JAWWAL takes first step in implementation of comprehensive disaster recovery solution

In a move aimed at creating an information lifecycle management infrastructure with a disaster recovery solution, JAWWAL has invested in a Symmetrix storage system with two EMC Connectrix DS-32M2 switches to create a fully redundant storage area network with two fabrics. The company will utilize its new EMC system to host its main billing application (Alpha True64 Cluster), data warehousing application, and comprehensive email infrastructure.

"Over the past few years we have learned the value of having a clear and concise IT roadmap in place, and one that is built around such contingents as disaster recovery. With the EMC disaster recovery solution we feel confident that our information is secure and accessible should any unforeseen events take place," said Awni Zubdeh, Chief Technical Officer, JAWWAL.

"As the first company to provide cellular coverage in the Palestinian Authority, we are committed to fostering efforts to provide customers with seamless, high-quality communications. No one should underestimate the importance of having constant access to mobile telephony services," said Mustafa Hasan, Information Technology Director, JAWWAL.

Salim Daghamin, Network & Computer Services Manager, JAWWAL, added: "EMC was the only vendor that could provide us with the assurance we needed in installing a data storage system. They were in constant touch with our technical team, and built a rapport based on trust and understanding - a human touch that we at JAWWAL appreciated very much. EMC's innovative solution and technical assistance will provide savings in both time and money with its high availability and service levels that are designed to keep information available 24x7."

Connecting the EMC office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to the Palestinian Authority's telecommunications headquarters in Ramallah, for a remote installation, the team used one PC terminal as the main base to reach all other components of the solution. Access to the terminal was established using PC Anywhere. Pictorial feedback was used to complete all necessary hardware setups that could not be carried out remotely. The determination shown by both technical teams to make this project a success was remarkable, with the entire installation being completed in a record five days.

"EMC's professionalism and determination were reflected in the way in which the team successfully carried out a complete remote implementation, dispelling the client's initial concerns and winning approval to proceed in the process," said Mohammed Amin, Regional Manager, EMC Middle East.