put into practice what we tell our customers. Today, when customers take a tour of Anixter’s Infrastructure Solutions Lab, we can demonstrate how virtualization works and benefits data center operations and designs. Those same customers will then tour our corporate data center to clearly see the advantages of server virtualization, including sustainability.
The Value Of Server VirtualizationDedicating a server to one application creates inefficiencies and adds costs. Through virtualization, Anixter has reduced its hardware footprint in the data center by eliminating half of the server racks. As a result, the data center requires less air conditioning and power, while providing room to add hardware for new business requirements.
More recently, Anixter’s server virtualization program had a role in ensuring that Anixter’s global operations continued when a severe summer storm knocked out power to its corporate headquarters. As the power outage lasted for two days, a backup generator was keeping essential services running, including the data center. The recently implemented virtualization strategies in the data center lowered the overall power draw from the gen-erator which extended the normal run time to 48 plus hours versus the original planned time of 21 hours. That extended runtime reduced the consumption of diesel fuel required for the generator, thus lowering costs.
What Is Next In The World Of Virtualization At Anixter? A virtualized desktop environment might be the next step for Anixter. Instead of being tied to a specific workstation, employees will be given a user ID which can be used to log into a URL from any Web-enabled device, whether it is a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device.
To learn more about this topic and other ways to optimize your data center, request an on-site training at anixter.com/2011convergedDC.
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Anixter Receives Partner of the Year Award from CSIA CCCA Encounters Counterfeit Offshore Cable
In recognition for its efforts in helping customers implement best practices to provide the successful application of automation technology, Anixter has received the Control
Systems Integrator Association’s 2011 “Partner of the Year” award. The award recognizes a company that has significantly contributed to the betterment of CSIA and its members and has promoted CSIA certification.
As the automation industry continues its shift from fieldbus communications to Industrial Ethernet applications, manufacturers and integrators understandably have questions about the latest products, technologies and best practices needed to improve processes and operations. As a company that evaluates the latest products in its Infrastructure Solu-tions Lab and sits on standards bodies to keep abreast of the latest specifications, Anixter works with customers to find the best possible solutions to these changing needs.
Mike Durot, Anixter’s Vice President of Marketing and Inventory Management for U.S. Wire & Cable, accepts the CSIA’s Partner of the Year award.
“The 2011 Partner of the Year award is an important achievement and a significant recog-nition of Anixter’s efforts in the industrial automation space,” said Mike Durot, Anixter’s Vice President of Marketing and Inventory Management for U.S. Wire & Cable. “Industrial automation is a top priority for our company globally and being part of CSIA is integral to our understanding the market better and the needs of the integrator community.”
As the originator of the cabling performance specifications that later became the TIA Category standards, Anixter is committed to bringing its technical expertise to help cus-tomers migrate mission-critical industrial control systems from traditional applications to Ethernet-based plug-and-play solutions.
With more than 2,600 sales specialists, Anixter keeps customers informed about the lat-est products, applications, trends, standards and emerging technologies. Anixter supports current and emerging industrial networking technologies, such as hardwired, fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet topologies, with the right products to bring IP networking knowledge to the process and manufacturing industries. Anixter bundles its products with innovative Supply Chain Solutions to help customers stay focused on their core competencies.
For more information on the CSIA, visit the website at controlsys.org.
To learn more about Anixter’s Industrial Automation offering, contact your local Anixter representative or visit the Infrastructure Solutions Lab page.
The CCCA has recently encountered several problems with offshore cables making their way to the U.S. In March, the CCCA tested Category 5e and Category 6 cables and found them to be
made with copper-clad aluminum conductors instead of solid copper
conductors, which violates several safety standards including UL 444. Cables made with copper-clad aluminum conductors do not have a valid safety listing and cannot be legally installed into areas of buildings that require CM, CMG, CMX, CMR or CMP rated cables. When the CCCA conducted safety tests of random offshore cables in 2008, it found that regardless of the fraudulent independent testing labels (e.g., NFPA) the cables failed physical requirements, electrical requirements and flame tests. The cables had serious faults when it came to performance and safety.
Contact your local Anixter representative for more information.
