HP with Maltese partner Megabyte Limited have together launched an HP-based case study on how the partners delivered a world-first computer solution to the Malta Freeport - a leading transhipment hub in the Mediterranean. The Case Study describes the installation of the new IT solution which will support Malta Freeport's ambitious business objectives by enabling continuous operations and high levels of customer service.
"The High Availability UNIX Cluster Solution designed by Megabyte and HP ensures that the Freeport's critical systems remain operational 24 hours a day, even if there are hardware malfunctions and software errors. Maintenance on this state-of-the-art system, which was installed by our company, can also be carried out at any time without affecting at all the Freeport's operations that today provide an essential and significant contribution to Malta's industrial, economic and financial base," Megabyte general manager John Ambrogio said.
Megabyte's HP-based solution enables Malta Freeport to achieve its set uptime target of 99.99 per cent. In view of the Freeport's operations, HP and Megabyte have ensured that the solution provided is scalable and can grow with the business.
The operating system is based on HP's Tru64 UNIX, which is a powerful and proven system, especially when combined with Oracle. Megabyte Limited also provided the expert knowledge to transfer the data from the old system to the new one, while minimising both down-time and loss of data. Since Megabyte Limited are also a partner for Oracle, which is the database on which the application is running, their expertise has provided vital access to a vast amount of knowledge and support.
"The Malta Freeport's computer solution is a secure and reliable example of what HP technology can, with the active participation of Maltese expertise, provide to essential pillars of Malta's infrastructure. The process of developing and implementing such computer solutions adds value to leading enterprises and national organisations that are vital contributors to Malta's economy," said Dott. Alberto Caprara, HP regional manager responsible for Malta.
The Campus Wide Disaster Tolerant Cluster is configured in such a way that failure of one site will not result in loss of data or down-time.
The cluster setup does not have any single point of failure, since multiple redundant components are used in the design of the system. The data replication feature ensures that even with the failure of a complete site, the Freeport can continue with container handling operations.
Such a solution is ideal for the Malta Freeport as data security is critical for its business. Since the system is based on two nodes, the solution provided by HP enables the application to run on either one of the nodes. In the rare case of failure of one of the nodes, the application automatically shifts and starts running on the other node, minimising down-time to the Freeport.
The Campus Wide Disaster Tolerant Cluster protects the Malta Freeport's information systems against a disaster such as power outage, fire, flood or an act of vandalism. Should a disaster hit the customer site, this solution allows Malta Freeport to maintain operations with the unaffected resources, in the worst-case scenario, at the unaffected site and go on or resume business activities as fast as possible.
On the other hand, the application can be manually changed over to the other node, when preventive maintenance is required on either one of the nodes. The attractive aspect is that now preventive maintenance can be carried out anytime, even during normal operational hours while the Freeport is operating.
Another positive characteristic of Megabyte's HP-based solution is that data is replicated between two storage arrays. Besides backing up the data daily on tape, data is being simultaneously written into two different and geographically separated storage locations.
In case of failure of one storage array, no data is lost as the application can be configured to use the other storage array. Undoubtedly, this feature has solved various administrative problems and increased the Freeport's tolerance to any adverse conditions that may arise.
Malta Freeport senior operations manager Capt. Rado Antolovic said, "the HP system implemented has significantly increased the company's processing capability and it is enabling the Freeport to reach new heights in operational performance."
Malta Freeport chairman Mark Portelli said "today's information systems' demands are complex and we are fully aware that the more information is managed efficiently, the better the Freeport can compete.
Malta Freeport is also obliged to keep a real time record on all container movement so that information about each particular container can be immediately accessed when required. Such an operation requires a flexible and reliable system that can offer sufficient resilience typical of such core applications.
"The new system is providing the Freeport and its clients with accurate real-time information of all container movements round-the-clock while guaranteeing security of the information flow," added Mr Antolovic.
The previously installed single node system was limited in the resiliency it could offer. Failure of this node had very serious consequences on cargo handling operations and repercussions on the Freeport-customer relationship and on the international reputation of the Freeport.
To solve this problem, Malta Freeport issued a tender, which generated a number of bids. Following a rigorous analysis, Malta Freeport decided to award the contract to a Malta-based company, Megabyte Limited, basing its considerations on cost effectiveness of the technical strength of the package offered and HP's best-in-class enterprise products which are aligned with and built on open industry standards leading to reduced total ownership costs. Megabyte's proven track record in maintaining the previous Freeport's system for over a span of eight years further guaranteed that this Maltese-owned company had the capability, knowledge and consistency in servicing the Freeport.
Malta Freeport already handles 1.3 million TEUs and has attracted various internationally renowned carriers in the containerisation industry through its proven track record and state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to transhipment. With the installation of the new HP system, the Freeport's clients continue to benefit from the company's commitment to invest in the latest computerisation systems and the ongoing development of personnel, as well as its full commitment to provide high quality services compliant with the ISO 9001:2000 standard.
Malta Freeport now has the needed resources to handle efficiently a 14-crane peak operation for a number of consecutive shifts and is presently operating near full capacity round-the-clock. This is enabling the Freeport to raise its performance levels and efficiency to ensure that the Freeport can continue serving the requirements of its existing clients and maintain its efforts to attract new business.
Over the past 15 years, Malta Freeport has become a leading transhipment hub in the Mediterranean. During that time it has developed a distinguished reputation in container handling, industrial storage and oil products handling and has become renowned for its pro-business culture and its ability to adapt quickly to changing trade patterns.
There are optimistic signs for the Freeport's future and the company is fully determined that it has the expertise and resources to continue participating and competing successfully in the Mediterranean containerisation market. The installation of the new HP system forms part of Malta Freeport's overall and all-encompassing strategy which besides representing a veritable step forward for the company's auspicious expansion potential is also enabling its clients to widen their business horizons and concretise their standing within the global arena.
Malta Freeport is currently linked by regular carrier services to practically all parts of the globe. In fact, clients reach over 115 ports worldwide, over 60 of which are in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.