News and Events

May 18, 2010

Boston, MA- Broadleaf, Veeam and Dell EqualLogic joined resources today to host 50 guests at Ruth’s Chris for a lunch presentation about how to manage and protect data in a virtual environment. Virtualization has emerged as a key driver to provide more flexibility and resiliency in IT infrastructure. To be successful, implementations of storage and server virtualization, as well as data protection and management solutions, must integrate effectively. Broadleaf, well known as a systems integrator in the northeast, helps organizations take advantage of the best possible data storage, virtualization, and WAN optimization technologies to meet their goals.

To kick off the lunch, Gregor Stewart, Broadleaf’s Director of Technology Strategy noted that Veeam and EqualLogic are among solutions that Broadleaf has had great success with. Stewart talked about the importance of a well managed and protected virtual environment that includes a feature rich shared storage solution. He commented further that Broadleaf has had extensive EqualLogic experience both as a customer and integrating it into solutions for its clients. Scott Lillis, Senior Systems Engineer at Veeam spoke about how Veeam allows an organization to fully realize the promise of virtualization by: 1) taking data protection of VMs to the next level, 2) protecting, documenting, managing and optimizing according to business priorities and criteria and 3) managing and protecting physical and virtual environments as one. Lillis noted that Veeam is pleased to provide trials of their solution.

Sean D’Acci, Account Executive and Gene Costanza, Engineer for EqualLogic addressed the group and provided a demo of the PS Series. The PS Series enables better consolidation, with higher utilization rates, because it is a virtualized storage platform that automatically and dynamically load balances system resources: the I/0, disk capacity, network links and controllers. This load balancing also optimizes performance. The EqualLogic solution is also well known for its simplicity and ease of use- both in set up and with ongoing changes.

Gregor Stewart wrapped up the event inviting guests to talk with Broadleaf Solution Specialists and engineers about the needs and goals in their particular environments.

April 27, 2010

Boston, MA- As recently as five years ago, business continuity and disaster-recovery topics would make IT executives in small to midsize enterprises grumble that neither was affordable. Now companies of all sizes are realizing they can have both using virtualization technology.

Click here for the full story!

March 11, 2010

Boston, MA- While the Red Sox continued training in Florida, about 20 IT professionals from the area joined Broadleaf and Riverbed at the Prudential Center's Top of the Hub for a great view of Fenway Park and the rest of the city skyline. As drinks and hors d'oeuvres were served and city lights turned on, Mike Brockney, Riverbed engineer, discussed the benefits of WAN optimization for increasing application acceleration, enabling IT consolidation, and providing enterprise wide network and application visibility- all while eliminating the need to increase bandwidth, storage or servers.

Initially, Corley centralized the SEA infrastructure with all users accessing data from a collocation data center. Removing IT infrastructure from the branch offices cut costs, provided better collaboration among employees and improved data protection. WAN optimization made this change possible. By accelerating traffic over the WAN, users experience a LAN like experience regardless of their location.

Brockney spoke about boosting disaster recovery with WAN optimization as well as providing network optimization and virtualization for branch offices. Time was spent discussing RSP- the Riverbed Services Platform that facilitates removing or reducing infrastructure in remote offices by running up to five additional services and applications with VMware on the Steelhead appliance. Jim Nyhan, Regional Sales Manager, provided an outline of the newest Steelhead 7050 appliance that makes available new and unprecedented levels of scalability to Riverbed's largest customers. The 7050 is the first WAN optimization appliance with the capability to store 100% of its persistent data on solid state disks (SSD's). Time was also spent discussing Riverbed Mobile, the solution that provides LAN-like access to corporate files and applications to mobile workers no matter where they are with a software package on their laptops. Steelhead Mobile can overcome challenges of variable locations, inconsistent links, and high latency environments.

After the presentation, many of the attendees appreciated the time to talk with Riverbed and Broadleaf engineers and existing customers about their specific needs and goals. One such conversation included discussion about MS Office 2007 file performance through the Steelheads. Throughout the evening, current users of the Riverbed technology noted how impressed they have been with Riverbed's roadmap and ability to continually deliver new features and improvements with every firmware upgrade.

