PZM Optimizes Storage Solution and Data Availability
Enhanced Security and Efficiency with New Primary Storage Arrays and Disaster Recovery Solution
PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG, a leading mental health facility treating over 3,100 patients annually, has modernized its storage infrastructure in partnership with BNC AG to elevate its IT performance and security. Through the deployment of a NetApp AFF A-Series primary storage array and a specialized disaster recovery (DR) solution, the clinic has implemented advanced security features, including Snaplock, multi-admin verification, and ransomware protection. This customized storage approach not only strengthens PZM's operational resilience but also promotes sustainability by optimizing hardware usage in line with circular economy principles.
PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG
PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG provides comprehensive mental health services, specializing in areas such as depression and anxiety, psychosis and addiction, and geriatric and neuropsychiatry. In addition to its primary facility, PZM operates Psychiatry Biel/Bienne at the Biel Hospital Center, overseeing psychiatric care for the Biel, Berner Seeland, and Jura regions. Beyond clinical services, PZM offers a residential program for individuals with mental health needs, a specialized center for those with intellectual disabilities, and sheltered workshops. The organization employs around 760 staff members, committed to delivering high-quality mental health care and support.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
-
Initial Situation
PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG has long relied on NetApp’s platform solutions for data management, leveraging their stability and scalability. When the clinic’s existing storage infrastructure approached the end of its lifecycle, PZM partnered with BNC AG to evaluate options beyond a standard 1:1 replacement. This strategic upgrade not only improves data storage capabilities but also allows PZM’s IT team to integrate new use cases and deploy advanced IT services. Moreover, the enhanced disaster recovery (DR) setup significantly boosts IT infrastructure availability.
“BNC AG has been a trusted partner in storage solutions for many years. We highly value their professional, customer-focused approach, and ultimately chose BNC for its outstanding value for money,”
says Simon Bürgy, Head of IT at PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG.
-
Solution
Previously, PZM utilized a hybrid storage setup with NetApp AFF and FAS systems for both primary and backup needs. However, this legacy infrastructure lacked robust disaster recovery capabilities. The newly implemented architecture features a NetApp AFF A-Series HA system as primary storage and a dedicated NetApp AFF C-Series HA system specifically for disaster recovery.
Before deploying this new infrastructure, PZM and BNC collaborated on an optimized DR strategy, addressing both technical solutions and procedural improvements, including a reorganization of operational responsibilities. The new NetApp systems not only elevate primary workload performance but also streamline backup windows and DR performance. NetApp ONTAP technology enables rapid, minimal-command failovers, with options for full automation, ensuring swift recovery to full operational availability. -
Implementation
Initial project planning commenced in spring 2023, with an order placed in summer and implementation beginning by year’s end. Using standardized installation worksheets, BNC prepared thoroughly for a seamless deployment, aligning the project with existing business timelines and warranty contracts. The transition from the old system to the new solution was efficiently managed by expanding the 2-node cluster to a 4-node cluster, expediting the migration process.
At each project’s onset, BNC collaborates with clients to assess optimal migration paths and configurations. Following migration, BNC oversees decommissioning, ensuring hardware is either disposed of responsibly or repurposed, supporting the circular economy and minimizing environmental impact.“BNC provided exceptional support from project start to completion; all deadlines were met, and the migration occurred seamlessly without disruption. Our collaboration was consistently professional and customer-focused,”
says Simon Bürgy, Head of IT at PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG.
Results
“With this upgrade, we achieved a substantial increase in data availability through enhanced disaster recovery functionality. The new storage system also enables us to implement advanced features like Snaplock, multi-admin verification, and ransomware protection, allowing us to leverage these robust security measures effectively,”
summarizes Simon Bürgy, Head of IT at PZM Psychiatriezentrum Münsingen AG.
You might also be interested in..
Professional Services: Leverage our Expertise for Your Benefit
BNC Professional Services - Enhance your IT team with skilled, readily available professionals. Streamline your projects and operations with our assistance.
Primary Storage Array
BNC Primary Storage offers high resilience and seamless integration for critical databases and virtual environments.