Synetrix

Synetrix enables key public sector initiatives through Telehouse Europe

Synetrix was formed in February 1998, initially focusing on very high capacity, high availability, networking solutions. This rapidly extended into the design, integration and deployment of advanced data and audio-visual applications, authentication, security and middleware solutions.

In 2004, Synetrix joined forces with Equinox Converged Solutions to draw upon the experiences of both companies in the areas of education, local government, and central government. Wishing to further establish its commitment within education and children's services, Synetrix acquired i2Q in 2006, a leader in educational software development and integration, with the aim of streamlining its services to provide a common, strategic approach and deliver a transparent end-to-end offering.

Synetrix currently provides large-scale network integration and managed broadband services to schools and LEAs whilst i2Q works closely with schools, LEAs and Government agencies to develop new standards and services for education and the wider public sector.

The Challenge

Synetrix began its partnership with Telehouse Europe in 1998 with a minimal set-up of one server. Since these humble beginnings, Synetrix has grown to become a leading managed services provider and has secured major contracts with numerous central and local government authorities, notable for being the core provider for the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) educational network since 2001. This network comprises of 33 Local Education Authorities, providing services through a high-speed broadband infrastructure, giving 2,582 schools across the capital with over million users a shared online learning platform.

“As many of our customers provide essential public services, in particular the LGfL, it was essential to have a data centre which was secure, reliable and resilient, and had previous experience of hosting and working with government and public sector bodies”, explained Stuart Tilley, Head of Network Development.

“Also, a data centre that currently housed Major Tier 1 ISPs as well as other government network interconnects was very pertinent in our decision as this would allow us to easily peer with other networks and providers should we require to do so in the future.”

“Lastly, although most of our network is managed remotely, it was important to have a data centre with skilled staff which could provide hands and eyes assistance when necessary.”

Outcome

“After reviewing a number of alternative providers during our period of expansion, it became clear that Telehouse offered by far the best service and flexibility to satisfy our requirements. In addition, our experience with Telehouse had always been positive and we felt confident that any future requirements would be met”, continued Tilley.

Given the level of security and peer-to-peer connectivity, it made sense for Synetrix to house their core network node infrastructure at Telehouse Docklands.

“As the majority of our customers are public sector, the services we provide have to be extremely reliable with minimal downtime. Telehouse’s London Docklands site is of a premium set-up and ideal for providing a reliable hosted service. Each rack is powered by a resilient feed and has the flexibility to be designed and adapted around an individual customer’s specific requirements. This, coupled with excellent onsite support staff, 24 hour access, highly secure environment and our longstanding relationship, made the decision to continue our relationship with Telehouse an easy one.”

Going forward

“Our contract with the LGfL is perhaps one of our most important, and with the programme planning to expand in the near future we have to be sure that our data centre partner can accommodate future growth and be flexible with its hosting equipment”, explains Tilley.

“Telehouse has proven to us that its strategy and long-term investment fits with our business model. In addition, a number of our customers’ peers or host equipment at the Docklands site, such as Hampshire and Oxfordshire County Councils, which means that the potential for integration becomes much easier if the need arises in the future.”