DES Storage Transformation
DES upgraded aging storage with JetStor’s all-flash arrays & Nakivo Backup, achieving exceptional performance and zero-downtime disaster recovery.
The organization
Download solution PDFDagostino Electronic Services, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based full-service technology integrator with a legacy dating back to 1973. DES specializes in designing, selling, installing, and maintaining comprehensive communication and IT systems that span network infrastructure, security, multimedia, and cybersecurity solutions. With a focus on solving real-world technology challenges, DES has built its reputation by integrating advanced systems that enhance operational efficiency and support digital transformation.
At its core, DES is committed to innovation and excellence. The company’s culture revolves around proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement. By partnering with top-tier vendors, DES ensures that its clients receive state-of-the-art technology solutions. Their diverse portfolio not only meets today’s dynamic needs but also anticipates future demands in areas such as smart building optimization and unified security. This commitment to quality and customer service has earned DES a trusted position in the market, as highlighted on their official website
Moreover, DES’s approach is deeply rooted in community engagement and sustainable practices. The company actively supports local initiatives and leverages technology to drive positive change in the community. With decades of experience and a robust track record of successful projects, DES continues to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve, making them a leader in digital infrastructure and communication solutions.
The challenge
DES’s primary challenge was an aging storage infrastructure that could no longer support its growing data needs or provide the resilience required in today’s digital landscape. The legacy system suffered from sluggish read/write speeds and insufficient IOPS, leading to bottlenecks in data-heavy applications. Additionally, the absence of a formal disaster recovery plan posed a significant risk, threatening prolonged downtime and potential data loss during unforeseen disruptions.
Operational inefficiencies were mounting as the system’s performance lagged behind modern standards. Business-critical applications and real-time analytics were compromised, affecting overall productivity. The existing storage environment, once sufficient, had become a liability—limiting scalability, flexibility, and the ability to integrate emerging technologies such as AI and IoT.
Furthermore, DES was under pressure to ensure uninterrupted service for its clients while maintaining high data integrity. The risk of system failures not only jeopardized daily operations but also had the potential to erode customer trust. This scenario necessitated a comprehensive overhaul that addressed both the technical limitations and strategic risks associated with the outdated system. The urgency was clear: DES needed a solution that offered high performance, reliability, and a solid foundation for future growth—all while integrating seamlessly with their existing digital ecosystem.
The solution
DES embraced a transformative upgrade by partnering with JetStor to implement a next-generation storage solution. JetStor’s dual-controller arrays were selected for their robust design, offering redundancy and high availability—crucial for achieving near-zero downtime. The new system combined an all-flash primary storage array with a high-capacity secondary array designed for disaster recovery, ensuring that data was both rapidly accessible and securely backed up.
The integration of advanced backup software provided automated, VM-centric workflows, reducing recovery times significantly. This solution not only accelerated data access speeds—recording read speeds in excess of 1600 MB/s—but also enhanced overall system performance and reliability. By addressing the performance bottlenecks and implementing a scalable, modular design, DES was able to future-proof its infrastructure against the increasing demands of modern applications.
System configuration
JetStor’s solutions provided the necessary tools to meet DES’s operational challenges. The deployment was carried out in carefully phased stages to ensure a seamless transition from the old system. Comprehensive testing and quality assurance were performed at every step, guaranteeing that the new infrastructure met stringent performance metrics and reliability standards. This holistic approach resulted in a robust, integrated storage environment that significantly reduced downtime, boosted operational efficiency, and provided the flexibility required for future technology integrations.
Leading from this strategic transformation, the following system configuration was implemented to support both production and disaster recovery environments:
Production Storage:
- JetStor XS3312D All-Flash Array
- Dual controllers
- 10 x 7.6TB SAS SSDs
- 2U 12-bay
- Ensures 76TB scalable All Flash Production Storage
DR Storage:
- JetStor XS3312D High-Capacity Array
- Dual controllers
- 9 x 12TB SAS HDDs
- 2U 12-bay
- Ensures 108TB scalable disaster recovery storage
Backup Solution:
- Nakivo Backup & Replication v11
- Seamless integration with JetStor for end-to-end protection
This configuration clearly outlines how each component of the new system contributes to DES’s overall strategy—ensuring high performance in production environments while providing robust disaster recovery and backup capabilities for end-to-end protection.