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Anixter Continues Its Channel Partner Summits
Anixter’s Channel Partner Summits are integrator-focused events that discuss the latest solutions surrounding IP-based physical security products to address the need for migration, interoperability and convergence.
At this nationwide event, customers learn about products, technologies and best practices in the rapidly evolving security market. Leading experts who will share insights on network and security strategies for unparalleled competitive advantage. The Channel Partner Summits are designed to explore the major trends affecting the network and security markets—from consolidation and interoperability to standards compliance and shifting technologies—to help customers make the best choices to ensure their networks remain secure and future-ready.
“The growing complexity of the security market is increasing the need to adapt to new technologies in order to remain competitive,” said Matt Powers, Anixter’s Technical Director of Security Solutions. “Because product and technology offerings are becoming more diverse, it is important for integrators to learn the fundamentals of interoperability and how market pressures and changing technologies are affecting demands.”
Experts from Anixter, security consultants, manufacturers and end-users have come together to provide a complete discussion of the featured topics. The half-day events include:
• A keynote presentation from a representative of Connex International, a well-known security consultant who helps certify integrators on manufacturers’ programs Anixter technical professionals with expertise in infrastructure that supports networking and security solutions
• A live panel discussion made up of industry experts including end-user representatives
• A mini trade show featuring product manufacturers that are developing the latest technologies and applications
• A casino-theme event reception and networking.
The events are a great way for attendees to come together and discover new opportunities. “I actually closed a deal today while we were here,” said an attendee at a recent Channel Partner Summit. “While I was closing that deal, I was able to go to the four manufacturers who were supporting me in that deal and I was able to validate every key point and make sure that they are ready to have the material ready for me, validate the design and get ready to go.“
The next Channel Partner Summits will be:December 8, 2011, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Missed an event? You can request a one-on-one presentation at anixter.com/2011CPS.
Products. Technology. Services. Delivered Globally.
Summary
CustomerMajor international airport
ChallengeUpgrade and expand an airport’s existing security systems; install an IP network and divest a proprietary analog system, its costs and operational constraints
SolutionAnixter provided training in integrated IP technology to help the end-user select the technology and hardware appropriate to its enhanced security and surveillance requirements and invited manufacturers to make product demonstrations to acquire information needed to make informed decisions
Results• Eliminated proprietary system’s
older technology• Reduced maintenance costs• Enhanced security system with sophisticated
capabilities for greater passenger security through an integrated ordering platform
• Expanded surveillance system that allows for greater flexibility and capabilities to store, retrieve and analyze video information
Customer ChallengeSince 2005, a U.S. based international airport has seen a 25 percent increase in traffic and now boasts of more than 700 daily departures to 130 cities. The airport serves nearly 250,000 aircraft operations per year with annual traveler figures of more than 10 million. Three terminals serve the airport, with one dedicated to administrative functions. The main entry and bagging collection point for arrivals and departures is in Terminal 3, which is the most heavily trafficked and serves as the main concourse via an underground people mover.
Terminal 3 holds the airport’s main security checkpoint before passengers depart to the concourse. The existing video security system relied on CCTV equipment. Because of heightened awareness of terrorism and safety concerns, the airport wanted to upgrade its current equipment to a more modern IP-based solution. However, budget constraints and an uncertain economy placed monetary pressures on the upgrade. The airport wanted to spread the cost of the IP security system out over a three year period. More than 200 IP cameras were to be installed at locations throughout the passenger facilities and on the airport grounds. To facilitate the transition and defer upgrade costs to later in the project, some analog cameras were kept in use and equipped with encoders to digitize their output to the IP network’s servers.
With the existing CCTV posing a number of functional restraints including poor video quality and unreliable storage, the airport decided to install an IP system that would provide greater flexibility and adaptability to emerging technologies and equipment. The airport knew the type of solution it wanted, but because it was locked into a particular manufacturer’s product set for so long, the airport was unfamiliar with the new technologies that were available to help meet its physical security goals. The airport contracted a systems integrator to design and install the IP-based video surveillance system. The integrator also needed a solution that could source the products to meet the specifications while providing best practices and knowledge on the technology and materials.
