Reactivity
Sun and OEM Technology Provider Rave Computer Solve Key Integration Issues Quickly and CreativelyBelmont, CA-based Reactivity, Inc., a leading eXtensible Markup Language (XML) appliance vendor, has drawn sweeping praise from analysts for its products that greatly accelerate processing of XML traffic over corporate networks. As major corporations initiate services-oriented architecture (SOA) and Web Services projects in earnest, these XML gateways are fast becoming a critical piece of a firms network infrastructure. Business Issues
SolutionReactivity chose Sun Fire servers based on AMD Opteron processors for its XML appliances and, with help from Rave Computer Association, integrated nCipher encrpytion cards with the servers.
Success at a GlanceTo maintain its performance edge, Reactivity recently shifted its product line from Intel-based servers to the Sun Fire server using AMD Opteron processors. To accomplish this transition quickly, Reactivity collaborated with Rave Computer Association, a Sun OEM Technology Provider, to solve integration issues involving the nCipher encryption card. Their joint story demonstrates the power of Sun technology--and the ability of Sun OEM Technology Providers to deal with difficult challenges rapidly and creatively. Reactivity began an intense analysis of the server market after Dell announced discontinuation of its 1850 server, which was used in Reactivity's XML appliances. Reactivity's rapid growth is tied to continual innovation and performance improvement. The company saw this as an opportunity to reassess its platform and find even better ways to alleviate security concerns, incompatible implementations, and application latency issues for Global 2000 enterprises moving to XML and a services-oriented architecture.
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The solution saves us time and allows us to focus on our core competency.
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— Glenn Osaka, President and CEO, Reactivity
Glenn Osaka, Reactivity President and CEO, was impressed by Sun's proven track record and strong global service, and chose the Opteron-based Sun servers after experiencing a 40 percent performance increase over a comparable Intel/Dell configuration in benchmark tests. Reactivity also chose the Sun Fire servers because they require less power and run much cooler than comparable systems. These features are important for Reactivity's gateway models that leverage the nCipher SSL card, which generates significant heat. There was one big issue: The Sun Fire X4200 server as designed couldn't support the full-height nCipher PCI card. Reactivity was referred to Rave Computer Association, known for its strong in-house technical staff of electrical and mechanical engineers. Together, Rave and Reactivity's engineers experimented with different solutions. Ultimately, they combined a B-side riser card, custom header, ribbon cable, PCI adapter and mounting hardware to install a full-height nCipher card horizontally across the system chassis. Soon after launching the new XML appliance line, Reactivity's customers reported significant time and cost savings as well as a boost in performance, with a full ROI payback in just three months after deployment. "Having Rave manage Reactivity's appliance product supply chain and performing integration activities including hardware, operating system, and application software is a fundamental part of our strategy," says Osaka. To ease supply chain burdens, Rave created bundled SKUs and gave Reactivity the ability to order online and have fully-configured products shipped directly to the company's customers. "Our value-add is helping customers overcome these kinds of obstacles," says Rick Darter, president and CEO of Rave in Sterling Heights, MI. "OEM partners are here to help solve problems that seem unsolvable." |
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