Benefits Immediately realized
Following the upgrade, DES experienced dramatic improvements in system performance and operational efficiency. The new JetStor storage arrays delivered rapid data access and processing speeds, substantially reducing application latency and improving IOPS. This performance boost translated into immediate productivity gains, as critical workloads were executed faster and more reliably.
The dual-controller architecture ensured continuous operation even during component failures, significantly reducing downtime and minimizing the risk of data loss. With integrated disaster recovery capabilities, DES now benefits from an automated backup system that ensures rapid restoration of services in the event of any disruption. This newfound reliability has strengthened client confidence and enhanced DES’s reputation as a dependable technology partner.
Additionally, the system’s scalability has allowed DES to accommodate growing data volumes without major additional investments. The modular design not only supports current operational needs but also provides a clear pathway for future expansion. Enhanced data security measures have also been realized, ensuring that sensitive information is protected through robust redundancy and backup protocols.
Overall, the immediate benefits of this transformation include improved performance, reduced downtime, higher system reliability, and a scalable, future-ready infrastructure. These outcomes underscore DES’s commitment to excellence and its proactive approach to overcoming technological challenges, as evidenced by their successful implementation of JetStor’s advanced storage solutions.
How we did it
The transformation project began with a comprehensive assessment of DES’s legacy storage system by a cross-functional team comprising systems engineers and IT managers from DES along with technical experts from JetStor. After identifying critical performance bottlenecks and data management challenges, the team selected JetStor’s advanced dual-controller arrays as the optimal solution.
Implementation was conducted in carefully planned phases to minimize disruption. The all-flash primary storage system was deployed first, resulting in a significant boost in performance. Once stability was achieved, the high-capacity disaster recovery array and integrated backup software were added to complete the upgrade. Throughout the process, rigorous testing—including load testing, failover simulations, and security audits—ensured that every component met stringent performance and reliability standards. Detailed training and documentation were provided to DES’s IT team, enabling a smooth transition and ongoing system optimization.
About
About DES
Dagostino Electronic Services, Inc. (DES) has been a trusted technology integrator since 1973. Based in Pittsburgh, DES specializes in designing, selling, installing, and maintaining advanced communication and IT systems, including network infrastructure, cybersecurity, multimedia, and unified communications. Renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to quality, DES delivers tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support digital transformation. Their customer-centric philosophy and deep industry expertise have established them as a leader in technology integration, ensuring that clients receive reliable and future-ready systems.
About JetStor
JetStor, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a leader in advanced storage solutions. The company delivers innovative, high-performance storage systems that are tailored to meet the demanding needs of modern enterprises. From all-flash arrays designed for intensive I/O applications to scalable hybrid systems that offer cost-effective storage, JetStor provides versatile solutions built for performance, scalability, and reliability. With a focus on rapid deployment and dedicated customer support, JetStor has earned a reputation for delivering integrated storage infrastructures that empower businesses to manage and protect their critical data with confidence.
Conclusion
Feedback from DES confirms the success of this transformation:
*“I was having a little fun this afternoon (aka, making sure the new storage is performing well) and decided to run Crystal Disk Benchmark on two Windows 2019 VMs – one still on the Nimble and one on the new JetStor. Keep in mind, both storage units are on the same switches and the VMs are on identical host hardware. I knew there would be a difference of course, but the JetStor just crushed the old Nimble, even with its SSD caching.
Jeffrey Wirtz - Systems Engineer”*
This direct feedback highlights the dramatic performance improvements and reliability of the new system. Clients and internal stakeholders have observed faster data access, enhanced system stability, and significantly reduced downtime. The transformation not only revitalized DES’s IT operations but also set a new standard for performance and scalability, ensuring that DES remains competitive in an increasingly data-driven landscape. The project stands as a testament to the effective collaboration between DES and JetStor, paving the way for continued innovation and long-term success.
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