SymbolTech Revolutionizes NIB International Bank's IT Backbone with Advanced Computing Infrastructure

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Symbol Technologies Plc has successfully completed a landmark turnkey project for NIB International Bank S.C. (NIB), delivering a state-of-the-art computing infrastructure solution. This comprehensive overhaul involved the supply, installation, migration, and commissioning of a Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI/dHCI) along with robust backup, disaster recovery, and load balancing systems, significantly enhancing the bank's operational efficiency, scalability, and data resilience.  

The Challenge: Future-Proofing a Leading Financial Institution

NIB International Bank, a prominent name in Ethiopia's banking sector, sought to modernize its computing infrastructure to support its growing operational demands and future strategic initiatives. The existing setup needed an upgrade to a more agile, resilient, and centrally manageable platform. The core objective was to implement a cutting-edge solution that could handle current workloads efficiently while providing a clear path for future scalability, alongside ensuring robust data protection and business continuity.

The Solution: A Turnkey Hyper-Converged Infrastructure and More by Symbol Tech

Symbol Technologies Plc was selected to deliver this critical transformation, leveraging its expertise in designing and implementing complex IT infrastructure projects. The scope of the project, as defined in the contract effective from October 2021, was comprehensive, covering both main and disaster recovery (DR) sites:  

• Core Infrastructure Overhaul:
• Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI/dHCI): Symbol Tech supplied and deployed a brand-new HCI/dHCI solution, including rack mounting and configuration at NIB's main and DR locations. This involved advanced components such as HPE ProLiant servers and HPE Nimble storage solutions.  
• Virtualization and Migration: Existing applications and databases were seamlessly migrated from NIB's legacy physical and/or virtual platforms to the new, efficient HCI/dHCI environment. This also included the alignment of VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus and vCenter Server Standard licenses.  
• Management and Monitoring: Advanced HCI/dHCI management and monitoring software was implemented, providing centralized control and visibility over the new infrastructure.  
• Enhanced Data Protection and Availability:
• Backup and Recovery: The project included the supply and installation of deduplicated disk backup systems (HPE StoreOnce) and tape backup systems with associated software (like Veeam Availability Suite), ensuring comprehensive data protection.  
• Disaster Recovery Automation: A disaster recovery automation solution was built to facilitate rapid recovery of virtualized workloads with push-button simplicity, ensuring business continuity. This involved VMware Site Recovery Manager for DR automation.  
• Load Balancing: High-availability F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Managers were supplied and configured to optimize application delivery and ensure high availability of services.  
• Supporting Infrastructure:
• Networking: Datacenter leaf switches (Cisco Nexus) and SAN Switches (HPE B-series) were provided to support the new infrastructure.  
• Timing Precision: A GPS-based Network Time Protocol (NTP) Server was installed for accurate time synchronization across the infrastructure.  
• Physical Infrastructure: Racks (Vertiv) and Power Distribution Units (PDUs) were also part of the deliverables.  
• Comprehensive Project Delivery by Symbol Tech:  
• End-to-End Management: Symbol Tech managed all project phases including detailed High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD), procurement, installation, configuration as per the design, migration from the existing system, and go-live for both DC and DR sites.  
• Testing and Commissioning: Rigorous integration testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and commissioning were performed at each milestone.  
• Training and Knowledge Transfer: Symbol Tech provided standard, certified training for five of NIB's technical staff for each technology domain, including on-the-job knowledge transfer. Training materials were provided in both softcopy and hardcopy. This covered areas like HPE Nimble management, VMware Certified Professional (VCP-DCV), F5 BIG-IP administration, and Veeam Certified Engineer training.  
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical manuals, HLD, LLD, As-built documents, and Project Handover Documents (PHD) were delivered.  
• Warranty and Support: A 3-year warranty was provided for all HCI/dHCI hardware and software support services, with specific warranty periods for other components like backup servers and datacenter switches. Symbol Tech committed to providing remedial maintenance services on an on-call basis.  

The Outcome: A Resilient and Agile Future for NIB International Bank

The successful completion of this complex, turnkey project by Symbol Technologies Plc has provided NIB International Bank with:

• A Modernized and Scalable IT Core: The new HCI/dHCI platform offers enhanced performance, agility, and the ability to scale resources as per the bank's evolving needs.
• Strengthened Data Resilience: Advanced backup solutions and a robust disaster recovery setup significantly improve data protection and minimize potential downtime.
• Optimized Application Delivery: The implementation of load balancers ensures high availability and optimal performance for the bank's critical applications.
• Improved Operational Efficiency: Centralized management and monitoring tools simplify IT operations and reduce administrative overhead.
• Empowered Bank Personnel: Through comprehensive training and knowledge transfer, NIB's technical team is well-equipped to manage and maintain the new infrastructure effectively.

This project underscores Symbol Technologies Plc's capability to deliver sophisticated, end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions for major financial institutions, enabling them to leverage technology for enhanced service delivery and competitive advantage.