Anixter SolutionThe airport selected Anixter for assistance with the evaluation, selection and purchase of cameras, software and cable for the conversion to the IP network. While the airport developed its security initiatives, Anixter leveraged its expertise in IP technology to provide training to the systems integrator. An Anixter systems engineer and security specialist prepared presentations that highlighted the latest products, technologies and best practices for networking and video surveillance solutions.
CASE STUDY Major Airport Upgrades Video Surveillance System
Anixter’s technical expertise enabled the systems integrator and airport to install a video surveillance solution that provided the much needed coverage and security required of a critical resource facility. By coupling technical knowledge and supply chain expertise with a vast product offering, Anixter was able to provide a holistic approach to securing the airport’s facilities.
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Technical Expertise
Anixter’s national network of highly trained security specialists is supported by 2,700 salespeople in North America. They are ready to help you make informed decisions about the vast product offerings available in today’s rapidly changing security marketplace. Whether you are an end-user, integrator or contractor, Anixter works to accommodate your needs and requirements, allowing you to focus on your core competency.
Anixter has a variety of resources dedicated to keeping its customers current on the latest products, applications, standards and emerging technologies:
• Infrastructure Solutions Lab with end-to-end testing and performance reports
• Compatibility testing to ensure interoperability of products
• Technical knowledge of complete systems for surveillance and access control
• Deep understanding of IT and telecommunications standards
• Technical support with regional security managers and local networking and security experts
• Training and educational opportunities through Anixter UniversitySM
• Technical Committee Chair at ONVIF to keep abreast of the latest developments and provide input into ONVIF specifications
By working with the airport’s director of security, the city’s chief of police and the airport’s general manager, Anixter’s technical and security experts provided a broad overview of the IP platform and its capabilities. Anixter also brought in key manufacturer partners to explain how different products interact and are used to secure the perimeter, terminals and concourses of the airport. While the old system only provided a centralized room access to the video images from the system’s cameras, the new technology enabled anyone with access to view any camera from any place on the network. With cameras that could be controlled remotely, Anixter demonstrated the functional and financial benefits of switching to an IP platform.
Anixter provided a range of training on video surveillance technologies, including a day devoted to analog systems and a day devoted to IP-based systems. Anixter showed how an IP-based video surveillance system allowed the airport to view multiple cameras over a single network while providing greater scalability and flexibility to meet changing needs. An IP-based system also allowed the airport to adapt to future technologies such as infrared imaging or analytics that provide greater intelligence than stand-alone analog systems. After going through the principles behind the technology and the different product sets, the airport decided that an IP-based system best met its needs now and for future expansion.
Anixter worked upfront with the general manager of the airport, the director of security and the chief of police to train them on the technology and products, but also to ensure delivery of products arrived on schedule to minimize any downtime in the security system. Because the airport was fully operational during the upgrade, replacing the video surveillance cameras had to be carefully coordinated to not leave gaps in coverage. Anixter worked with the security integrator to develop a delivery schedule that matched the integrator’s deployment plan to ensure safety of the airport’s passengers.
Project ResultsBy phasing out the CCTV system and standardizing the surveillance cameras, the IP platform enabled the airport’s security team to take advantage of a number of technological advances, including video content analysis. With control of the system’s cameras networked into a computer, objects can be identified and tracked throughout the facility. The system can now “recognize” when a piece of luggage has been left unattended and notify security immediately. It is also possible for the system to alert security when a person is entering a restricted area or walking against one-way pedestrian traffic that’s being directed to a central point.
Anixter’s technical expertise enabled the systems integrator and airport to install a video surveillance solution that provided the much needed coverage and security required of a critical resource facility. By coupling technical knowledge supply chain expertise, with a vast product offering, Anixter was able to provide a holistic approach to securing the airport’s facilities.
CASE STUDY Major Airport Upgrades Video Surveillance System
Aerospace Hardware • Electrical and Electronic Wire & Cable • Enterprise Cabling & Security Solutions • FastenersAnixter Inc. World Headquarters • 2301 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026-8020 • 1.800.ANIXTER • 224.521.8000 • anixter.com
Anixter is a leading global supplier of communications and security products, electrical and electronic wire and cable, fasteners and other small components. We help our customers specify solutions and make informed purchasing decisions around technology, applications and relevant standards. Throughout the world, we provide innovative supply chain management solutions to reduce our customers’ total cost
of production and implementation. A NYSE listed company, Anixter, with its subsidiaries, serves companies in more than 50 countries around the world. Anixter’s total revenue approximated $5.5 billion in 2010.