March 10, 2010

Boston, MA- What better way to learn about technology solutions than from current users? About 15 IT professionals did just that when they joined Bill Corley, CIO of SEA Consultants for a lunch seminar hosted by Broadleaf to learn about the infrastructure that Corley implemented to enable “One Company” execution of services. SEA's internal goal was to create an environment among their headquarters and branch offices such that “it doesn't matter where you sit”- all IT services are equally accessible enabling collaboration, ease of management, and better protection of data. Corley discussed how he met these goals with WAN optimization, server virtualization and shared storage.

Initially, Corley centralized the SEA infrastructure with all users accessing data from a collocation data center. Removing IT infrastructure from the branch offices cut costs, provided better collaboration among employees and improved data protection. WAN optimization made this change possible. By accelerating traffic over the WAN, users experience a LAN like experience regardless of their location.

To create a flexible, resilient infrastructure, Corley worked with Broadleaf to design and implement server virtualization and shared storage. With server virtualization, virtual machines are fully encapsulated as files, and a thin layer of software running on any hardware (called a hypervisor) allowing these machines to be moved and restarted on the fly. This removes the hardware dependence, and makes it possible to get back up and running quickly in the event of a server hardware failure. It also allows SEA Consultants to spin up new machines as necessary whenever they need to, a benefit that Corley finds very valuable.

To take full advantage of server virtualization benefits, appropriate shared storage is a necessity. For Corley, this meant moving from a tier 2 storage solution to an enterprise class solution. Shared storage devices move storage out of the server to a storage pool shared over a network increasing reliability, flexibility and ease of management. Snapshots, a feature of the latest generation of these devices , capture the state of a storage system at a point in time and in conjunction with server virtualization, these snapshot tools allow prompt recovery of any onsite data losses.

In conclusion, Corley noted the flexibility of the SEA infrastructure that will allow it to grow as the organization grows.

March 2, 2010

The Greater Boston Network Users Group (BNUG) gathered at the Microsoft offices for a presentation titled 'The Virtues of Virtualized Computing' by Glenn Fund, Director of Field Engineering for Broadleaf Services.

Fund outlined the features and virtues of virtualized computing utilizing the industry leading VMware vSphere 4 in particular. He detailed why the migration to a virtualized vSphere 4 environment optimizes server utilization, enhances availability and eases the management of enterprise computing resources. A video of the full presentation will be available soon on the BNUG SITE

February 25, 2010

Burlington, MA -Broadleaf Services and its partner Akorri participated in the 10th annual Angelbeat tour in Boston and Hartford on February 25 and 26. Angelbeat provides annual one day events for IT professionals in cities across the country. This year's tour focuses on the latest developments in virtualization, security, infrastructure and networks. The format is a series of concise technical presentations along with time for peer interaction and subject matter experts.

At Angelbeat, Broadleaf partnered with Akorri to focus on their virtual infrastructure performance management software that assures performance and optimizes utilization and operations of virtual and physical server and storage infrastructure. Attendees learned how Akorri's BalancePoint can be used to increase VM densities with performance assurance , reclaim server and storage assets, forecast hardware purchases and improve staff visibility and productivity. Despite typical New England mixed precipitation both days, over 40 IT professionals turned out for this comprehensive event in both Boston and Hartford.

Burlington, MA -Broadleaf moved to a new office location at 10 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA.

Boston, MA - Broadleaf, a leader in designing and implementing vendor solutions for virtualization, data storage, protection, availability and recovery, today announced that Burlington, MA based Z Corporation engaged Broadleaf to deliver a comprehensive server virtualization and storage solution. Broadleaf used a proven engagement process to enable the 3D printer manufacturer to improve application availability and manageability of servers and applications. Z Corporation realized a significant reduction in the time necessary to implement new applications. Z Corporation joins a growing list of enterprises enlisting Broadleaf for cost-effective strategies for server and storage virtualization as well as data replication, business continuity and disaster recovery.

