Applica Incorporated is using Hitachi Data Systems' USP V. The INI Group interviewed Michael Fairclough, Senior Oracle Applications DBA. This is how Michael describes his role:

“My title is Senior Oracle Applications DBA. I play a role in the architecture of most of the systems as well as the storage. I play at infrastructural troubleshooting. I do a little bit of everything.”

The following is an overview of Applica’s IT environment:

• Approximately two hundred servers
• Operating systems include Linux, HPUX, Windows, and Mac
• HP Blade servers with virtual connect technology to connect to the Hitachi AMS SAN
  and the USP V
  
• VMware to collapse the bulk of their Windows environment
• Five hundred employees
• One hundred terabytes of storage
• AMS 500
• Oracle e-business suite

Listen to individual answers by clicking on the following questions:

1. Why did you decide to implement the Hitachi Data Systems Universal Storage Platform – also know as the USP V?
2. What was the process that you went through to decide on which storage system to go with?
3. Can you give us examples of how the Hitachi USP V provided real value to your company?
4. >How has the Hitachi USP V has improved on the overall economic effectiveness within your IT operations?
5. Are there any insights on the USP V that would be useful for other IT professionals considering this solution?
6. What are the next steps using the Hitachi USP V?
7. Would you recommend the Hitachi USP V to other IT professionals and can you tell us why?

For more information on Hitachi Data Systems, go to www.hds.com