The packaging division of Mondi Ltd, Mondipak, has implemented Lotus Notes and Domino running on a second tier Linux server to enhance the e-mail delivery performance of its Brakpan-based factory.
Morne` Smuts, Mondipak`s divisional IT manager, says the installation of the Red Hat Linux-based server was spurred by a decision to add value to the business. "We don`t just implement technology for technology`s sake. Prior to this installation users were taking between five to six minutes to open documents."
In addition to the poor performance levels experienced by this department, Smuts says the IS department received complaints on a daily basis. "We originally considered installing a 128k pipe to handle the load. It would have been an expensive option," he adds.
The new server now runs comfortably on Linux and has the capacity for adding new users without placing undue strain on performance or the network.
"We faced the facts," he says. "Not only is Linux is faster and more stable than Windows NT, it also provided us with a `lights-out machine`. All we have to do is set it up, close the door and go home."
Oscar Rozario at Lotus Professional Services, which assisted Mondipak with the implementation, says that the packaging company has also realised a number of cost savings in addition to the performance benefits.
"Not only is the licensing cheaper than with a branded network OS application, but the need for expensive upgrades is negligible and remote server management can be enabled by a simple freeware application," he says.
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