Anixter does not manufacture the items described in this publication. Any applicable product warranties are provided by the manufacturers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Anixter disclaims all warranties, either express or implied. The information provided and any images shown are for descriptive purposes only. Anixter makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, about the accuracy or completeness of any information provided.
Data and suggestions made in the publication are not to be construed as recommendations to purchase or as authorizations to use any products in violation of any law or regulation. All products are sold subject to Anixter’s General Conditions of Sale.
Products. Technology. Services. Delivered Globally.
Summary
CustomerNetwork integrator
ChallengeDeploy network infrastructure to 161 sites in the U.S. and Puerto Rico
Solution• READY!SM Site
Results• Ensured all material was sourced and
delivered on time and on budget• Reduced costs and enhanced visibility
throughout the project’s deployment• Improved labor productivity and reduced
integrator’s internal overhead costs• Ensured consistency of products
and specifications• Created predictable schedule that helped
deliver the project on time and on budget
Customer ChallengeAs a leading provider of communications and technology solutions to the U.S. government community, a network integrator was awarded a contract to implement a multimillion dollar project for the U.S. military branches. With an aggressive schedule, broad range of physical site locations (across the U.S. and Puerto Rico) and unique product, technology and engineering requirements, the task called for a precise, coordinated deployment effort to complete the job on time and on budget.
The first phase of the project called for 161 sites in six- and 10-drop configurations to be deployed across the U.S. and Puerto Rico throughout nine months. Each site required a diverse bill of materials consisting of more than 70 part numbers of communications, power, security and other ancillary products. The products had to be delivered to each site according to the customer’s precise schedule to ensure timely completion of the phase.
Anixter SolutionThe provider chose Anixter to oversee the supply chain functions associated with the sourcing, inventory management, consolidation and deployment of orders to meet any site-specific delivery requirements. To streamline the network integrator’s procurement and deployment processes, Anixter recommended its READY!SM Site offering. As part of Anixter’s READY!SM Deployment Services, READY! Site bundles an entire site’s bill of materials and delivers it directly to the job site.
Anixter sourced, shipped and coordinated product deliveries using a centralized distribution to meet the exact deployment schedule by providing the necessary materials and quantities when and where they were needed.
Anixter READY! Site offering kitted products together to ensure all of the components arrived at the site at the same time via a single shipment. This reduced on-site preparation time and eliminated the problem of different materials arriving at different times, removing the need to manage each line item as it arrived at the job site. Anixter was able to coordinate with all parties, including lead-time management with manufacturers, to ensure no materials were out of stock. All READY! Site shipments arrived to the job site with the proper site ID label.
" Anixter’s READY! Site offering helped to ensure the consistency of products and specifications that arrived to the job site. Anixter’s extensive reporting and global distribution network allowed the network integrator to measure and manage on-hand inventory and usage levels. By using Anixter, the network integrator received a scalable service that it easily applied to 161 military sites."
- Contractor
CASE STUDY Integrator Leverages READY! Site to Meet Tight Deployment Schedule
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READY!SM Deployment Services by Anixter map our distribution and Supply Chain Solutions to the construction or deployment process of any technology project. We combine sourcing, inventory management, kitting, labeling, packaging and deployment services to simplify and address the material management challenges at the job site(s). READY! Deployment Services by Anixter will help you improve the speed to deployment, lower your total cost of deployment and ensure your product specifications are delivered as planned.
This project called for:
READY!SM Site is a whole infrastructure order for a complete building delivered directly to multiple customer sites (multisite rollout).
S I T E
To oversee a project of this size and scope, Anixter assigned a program manager to act as a single point of contact and to coordinate all necessary Anixter resources required for the successful deployment of the materials and services associated with the project. Through near-daily conference calls, the program manager coordinated the movement of materials into and out of the Anixter distribution facility, scheduled material deliveries to the job site, identified and managed changes in project scope. Through the READY! Site offering, the program manager also provided customized reporting of stock status, proof-of-delivery notification and freight management.
