3. Data center facilities
We visited two data centers to check basic capabilities using Tier guidelines.
True DC, which will be the main data center, has some weakness on access security but other facilities are sufficient.
INET DC, which will be the backup & DR data center, has weakness on floor load bearing and continuous power generation in case of power source down. As they are used only for backup & DR, the weakness can be accepted.
Compared with “real” Tier 3 or Tier 4 DC in Japan, there are some areas of improvements but they are within acceptable level.
4. Technical architecture
There are many applications / system components which make technical architecture somewhat complex. I came to understand what each component does through the meeting with Freewill Solution people.
Basic ideas of allocating applications onto various servers were understood. However, availability and scalability options still have rooms for discussion. I will further discuss potential options with Freewill Solutions in my next visit. I will be more prepared based on the information I obtained through the meeting.
Without question, we will be highly dependent on Freewill Solutions on system implementation as well as on-going system operations unless new IT members do not have certain level of knowledge and working experience on Freewill Solution’s systems. In this regards, I think it is essential to establish multiple lines of communication channels with multiple layers of people in Freewill Solutions.