As companies of all sizes become increasingly dependent on uptime for both applications and data, the demand for cost effective, easy-to-manage storage and protection strategies continues to grow. As the developer and manufacturer of the world's fastest 3D printers and the world's most portable 3D scanners, Z Corporation recognized the business necessity of reducing recovery time in the event of server downtime or data loss. After looking at another vendor's solution, Paul Mueller, MIS Manager felt that "it was too complicated and would not have lasted...we would have had to replace it in the near future." Before making his decision on this project, Mueller was also concerned about virtualizing SQL and Exchange because if not done properly performance issues can be severe. Mueller went on to say that "the solution Broadleaf recommended is optimal for Z Corporation. The time spent managing our server and application environment has been greatly reduced and our application and data availability has been greatly improved. Broadleaf's thorough planning and design process resulted in a very successful implementation and migration."

The new infrastructure implemented by Broadleaf for Z Corporation guarantees improved data protection, application availability and recoverability in the case of an on-site loss. According to Gregor Stewart, Broadleaf's Director of Technology Strategy, "many enterprises will find this increased flexibility, to be as compelling as the more obvious efficiencies of virtualization."

Boston MA - IT professionals throughout the northeast are taking a hard look at client virtualization technologies this year. To learn more, CIOs, IT Directors and IT Managers in the Boston area joined Broadleaf for a presentation by Gregor Stewart, Broadleaf's Director of Technology Strategy at McCormick and Schmick's in Boston's Faneuil Hall. Stewart began by defining client virtualization as a collection of technologies for abstracting, delivering and managing end user (or client) functionality. The aim is to decouple functionality from OS and hardware and the vision is to provide consistent experience across all user devices with minimal management.

Mr. Stewart outlined two key kinds of client virtualization technologies: a hosted approach and a local approach. With a hosted approach, the workload is in the data center; virtual machines are running desktop OS's and/or applications, on servers in the data center; accessed by 'zero', thin or traditional desktop clients, usually via a connection broker, using a variety of remote access protocols, e.g. RDP, and most recently PCoIP. With a local approach, desktop and laptop hardware is running bare metal or user level hypervisors as a platform for centrally managed OS-bearing images, and/or containerized application packages. Stewart went on to look at why an organization would choose a hosted approach or a local approach.

The presentation focused on defining the types of users in an environment and how the users' requirements help to determine the most effective type of client virtualization for an organization. Stewart defined users in three categories: task based, knowledge based and power users. Further, he addressed important criteria for shared storage solutions that go hand in hand with client virtualization projects. During the last portion of the presentation, Stewart outlined costs for client virtualization and a process for an organization to follow in undertaking a client virtualization project. Two short case studies of client virtualization projects concluded the presentation. After a question and answer session, many attendees stayed for 'one on one' conversations with Stewart and Broadleaf Solution Specialists about their organization's particular needs and goals.

Twenty IT professionals from the greater Boston area joined Broadleaf for a lunch presentation on Client Virtualization today at Papa Razzi in Burlington. True New England weather resulted in this event being rescheduled from its original December 9th date.

Gregor Stewart, Broadleaf's Director of Technology Strategy began by defining client virtualization and went on to provide a high level overview of the technologies along with benefits and risks. Further he discussed why companies are considering these technologies and how to best take advantage of client virtualization today.

Mr. Stewart explained differences in client virtualization technologies with the workload in the data center and with the workload in the edge. With the workload in the data center, virtual machines are running desktop OSs and/or applications, on servers in the data center; accessed by “zero”, thin or traditional desktop clients, usually via a connection broker, using a variety of remote access protocols, e.g. RDP, and most recently PCoIP. Workload at the edge means that desktop and laptop hardware is running bare metal or user level hypervisors as a platform for centrally managed images, and/or containerized application packages.