With a global, real-time Internet-based inventory management system, Anixter provided individuals with access to standard electronic or paper reports on select events within the order-to-ship process. Whether the network integrator requires inventory, replenishment or shipping information, Anixter can help more efficiently manage the material, as well as the distribution and deployment processes.
Project ResultsAnixter’s READY! Site solution helped the network integrator ensure that all the material was sourced and delivered to each of the 161 sites on time and on budget. The network integrator was able to reduce cost and gain inventory visibility throughout their distribution process. Because of Anixter, there were minimal shipments to the job sites and minimal walks on site to ensure the right materials arrived. By eliminating warehousing costs through coordinated shipments directly to the job site, Anixter helped to improve labor productivity and reduce internal overhead costs.
CASE STUDY Integrator Leverages READY! Site to Meet Tight Deployment Schedule
Aerospace Hardware • Electrical and Electronic Wire & Cable • Enterprise Cabling & Security Solutions • FastenersAnixter Inc. World Headquarters • 2301 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026-8020 • 1.800.ANIXTER • 224.521.8000 • anixter.com
Anixter is a leading global supplier of communications and security products, electrical and electronic wire and cable, fasteners and other small components. We help our customers specify solutions and make informed purchasing decisions around technology, applications and relevant standards. Throughout the world, we provide innovative supply chain management solutions to reduce our customers’ total cost
of production and implementation. A NYSE listed company, Anixter, with its subsidiaries, serves companies in more than 50 countries around the world. Anixter’s total revenue approximated $5.5 billion in 2010.
Anixter does not manufacture the items described in this publication. Any applicable product warranties are provided by the manufacturers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Anixter disclaims all warranties, either express or implied. The information provided and any images shown are for descriptive purposes only. Anixter makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, about the accuracy or completeness of any information provided.
Data and suggestions made in the publication are not to be construed as recommendations to purchase or as authorizations to use any products in violation of any law or regulation. All products are sold subject to Anixter’s General Conditions of Sale.
Products. Technology. Services. Delivered Globally.
Summary
CustomerManufacturer of storage area network equipment
ChallengeConstruction of new campus facility
Solution• READY! Deployment ServicesSM • Anixter UniversitySM
Results• High-performance network backbone• Met deployment timeframe• Lowered costs and increased speed
to deployment
Customer ChallengeIn an effort to consolidate several of its locations, a maker of storage area network equipment decided to build a new campus for its office and production facilities. The three new buildings that made up the new campus included an advanced data center and high-tech testing and research lab. Built from the ground up, the campus was designed to be a showcase of energy efficiency and cutting-edge IT. At more than 550,000 square feet of space, the campus can accommodate 3,000 workers.
The project called for networking, security and in-building wireless infrastructure on the new campus. Because the new campus required advanced IT and data center electronics to design and test its high-performance network equipment, the company also required the infrastructure supporting these processes to meet its data-intensive needs.
To meet these requirements, the company needed expert advice in determining the right infrastructure specifications and selecting the right products to meet these designs. The company also wanted a partner that could help it meet the quick infrastructure deployment time of five months.
The company called on Anixter to assist with the technical specifications and deployment of materials. Anixter offered specialized knowledge of networking and data center infrastructure as well as Supply Chain Solutions that was able to quickly consolidate and ship the materials for faster installation.
Anixter SolutionAnixter’s technical experts consulted with the company on the specifications and products for the customer’s infrastructure. To assist the company on the technologies and products available, Anixter’s systems engineers set up a Data Center CollegeSM class for the key decision makers. As part of Anixter UniversitySM, Data Center College is designed to create awareness and to provide general solutions for current and future data center infrastructure issues, such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Power over Ethernet, thermal management, access control and video surveillance.
In addition to the Data Center College, Anixter’s experts also held an IP security class as well as a class on Anixter’s READY!SM Deployment Services capabilities. These educational offerings were done upfront to instruct the customer about the different infrastructure choices it needed to meet for a future-ready campus.
In addition to the
company receiving
reliable infrastructure
that met its technical
demands, the integrator
was able to complete the
entire deployment within
the five-month timeframe
it was given.
