SQL Server 2000 Consolidation: a business case

• Phase 5: deployment
These five phases provide the needed structure for a successful consolidation. These phases are also
scalable and repeatable, which provides additional benefits. For example, a large-scale consolidation
can be divided into several tiers of servers, which are consolidated separately. By using the same
process over multiple consolidations, the approach and the efficiency will improve on each successive
consolidation.
Case study 3: Raymond James
Delivering solid financial advice to investors requires rapid access to just the right information, from
detailed market reports to up-to-the-minute client account status. At Raymond James, one of the largest
financial services firms in the U.S., a data warehouse and a decision support system running on an
HP Integrity Superdome are helping advisors serve clients better than ever before.
The challenge
Raymond James’ 5000+ financial advisors had to search many different places for information and
reports. This large inventory of information sources and interfaces placed an additional burden on the
advisors, who needed not only to be aware of information sources, but also to access multiple user
interfaces, such as software applications, paper-based reports, and Web sites. Paper-based reports
provided only a static view of key information and might not answer key business questions. And,
some information was duplicated in several places. Some divisions even created their own local
databases, adding to the information overload—and significantly increasing the cost of doing
business.
The solution
To address these issues, Raymond James has created a single data warehouse that provides current,
dynamic access to consistent and accurate information and key performance indicators for the
business. The new system not only enables reporting, but also leverages this information to increase
profitability.
The system runs on an HP Integrity Superdome. Other components are a Symmetrix SAN and
Analysis Services’ multi-dimensional database. The data warehouse server will be using Microsoft
SQL Server and Microsoft Windows Server 2003. Everything is accessible via a Web-based
interface—a key factor, because users are geographically dispersed.
Raymond James chose HP and the HP Integrity Superdome primarily because of HP’s close working
relationship with Microsoft—the two companies having collaborated to develop 64-bit Windows
implementations for Itanium-based servers. Cost was another important factor, with HP and Microsoft
providing lower total cost of ownership.
Why HP Integrity servers?
HP Integrity servers for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft SQL Server 2000, 64-bit are
a compelling choice for enterprises that wish to reduce costs and simplify change. These servers
enable enterprises to reap the benefits of server consolidation, equipment and software
standardization, and business process improvement. With scalable performance, reliability, and
flexibility built in, HP Integrity servers and Microsoft SQL Server 2000/2005 comprise a solution you
can depend upon to meet the needs of your extended enterprise now and well into the future.
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