Network Visibility (continued)
Of key concern was a new digital image archival system which Sussex HIS was implementing to replace traditional X-ray machines. The picture-archiving vendor told the team they would need to invest in Gigabit WAN links to ensure performance. However, Observer® was able to test the network and established that the existing 100 MB links were sufficient.
"Analysis showed that the need for more Gigabit WAN links was only necessary on rare occasions," Walker explained. "Observer has given us immediate ROI by proving we don’t need to go and invest in these huge links."
In addition, Observer's MultiHop Analysis tracks conversations through multiple segments, hops and routes, which allows the team to determine faults occurring on the applications and networks of the various organizations that make up Sussex Health Authority.
"With MultiHop Analysis, we can track all the way to the data path," Wright explained. "This is invaluable to us because we are able to trace application and network faults. It enables us to easily identify where the problem is, or who the problem is with. On many occasions it has allowed us to granularly identify exactly what a problem is with a specific supplier. This saves a lot of time and money because we’re able to save on consultancy fees."
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The Business Case
Wright and Walker initially used Observer to help them understand their network environment and then to establish the exact reasons for performance issues.
They also used the integrated wireless and VoIP functions to build a business case for encrypting vulnerable areas on the Sussex HIS network. With Observer’s VoIP interface, it was easy to capture data and reconstruct phone calls to ensure future compliance and regulation.
"There were arguments against investing in encryption technologies," Walker explained. "This was resolved quickly when we were able to prove to the customer and the supplier the security issues surrounding unencrypted voice and why the investment was needed."
The Future
Sussex HIS continues to use Observer and is currently reviewing the Observer Reporting Server to provide customer-facing reports on security and performance. They have also convinced clients to purchase the Observer solution for end-to-end analysis.
Walker said implementing the Network Instruments solution was simple: "It is one of the easiest analyzer technologies I have come across. It is literally plug and go--very little preliminary work, very intuitive analysis."
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About Sussex HIS |
Sussex Health Informatics Service (HIS) is tasked with managing the IT services and infrastructure of 11 health trusts throughout Sussex, UK.
Encompassing 200 remote sites and over 25,000 users, the HIS network carries huge volumes of critical health data, including patient histories and digital imaging files.
Sussex HIS is responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, planning and implementation of this complex and widespread health network.
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