On January 25, 2012, IT executives and industry leaders gathered at Fleming’s Steakhouse in West Hartford for an evening of technology and fine wine. Attendees enjoyed presentations from leading technology experts Kelser Corporation, VMware, and Hewlett-Packard. The theme centered on moving business critical applications to a virtualized environment using VMware within HP’s 3PAR infrastructure. In addition, attendees enjoyed a 5-course dinner paired with accompanying wines. Walking around the dining room, one could sense the dedicated attention from the crowd, trying hard to concentrate on what was being said as they consumed a meal fit for a king. Audience members interacted with the speakers providing insight from their individual experiences as well as asking questions.

Jonathan Stone, Technology Solutions Executive of Kelser Corporation, proclaimed that “Now is the time!” for the move. He related, “Virtualizing business critical applications can vastly improve Quality of Service, increase app efficiency, and speed up time to market. Application owners and IT operations folks can now move to the virtual space with confidence in each other.”

Jon opened with the definition of a Business Critical Application (BCA). Because a BCA varies within each company, rather than look at what the application does for a business, Stone looked at it from a fail perspective. If the BCA or Tier 1 application goes down, a major loss of business functionality or financial loss will be experienced, as well as the dreaded call from management. The myriad of reasons to virtualize were further explained.

VMware speaker Andy Powell spoke of the benefits of using VMware to virtualize those applications. According to Powell, VMware vSphere 5’s “Monster VM’s” can handle the most demanding business applications. Available features can provide the benefits of virtualization, with the added security, scalability, and function that can make application owners rest easy.

Sean Carroll from HP spoke on the benefits of 3PAR as a storage platform for the application virtualization. The thin technologies of 3PAR are uniquely positioned to offer wide striping, simplified management, and better business continuity as the ideal infrastructure for BCA virtualization.

All three presenters made a great cohesive case for virtualizing business critical applications. Following the presentations, everyone enjoyed the final dessert course amid discussions with their dining companions. Conversations focused on the transition of business critical applications, the advantages of robust infrastructure, new features of vSphere 5 and, of course, the exquisite food and wine from the evening.

For those interested in virtualizing business critical applications, please contact Jon Stone at (860) 610-2236 or jstone@kelsercorp.com

Business Critical Applications at Fleming's Steakhouse

17 Photos

For more information on Kelser events, visit http://www.kelsercorp.com/posts/events

Desktop Environment Managers share several concerns about the challenges of managing a company’s desktop and laptop environment. Chiefly, they struggle with the maintenance of the separate images used to support both hardware and users. The quandary of simultaneously supporting Windows 7 and Windows XP during the upgrade is also a challenge.

Managers collectively worry about the security of confidential data on laptops in case of a hardware loss, as well as ensuring that the latest patches install uniformly across the fleet of desktops and laptops. These challenges manifest themselves in terms of cost increase, management complexity, risk, and security exposure. Cost effective solutions with the least management complexity and highest security may negatively impact end user experience.

In the past, desktop environment managers proposed VDI (the hosting of virtualized workstations on hypervisor equipped servers in the data center) as a solution to the aforementioned challenges. Understandably, VDI possesses distinctive benefits through the linked-cloning feature which reduces the number of images to be managed, subsequently reducing management complexity and overall environment cost. It also provides the possibility of reduced security exposure because business data is less likely to reside on the desktop or laptop device. Despite these positive attributes, VDI is unable to leverage many graphical and multimedia features at the desktop, and can create bottlenecks on the hosting server and storage infrastructure. VDI cannot be generalized to all users, especially highly mobile ones, thus, it is not the most efficient solution to all desktop management problems.

NxTop from Virtual Computer provides a more adept solution to the aforementioned challenges. With NxTop, managers have the benefits of a single image for multiple users while still utilizing the local processing power of the desktop or laptop. This is possible because it turns VDI into IDV (Intelligent Desktop Virtualization), by using a type 1 hypervisor on the laptop or desktop, rather than on the server in the data center.

The NxTop management server is centrally located and is only used to supply and maintain the client virtual images making it more organized. In order to use NxTop, the client connects to the server only for the initial image download. Both image updates and backups only upload or download block level changes, so both are very network efficient. Moreover, because NxTop stores the client image, client customizations, and client data separately, all client devices can utilize the same base image and discard any inadvertent changes to the OS at each boot.

