FINANCIAL EXCHANGE

Situational Background
A large Exchange planned to increase network and operational redundancy by collocating a data center on the east coast. Having specific technology and latency requirements, the Exchange needed to place its data center in one of several highly redundant, low-latency collocation facilities. In addition to performance, the facility needed to have adequate power and space for future expansion.

Business Challenges
After developing a decision-criteria matrix, the Exchange narrowed the list of potential collocation facilities down to seven viable sites. However, it was very difficult to compare and contrast the opportunities and risks associated with each site. Looking at a multi-million dollar decision, the Exchange asked Maron Structure Technologies to perform a data center study and evaluate each facility from a latency optimization and overall risk management point of view.

Approach and Solution
Maron Structure Technologies started the engagement by developing a Request for Proposal for collocation and support services and then evaluated each response. With responses in hand, Maron Structure then traveled to each site and interviewed representatives.

As part of the evaluation, Maron Structure Technologies dissected outage history data and mapped the location of the facilities in relation to potential hazards (flood plains, railroads, etc). Additionally, Maron Structure Technologies reviewed proprietary fiber network maps. From these maps and technical data provided by the facilities, Maron Structure Technologies was able to regress latency performance management against service level agreements and risk factors across the different fiber networks.

From a latency perspective, Maron Structure Technologies was able to provide the Exchange with a matrix that illustrated latency-levels in milliseconds between the Exchange and the collocation facilities. From a risk perspective, Maron Structure Technologies evaluated the facilities using criteria including the physical security of floor space, the back-up power run-time and design load, as well as the fire protection systems.

After all the data was compiled and analyzed, the Exchange was presented findings and a recommendation along with technical and business justification for the recommendations. Multiple strategy-sessions were hosted by Maron Structure Technologies and attended by key decision makers from the Exchange. The purpose of the strategy sessions was to discuss the findings and identify any business constraints that would influence final decisions.

Business Outcome
The Exchange used Maron Structure Technologies' final strategy deliverable to negotiate best pricing from each of the potential collocation facilities. The Exchange proposed a collocation site to its board of directors and a final decision is pending.

Value Proposition
Maron Structure Technologies believes in providing clients unbiased and vendor neutral technology recommendations, utilizing technology that supports existing business needs and positions the organization to leverage future applications.

Contact Information:
For more information on this project, contact the Maron Marketing Department at +1 800-244-1700.