The presentation focused on why virtualize clients as well as what needs to be taken into consideration about the types of clients in an organization. Stewart defined users in three categories: task based, knowledge based and power users as part of the process in evaluating the optimal client virtualization solution for an organization. Further, he addressed important criteria for shared storage solutions that go hand in hand with client virtualization projects. During the last portion of the presentation, Stewart outlined costs for client virtualization and a process for an organization to follow in undertaking a client virtualization project. After presenting a short case study of a client virtualization project, Mr. Stewart summarized by saying that client virtualization is an evolving collection of technologies that allow companies to get closer to the optimal balance of control for IT and freedom for end users.

IT professionals throughout the northeast have been eager to get the scoop on VMware's newest version, vSphere 4. After a well received presentation in Manchester, NH in August, Broadleaf's Director of Technology Strategy, Gregor Stewart brought the content to IT professionals in the Boston area this fall. On October 7 and November 18, the Shipyard Room at McCormick and Schmick's in Faneuil Hall was filled with IT professionals eager to learn about VMware's vSphere 4.

Mr. Stewart ‘s presentation provided the Broadleaf perspective on why VMware is an optimal solution for server virtualization, what's exciting about vSphere 4 and how IT professionals can better communicate the value and ROI of virtualization and vSphere4 within their organizations. While addressing the 'how and why' of server virtualization, Gregor focused on planning capacity rationally, the necessity of implementing appropriate shared storage, configuring hosts, migrating applications and best practices for designing disaster recovery.

Mr. Stewart went on to look at vSphere 4 in terms of the features and benefits of performance, availability, administration and fault tolerance that make this new release so valuable to organizations.

Manchester, NH- About twenty-five IT professionals from Massachusetts and New Hampshire enjoyed lunch at Fratello's in Manchester today while learning about VMware vSphere 4 from Gregor Stewart, Broadleaf's Director of Technology Strategy. The presentation was designed both for those with existing VMware environments as well as those considering server virtualization for the first time.

Gregor's presentation provided the Broadleaf perspective on why VMware is an optimal solution for server virtualization, what's exciting about vSphere 4 and how IT professionals can better communicate the value and ROI of virtualization and vSphere4 within their organizations. While addressing the 'how and why' of server virtualization, Gregor focused on planning capacity rationally, the necessity of implementing appropriate shared storage, configuring hosts, migrating applications and best practices for designing disaster recovery.

Mr. Stewart went on to look at vSphere 4 in terms of the features and benefits of performance, availability, administration and fault tolerance that make this new release so valuable to organizations. After exploring how organizations can accurately measure the ROI for vSphere 4, Mr. Stewart led a group 'question and answer' session which was followed by small group conversations among Broadleaf Solution Specialists and IT Directors about their particular environments, needs and goals.

Burlington, MA- More than 30 area IT professionals joined Broadleaf and VMware for lunch at Papa Razzi in Burlington on Thursday to learn about the value that VMware's new version, vSphere brings to environments of all sizes. vSphere dramatically reduces capital and operating costs and increases control over delivery of IT services while preserving the flexibility to choose between any type of OS, application and hardware, hosted in-house or using external resources. Also, noteworthy in this latest version is VMware Essentials which provides industry-leading uptime in environments of 20 or fewer servers. Dan Sullivan, VMware's New England Territory Manager, highlighted new capabilities including: Fault Tolerance, Distributed Switching, Host Profiles, vApps and vStorage Thin Provisioning.

Eric Faucher, VP of Client Solutions along with Gregor Stewart, Director of Technology Strategy for Broadleaf outlined how vSphere capabilities can improve business continuity through cost effective HA and disaster recovery as well as how simplified VM back ups at the file and image level enhance data recovery. At the conclusion of lunch, guests lingered for more detailed discussions about their specific environments and needs with Broadleaf Solutions Specialists.

Burlington, MA- Broadleaf celebrated Matt Van Wormer's, Field Engineer, five year anniversary with the company today. James Tenner, CEO noted that as a field engineer, Matt is closely involved with each step of a customer's project from the first design meeting all the way through the final step of implementation and post project follow up. Tenner stated that "Matt's skills in all of Broadleaf's storage and virtualization solutions make him a vital asset to each project whether it be storage consolidation, storage centralization, server and storage virtualization, business continuity or disaster recovery planning."