A significant feature of the NxTop is the presence of the hypervisor, which allows multiple guest operating systems to coexist on the same laptop or desktop. This is ideal for allowing an old OS (like XP) and a newer OS (like Win 7) to run concurrently, to facilitate migration and to control the risk of the migration. This coexistence also enables users to securely run personal and business operating systems on the same device, enhancing its productivity. NxTop utilizes security features that encrypt the data on the hard disk, and through the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), ensures maximum safety for the hypervisor.

This means that if an NxTop laptop is lost, it can be sent a kill-pill to destroy itself. Provisioning a new device for a user simply requires loading the NxTop Engine and associating the device to the user’s profile on the management server. Even more noteworthy, the last backup of the user’s personalization and files are automatically restored to the device. Desktop and Laptop management is made efficient, simple, and trustworthy, with the numerous features provided by NxTop. For Desktop Environment Managers, NxTop from Virtual Computer should be the obvious choice.

To learn more about NxTop and to see a demo, please contact your Kelser Sales Representative, or Jonathan Stone (jstone@kelsercorp.com).

East Hartford, CT – January 23, 2011:

Kelser Corporation, an Elite Business Partner of Hewlett-Packard, today announced augmentations to their storage solutions portfolio and educational offerings. With ever-changing demands, storage providers strive to solve both the proliferation of data and the increasing business needs arising from usage of that data. This year, Kelser will leverage its relationship with HP and other vendors to provide education, consulting, and ultimately, solutions to its clients to meet their most challenging storage requirements.

The industry has seen widespread change in storage requirements in the last 3-5 years. Regulations, usage of data, natural disasters, security risks, and the increasing amount of data have transformed the industry and will continue to do so. This creates an ever present need in storage and an unwelcome challenge for many CIOs and IT executives.

Over the last 30 years, Kelser Corporation, headquartered in East Hartford, CT, has developed an extensive understanding about the evolution of data storage and usage. The corporation acquired it’s plethora of knowledge through connections with clients in insurance and financial services, industries that rely heavily on data access and reliability. Kelser pairs this insight with certifications that support today’s cutting-edge solutions. This expertise has always been applied to Kelser’s existing client base. Now, the company’s initiatives aim to transmit this information outside of the client base to provide education and consultative services and solutions.

The company will conduct informational events and training seminars, release whitepapers and case studies, and provide consultation to expand clients’ knowledge base.

The initiative kicks off on January 25, 2012 with an event centered on the virtualization of Tier 1 Applications in 3PAR infrastructure. Kelser’s Technology Solutions Executive, Jonathan Stone, as well as VMware and HP (3PAR) experts are the featured speakers. A second event on February 21, 2012 will explore disk based backup and data deduplication best practices.

Kelser partners with many of today’s industry leaders to discover the best storage solutions for their clients, many of which come from HP technologies. Stone related, “The depth and breadth of the HP storage line is most impressive, especially in the 3PAR and D2D lines. We are able to meet the storage and backup needs of any of our clients, from small, two server environments up to large enterprise infrastructure.”

Finding a solution provider with both the needed expertise and the supporting certifications is paramount for IT executive seeking an answer to their storage needs. Kelser holds authorizations for HP as a US Enterprise Storage Specialist, US HP Storage P9000 Authorization, and US Virtualization Specialist. Earning these accreditations is no easy task. Extensive training and practical experience within each authorization level are required, and continuation of requirements is upheld yearly. These qualifications uniquely allow Kelser to impart knowledge and implement solutions to their clients.

Those interested in finding more information on upcoming events may visit the Kelser events page at http://www.kelsercorp.com/posts/events. Those seeking storage solution information should contact Lisa Carroll at (860) 610-2220 or lcarroll@kelsercorp.com

Business Critical Applications: Virtualize With Confidence

Optimize – Simplify – Save

Moving Business Critical Applications to a virtualized environment?
Curious about how 3PAR storage integrates with VMware virtualization?

Join us for this session to learn how Kelser Virtualization Services, together with VMware VSphere 5 and HP 3Par storage integrate together to create a business critical and cloud ready virtualized application hosting environment.

Learn how to achieve: fastest time-to-value, low risk, and seamless scalability for more users with less infrastructure.

Event Includes:

Industry Speakers
Educational Presentations
Wine Dinner
Case Studies
Prizes and giveaways
Networking

This free event is by invitation only with very limited availability. Please register today to qualify and reserve your seat.

