Original link: http://public.dhe.ibm.com/common/ssi/ecm/en/qcc03025wwen/QCC03025WWEN.PDF

1. Case Study
IBM Systems and Technology Construction / Architecture / Engineering
SL-Rasch GmbH is a leading engineering and construction company
headquartered in Leinfelden-Echterdingen in Germany. Employing
200 people, the company focuses on specialized buildings and
lightweight structures, integrating architecture with engineering for an
end-to-end service.
SL-Rasch develops complex simulations to analyze, for example, how
a range of weather conditions will interact with a proposed design.
Specifically, the company uses a 180-node cluster for computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, performing virtual wind testing to test
the stability and reliability of its building designs. A separate 40-node
cluster is used for movie rendering, which allows SL-Rasch to create
high-quality video presentations to showcase the unique features of its
developments.
Both simulations and video presentations generate huge amounts
of data. As SL-Rasch increased the use and sophistication of its
simulation, modeling and video presentation techniques, data
volumes rocketed, exposing the limitations of the company’s network
infrastructure.
Dennis Geldec, Head of IT at SL-Rasch Gmbh explains: “Running at
almost full capacity, the network slowed down design and production
processes, impacting the customer experience. We wanted to boost
customer service by accelerating data processing operations, allowing
us to cope better with tight deadlines.”
SL-Rasch works more
efficiently with advanced
client presentation tools
Enabling sophisticated HD video editing and
simulation, enhancing the customer experience
Overview
The need
As engineering company SL-Rasch
GmbH exploited advanced simulation and
video techniques, systems slowed down
unacceptably, impacting the company’s
ability to rapidly test and produce new
designs.
The solution
Working with IBM Business Partner
Hamburgnet, SL-Rasch updated its
network infrastructure with IBM® System
Networking RackSwitch™ components
to solve the data throughput challenges.
The benefit
Offers consistently fast networking and
reduces latency even under high loads.
SL-Rasch can edit multiple HD videos in
real-time, and at 60 percent less cost than
predicted, boosting staff productivity.

2. Case Study
IBM Systems and Technology Construction / Architecture / Engineering
Low latency for high performance
SL-Rasch engaged IBM Business Partner Hamburgnet to optimize its
networking environment.
Dennis Geldec says: “We evaluated different alternatives, and we were
impressed by the quality of the proposed network design, based on
IBM System Networking components. As a result, we decided to ask
Hamburgnet to implement the IBM System Networking RackSwitch
solution, which provided the features and flexibility needed to support
our high-performance computing environment.”
SL-Rasch deployed IBM System Networking RackSwitch™ G8052
switches to connect its systems, and ultra-low latency IBM System
Networking RackSwitch G8124E switches were installed to improve
the company’s network backbone performance. The IBM solution
substantially increases network throughput, and eliminates the network
issues at SL-Rasch.
Dennis Geldec notes: “Since we are very satisfied with the IBM
RackSwitch solutions in our own network, we also use them for the
projects we design for clients. The IBM switches provide the flexibility
we need to effectively meet changing customer requirements. We
can easily set up several virtual networks or add wireless networking
functionality as needed without compromising network performance
and reliability.”
Seeing the impact on employee productivity
SL-Rasch has deployed the RackSwitch solutions at its main office.
Dennis Geldec remarks: “At our main office where IBM RackSwitch
networking components are in place, the high-speed networking
solution enables us to operate our rendering farm alongside the video
editing environment without any network performance limitations.
“Since implementing the IBM networking solution at our main
office, we have not experienced any networking problems, and the
switches have proved to be reliable, easy to use and deliver excellent
performance. Based on this positive experience, we have plans to
upgrade networking systems at our secondary office in the near future
to further boost performance.”
Solution components
Hardware
• IBM® System Networking
RackSwitch™ G8052
• IBM System Networking RackSwitch
G8124E
IBM Business Partner
• Hamburgnet

3. Case Study
IBM Systems and Technology Construction / Architecture / Engineering
He adds: “When we deployed our video editing solution, some users
were not convinced that the RackSwitch components would be able
to cope with the high load and strict latency requirements. The IBM
solution we implemented in collaboration with Hamburgnet never lets
us down.”
Dennis Geldec concludes: “We are very happy with the IBM
networking systems and the outstanding service from Hamburgnet.
While providing the performance we need in our offices and the
flexibility we need for our construction projects, investment costs for
the IBM switches are 60 percent lower than other solutions that offer
the same service quality - making IBM RackSwitch a very cost-efficient
option for our projects and clients.”
For more information
To learn more about IBM networking solutions, contact your
IBM sales representative or IBM Business Partner, or visit us
at: ibm.com/networking
To learn more about products, services and solutions from
Hamburgnet, please visit: www.hamburgnet.de
“We are very happy with
the IBM networking
systems and the
outstanding service
from Hamburgnet.
Investment costs for the
IBM switches are 60
percent lower than other
solutions that offer the
same service quality.”
— Dennis Geldec, Head of IT, SL-Rasch Gmbh

4. QCC03025-WWEN-00
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Produced in Germany
August 2013
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