#Germany #IT Infrastructure #Hitachi Vantara #Bürklin Elektronik #Dreieich

Bürklin Elektronik Revolutionizes IT Infrastructure with Hitachi Vantara

Bürklin Elektronik, a renowned distributor of top-tier electronic components based in Germany, is making significant strides in enhancing its IT infrastructure through a partnership with Hitachi Vantara. This collaboration aims to streamline operations, boost performance, and promote sustainability—all while managing costs effectively.

Founded 70 years ago in Oberhaching near Munich, Bürklin Elektronik has established itself as a leader in the distribution of electronic components. Processing over 1,500 orders daily, it serves industries such as automation technology, IoT, and medical technology. However, as the demand for deeper integration of technology increased, so did the complexity of its IT systems. The fragmented data storage system comprised various providers’ solutions which led to rising operational costs and performance inconsistencies.

Lars Fietkau, IT Coordinator at Bürklin Elektronik, noted the urgency of modernizing their data storage system. “Our previous infrastructure was growing increasingly complex. We aimed to simplify and enhance our data storage capabilities, increase storage flexibility, and align costs with our long-term hybrid cloud strategy.”

Transitioning to a More Flexible Infrastructure

To address these challenges, Bürklin Elektronik chose Hitachi Vantara's EverFlex Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) portfolio, specifically designed to provide maximum flexibility. This solution included two Hitachi Vantara VSP arrays and Brocade G720 SAN switches, ensuring ultra-fast network connectivity.

The infrastructure was distributed across two redundant data centers to bolster business continuity. With the VSP platform, Bürklin Elektronik now experiences significantly improved reliability and performance, including a commitment to 100% data availability. Remarkably, with the assistance of partner IS4IT GmbH, the migration was concluded in just three days—accelerating the transition process substantially.

Fietkau explained the economic advantages of the new system: “With Hitachi EverFlex Consumption Services, our monthly payments reflect the actual storage capacity we utilize. This flexible pricing structure reduces our need for large upfront investments.”

The new IT infrastructure has already led to six-figure savings for Bürklin Elektronik. Transitioning to an energy-efficient all-flash configuration has also made a substantial difference in their operational footprint. The firm's new VSP platform allows a reduction in CO2 emissions by about 30-40% compared to previous models, aligning closely with environmental sustainability goals.

Focus on Core Competencies Through Proactive Support

The successful integration of Hitachi Vantara's solutions has enabled Bürklin Elektronik to focus on its core business functions while ensuring operational reliability. Dennis Tullney, Strategic IT Manager at Bürklin Elektronik, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “The ongoing support from Hitachi Vantara, coupled with close cooperation with IS4IT, gives us peace of mind. Availability is paramount, and their services help us deliver a seamless experience for our clients, which is crucial in a competitive market.”

As organizations navigate rapid growth in data volumes and emerging technologies such as AI, the demand for high-performance storage systems is intensifying. Hitachi's VSP platform and EverFlex IaaS services are designed to meet these challenges head-on.

“We are excited to work closely with our clients to facilitate a cloud-like experience within their own data environments,” said Petra-Maria Grohs, Sales VP and Managing Director Germany at Hitachi Vantara. With Bürklin Elektronik's revamped storage infrastructure in place, the company is well-equipped for current and future demands, positioning itself for ongoing growth and a competitive edge in the market.

For further information on Hitachi's EverFlex and the VSP One platform, visit the official websites detailing their service offerings. This partnership exemplifies how technology can effectively empower businesses to operate more sustainably and efficiently, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving marketplace.