Agenda*

January 25, 2012 4:30-7:30 PM
*Agenda may be subject to change

4:30-5:00 PM Registration
5:00-5:15 PM “Welcome/Overview”
-Jon Stone, Kelser Corporation
5:15-6:00 PM “Virtualizing Tier 1 Applications”
-Andy Powell, VMware
6:00-6:45 PM “Vsphere 3PAR Infrastructure”
-Sean Carroll, HP
6:45-7:30 PM “Solution Integration: The Process and Methodology”
-Jon Stone, Kelser Corporation
-The solution sounds great, but how will it be integrated into my environment? What can I expect?
Kelser’s Jon Stone dives into the implementation process, from the understanding and analysis of applications and requirements, to run-book development and project management/monitoring. The procedure, though seemingly complex, can be painless and quickly turn in to operational efficiency, boosted performance, and greater uptime.

Location

Directions/Parking Info
Flemings Steakhouse
44 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT

The Future of Backup & Recovery

Simplify – Save – Reduce Risk

Save time & simplify in a centralized, tape-free environment!

Join us for this session to learn how Kelser Professional Services, together with HP’s line of D2D solutions integrate together to provide scalable disk-based backup that can save money and free up valuable resources in the process.

Learn how to reduce the cost of data, power & cooling, and data management while achieving quick restores and reducing the chance of failure. See how HP’s solution lines up against the competition!

 Event Includes:

 Industry Speakers
 Educational Presentations
 Lunch
 Case Studies
 Prizes and giveaways
 Networking

This free event is by invitation only with very limited availability. Please register today to qualify and reserve your seat.

Agenda*

11:30 AM -12:00 PM
Registration
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Presentations and Lunch

Location

Max Downtown
185 Asylum Street
Hartford, CT

Parking Info and Directions

Want to win an iPad 2 Accessory pack? Here’s how!

For every social media platform you follow/like, you will receive 1 entry each (Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter).
For each activity on each of the Kelser pages you perform you will receive 1 entry.

Activities include:

Facebook

• Liking a post on the Kelser wall – 1 entry
• Commenting on a post on the Kelser wall – 1 entry
• Starting a valuable discussion – up to 2 entries*

Twitter

• Retweeting Kelser Post – 1 entry
• Tweeting about Kelser – up to 2 entries*

Contest begins January 18, 2012 and the winner will be drawn on the first day of Spring, March 20! The more entries you submit increases your chance of winning!

*Kelser staff will determine the value of the post. i.e. “Kelser Rocks”: 1 entry; asking a question about virtualization of tier 1 applications: 2 entries

**Contest Expires 3/20/2012

Prize pack includes ipad 2 case, stylus, charger and screen protector.

East Hartford, CT – December 22, 2011:
Kelser Corporation today announced the creation of a new organization dedicated to the human spirit of giving. The Kelser Foundation will formally expand the company’s active role in supporting charities locally, nationwide and across the globe.

While the Foundation is new, the activities it supports are not. Through the tireless efforts of the company’s employees, families, customers, partners and friends, philanthropy has become more than an initiative—it has been adopted into a way of life for the company. The creation of the Foundation allows Kelser to augment and organize these activities to better serve the community.

Kelser President, Barry Kelly states, “I truly believe that giving is instinctual. The overwhelming need to affect someone’s life in a positive way through acts, deeds and/or contribution is very strong. Our ability to give will always be a part of a covenant between Kelser and its community.”

The Kelser Foundation creates and maintains relationships with members of the community to assist those in need, with a clear eye on results. Since its inception in 1981, Kelser has contributed more than $750,000 in funds, clothing and other goods, along with countless volunteer hours to those in need. These dollars and hours have supported healthy lung research and advocacy, youth development, veteran support, tree planting, and special needs programs in various organizations. While the individual programs may change, the overall goal does not.

Lisa Carroll, Marketing Manager for Kelser will oversee much of the Foundation’s activity. She has managed the Kelser Charity Golf Challenge for the last 15 years. As she related, “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished from the Challenge over the years. It exemplifies what we’re trying to attain through the creation of the Kelser Foundation. Managing this event and countless other initiatives through the Foundation will further ingrain “giving back” into the Kelser way.”

The foundation is currently sponsoring a toy drive for Gary Craig’s “We Are the Children” program. We Are The Children is an organization founded in 1985 by Gary Craig, morning radio personality 96.5 TIC-FM in Hartford, Connecticut that supports abandoned, battered, disadvantaged and needy children. This 100% volunteer organization assists over 1,200 needy children at its annual Christmas party with all goods and services donated by members of the local communities.

In 2011, Kelser participated in numerous charitable activities which totaled $41,600.00 in donations. These monies were generated from the Travelers Championship, Evening of Fine Wines, Kelser Charity Challenge, along with seven additional golf tournaments and two gala events in support of the American Lung Association.