CASE STUDY Anixter Provides Supply Chain Solutions and Technology for New Office Campus
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READY!SM Deployment Services by Anixter map our distribution and Supply Chain Solutions to the construction or deployment process of any technology project. We combine sourcing, inventory management, kitting, labeling, packaging and deployment services to simplify and address the material management challenges at the job site(s). READY! Deployment Services by Anixter will help you improve the speed to deployment, lower your total cost of deployment and ensure your product specifications are delivered as planned.
Anixter UniversitySM is an educational institution with curriculum designed to create awareness and provide general solutions for current and future infrastructure issues. Topics covered include 10 Gigabit Ethernet, thermal management, access control and video surveillance, and numerous others. The Anixter University format brings a comprehensive array of technical and informational courses directly to the customer’s site.
For more information or to register for on-site training visit, anixter.com/au.
After attending the various classes, the company decided to go with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet solution for its network infrastructure and a hybrid security solution that used analog and IP components for its security system. The goal for the customer was to push data through its offices, data center and lab without disruption, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet was the best way to accomplish this. Anixter worked with the company to develop and source a bill of materials for the infrastructure, which included copper cabling, fiber cabling, connectivity and routing pathways.
As the company worked with contractors to start the physical construction of the building, Anixter worked with manufacturer partners to source all of the networking and security infrastructure for the campus. Anixter worked with the integrator on the project to create a deployment schedule that matched the company’s five-month infrastructure build-out timetable. Because of the quick deployment, the integrator had limited time to complete various nonspecialized tasks such as labeling patch cords or preassembling racks. Tight on margin and short on time, the integrator realized that Anixter’s READY! Deployment Services would be essential in completing the job on time and on budget.
Through its READY! Deployment Services, Anixter consolidated and shipped the materials to the job site based on the integrator’s needs. Anixter’s READY! Deployment Services consolidates infrastructure materials into kits that are then labeled and shipped to specific locations on the job site. There are enough materials in the kit for the integrator to complete that section’s installation. When the integrator moves to a new installation point, Anixter deploys another READY! solution.
Project ResultsWhen completed, the company received a high-performance network backbone for its bandwidth-intensive applications. Because the campus includes a data center and testing lab, it is important that the infrastructure maintains flexibility and reliability for several years. With the technology and products advice provided by Anixter, the company can be assured that it will have the ability to meet its continuing demands.
In addition to the company receiving a reliable infrastructure that met its technical demands, the integrator was able to complete the entire deployment within the five-month timeframe it was given. Instead of having to complete nonessential tasks, the integrator was able to focus on its core competencies of installing the networking and security infrastructure. This helped to lower overall costs and offer additional time to meet deadlines. In fact, the company felt so comfortable with Anixter and its seamless Supply Chain Solutions that it is looking for additional global projects that can be completed with the same stability. With Anixter, the customer received a full supply chain partner that reduced the burden of product selection and product deployment.
CASE STUDY Anixter Provides Supply Chain Solutions and Technology for New Office Campus
Aerospace Hardware • Electrical and Electronic Wire & Cable • Enterprise Cabling & Security Solutions • FastenersAnixter Inc. World Headquarters • 2301 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026-8020 • 1.800.ANIXTER • 224.521.8000 • anixter.com
Anixter is a leading global supplier of communications and security products, electrical and electronic wire and cable, fasteners and other small components. We help our customers specify solutions and make informed purchasing decisions around technology, applications and relevant standards. Throughout the world, we provide innovative supply chain management solutions to reduce our customers’ total cost
of production and implementation. A NYSE listed company, Anixter, with its subsidiaries, serves companies in 50 countries around the world. Anixter’s total revenue approximated $5.5 billion in 2010.
Anixter does not manufacture the items described in this publication. Any applicable product warranties are provided by the manufacturers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Anixter disclaims all warranties, either express or implied. The information provided and any images shown are for descriptive purposes only. Anixter makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, about the accuracy or completeness of any information provided.
Data and suggestions made in the publication are not to be construed as recommendations to purchase or as authorizations to use any products in violation of any law or regulation. All products are sold subject to Anixter’s General Conditions of Sale.