Boston, MA- With magnificent views of the Boston skyline on one of the few sunny evenings in June, Broadleaf and Riverbed hosted guests at the Prudential Center's Top of the Hub for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a discussion of the value Riverbed WAN optimization solutions bring to organizations. Topics covered during the evening included: how to reduce bandwidth utilization by at least 60%; how to remove or reduce infrastructure in remote offices with the Riverbed Services Platform (RSP)- run up to five additional services and applications with VMware on the Riverbed appliance, allowing deployment of local services in branch offices without the need for physical servers; how to reduce remote office cost, complexity, and backup with "branch office in a box" strategy; how collaboration is improved even for mobile workers; and how Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans become a reality with Riverbed appliances.

As a strong Riverbed partner, Broadleaf Solutions Specialists often implement Riverbed appliances as key components of data storage and protection projects.

Somerville, MA - Spiceworks users from all over the northeast are expected to turn out on March 27 for the premier 2009 SpiceWorld event. IT leaders from small-and-medium sized businesses will gather to discuss IT challenges, get practical hands-on training, meet and swap ideas with their peers and explore new products and services that can help them accomplish their tasks. Spiceworks is free IT management software that combines everything needed to manage IT in one easy-to-use application: software inventory, network inventory, PC inventory, network monitoring, Exchange monitoring, license monitoring, asset reporting and more as well as Helpdesk and IT portal. 500,000 IT professionals worldwide enjoy the benefits of Spiceworks in their environment.

Broadleaf is a proud sponsor of SpiceWorld Boston 2009 and will be on hand to share expertise on data storage, data protection, data management and data delivery solutions including key topics on server and storage virtualization, improving backups, business continuity, disaster recovery, email and file archiving and WAN optimization. For more information and registration for SpiceWorld Boston 2009 to be held March 27 in Somerville, MA, go to: http://www.spiceworld2009.com/boston/

Broadleaf Services is pleased to announce that Gregor Stewart has joined the firm as Director - Technology Strategy. In this role, Mr. Stewart will ensure that Broadleaf stays ahead of the curve with its storage and server virtualization solutions.

According to Broadleaf’s President and CEO, James Tenner, “Gregor’s knowledge and expertise will help us continue to provide high value to our customers, and he will be key to helping the company manage its growth.” Mr. Stewart will also work directly with customers, to determine optimal solutions. Mr. Stewart’s strong background in IT leadership, consulting, and systems integration provides the versatility needed for this challenging role.

Boston, MA - Over 500 IT professionals ventured to the IT Roadmap Conference and Expo at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on June 18. Five different morning tracks provided up to the minute information on Virtualization; VoIP & Unified Communications; Network Management, Automation & Control; NAC: Network Access Control; and Next- Generation WAN Services.

In the Virtualization track, attendees focused on virtualization for IT & business agility. Important topics included how to: better utilize your servers, increase operational efficiency, speed up server provisioning, cut energy costs and use SAN replication for disaster recovery. After the virtualization track, attendees, hungry for more information, flocked to the exhibit hall to visit Broadleaf Services. Broadleaf’s expertise is in data storage, data protection, data management and data delivery solutions. Broadleaf’s Solution Specialists and Engineers were ready to provide more detail about building a virtual infrastructure from server to storage. Their discussion emphasized the benefits and simplicity of deploying solutions provided by their “best in class” partners, Virtual Iron and NetApp. Broadleaf, known for their consultative approach, provided key information to booth visitors about Virtual Iron for server virtualization and NetApp for virtualized storage. Many visitors immediately scheduled follow up appointments for demos and to learn more.

Broadleaf, a certified Riverbed partner, also attracted visitors from the Next-Generation WAN Services track. Riverbed Wide Area Data Services enable LAN-like access to virtual infrastructure for all users regardless of their location. A raffle for a gift certificate to Boston’s new acclaimed, Clink Restaurant at the Liberty Hotel, was held for those who visited both Riverbed and their partner, Broadleaf in the Exhibit Hall.

Attendees at the IT Roadmap Conference and Expo agreed that the day was time well spent with vast amounts of relevant and useful information.