The following are already on the books for the upcoming year:

• April—Evening of Fine Wines to benefit the MCC Foundation and sponsor scholarships, Evening of Life and Breath to benefit the American Lung Association

• June—2012 Travelers Championship; proceeds go to the Greater Hartford Jaycees and the Hole In The Wall Gang Camp.
• September—16th Annual Kelser Charity Challenge; proceeds go to the American Lung Association

Please follow us on Twitter (@KelserCorp) and check the site often to see all current activities as well as photos and stories from previous events. To learn more about the Foundation or to get involved, please visit the www.kelsercorp.com/foundation.

Kelser's Fall Clothing Drive collection, benefitting the Vietnam Veterans of America

Job Title: Systems Engineer (Internal Infrastructure Focus)
Location: Primarily East Hartford, CT
Type: Full Time
Travel Required: Yes

The Kelser Systems Engineer (SE) will support Kelser’s internal users and systems through a wide range of tasks related thereto. The primary focus of the SE will include monitoring and managing the Kelser internal IT infrastructure and client environment including but not limited to data center, servers, power, LAN/WAN networking, telephony, printers and PCs.

Additional responsibilities include: the proactive maintenance and reactive support of these environments; implementation of upgrades, patches and fixes; OS/software version monitoring and control; implementation of BC/DR plans; ongoing development of Kelser’s IT architecture; provisioning resources as needed by internal or external clients. The SE will work on internal proof of concept projects; aid in educating others on topics of specialization; analyze options for improvements internally at Kelser.

The Kelser SE will be expected to continually assess the functional operation of Kelser’s infrastructure and applications with a critical eye towards improvement and innovation to enhance productivity and efficiency. In addition, the SE may be requested to provide Professional Services duties as part of PSO engagements between Kelser and its clients. At all times, the SE is expected to work with the best interests of Kelser in mind.

If you are a motivated, reliable person with a team player mentality who the requirements for this job, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@kelsercorp.com

Duties and Responsibilities

Skills/Qualifications

Metrics/Measurements

Job Title: Warehouse & Logisitics Staff
Location: Primarily East Hartford, CT
Job Category:
Type: Full Time

The Kelser Warehouse & Logistics (WL) Staff are primarily responsible for internal logistics of inventory receipt, storage, selection, transfer and shipment based on orders inbound to Kelser as well as outbound to Kelser clients. Within these functions the WL Staff are key in controlling inventory shrinkage due to mis-shipments, inaccurate receipt, loss or damage of goods handled in the warehouse or delivered internally to other departments in the company.

Through best practices of organized storage and proper labeling, the WL Staff are able to efficiently and accurately pick products for orders based on printed documents supplied by the WL Manager. Creating packaged bundles and appropriately protecting such inventory are key steps in ensuring accurate and safe delivery to the Kelser client’s location. Assistance in inventory functions and general Warehouse maintenance are routine tasks in which WL Staff will be involved. At all times, the WL Staff is expected to work with the best interests of Kelser in mind.

If you are a motivated, reliable person with a team player mentality who the requirements for this job, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@kelsercorp.com

Duties and Responsibilities

Skills/Qualifications

Metrics/Measurements

CTC member Kelser Corporation was proud to be a part of the hand-selected technology exhibitors at the Summit, taking its place among other providers such as EMC and Iron Mountain. In the ever-evolving landscape that IT professionals face, attendees were provided with valuable insight from industry professionals and their peers.

“This event was very well organized and executed by the CTC. It provided a great opportunity for area IT professionals to get together and share knowledge. Kelser was delighted to participate and to add our 30 year experience to the mix,” said Lisa Carroll, Marketing Manager at Kelser Corporation.

Speakers included IT Professionals from Gartner, Mohegan Sun, ESPN, and other organizations who discussed the cloud, CRM, social media, IT leadership, and much more. Three breakout sessions as well as breakfast and lunch rounded out the day’s schedule. Carroll found Gartner’s keynote speech particularly interesting.

“Gartner is a household name when it comes to IT, and [speaker] Gene Alvarez is a compelling reason why. He illustrated the need for CRM in a way that even a non IT professional would understand and appreciate.”

The event concluded with an exclusive tour of the casino’s 36nd floor High End Gaming Room.

According to Lisa Carroll, Kelser will have a robust event presence in 2012, hosting and sponsoring various events throughout the year, the highlight of which is the 2012 CT CIO Forum in April, sponsored by the CT chapter of SIM. For more information on Kelser Corporation events, visit http://www.kelsercorp.com/posts/events/

Please enjoy some photos from the event:

2011 IT Summit at Mohegan Sun

30 Photos