Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department implements state-of-the-art disaster recovery system

As part of the ongoing campaign to implement advanced IT systems and improve its functioning and customer service, Dubai Naturalization and Residency Administration (DNRD) has implemented a state-of-the-art disaster recovery and data storage solution for higher business continuity. The project has been designed to offer DNRD greater security and easy access to information, through automatic updating and back-up of data. 

The solution has been implemented at DNRD's headquarters in Bur Dubai with a mirror disaster recovery system, at an undisclosed destination. The project, which took 12 months to complete, was implemented in consortium by Emirates Computers using Dell/EMC storage solutions, Quest database Online Replication between remote sites and Quest File Replicator software and Veritas backup solutions.

The hardware for the project comprises a SAN (Storage Area Network) storage solution for each site, based on an Enterprise Modular Storage Array Dell/EMC Clariion CX600 for the disk storage, McData switches for the SAN Fabric and SunFire V880 development servers.

Brigadier Saeed bin Beleilah, Director of DNRD said, "Information generated by DNRD is not only vast, it is also sensitive in nature. Emirates Computers offered us a comprehensive solution that provides three major benefits.

Firstly, it offers us scalability by enabling us to store the vast amounts of data generated in a secure manner. Secondly, it ensures constant flow of data through Leased Lines connectivity between the DNRD headquarters and the airport office. Thus, employees sitting at either office will be able to view and access automatically updated information in an instant, aiding in the decision making process".

"However, the most important benefit is higher security and efficient disaster recovery, ensuring business continuity. Emirates Computers equipped the main data server at our headquarters with a back-up system. This system is mirrored to an undisclosed destination, using a remote database replication and file replication system that offers, thus ensuring four layers of security.

This system is one of the most advanced of its kind, and we are one of the first government departments in the Middle East to implement it", he added.

"DNRD is known for its spirit of innovation by implementing the latest cutting-edge technology to smooth operations and speed up processes. We have to implement the right IT infrastructure to support the growing tourist and business traffic into Dubai. We were among the first departments in Dubai to provide our services electronically to Dubai residents. This project is a confirmation of our commitment to support Dubai Government's vision to become one of the world's leading tourism and business destinations.

We chose to work with Emirates Computers for this project due to their vast experience in providing reliable and quality solutions to various government departments. EC undertook a comprehensive feasibility study and provided us a cost-effective solution with high scalability, ease-of-use benefits, and security", continued Brigadier bin Beleilah.

"We are delighted to be chosen by DNRD to implement such a prestigious project. DNRD has always been a far-sighted and discerning organization in adopting cutting edge technology. We had previously worked with them to upgrade their LAN system and network the two offices. This gave us an added advantage over other competitors, as we had in depth knowledge of their legacy systems, and we were able to provide an effective solution that could meet DNRD's needs fully", said Hani Harik, President, Emirates Computers.

Dubai International Airport, the second fastest-growing airport in the world in terms of passenger volumes, handled more than 18 million passengers in 2003. It is projected that by the year 2010, the airport will handle over 30 million passengers. As part of its effort to serve passengers better, DNRD has implemented several key initiatives, including the eGate fast-track card-operated passport control system at Dubai International Airport, in which pre-registered customers do not have to stand at immigration counters to undergo manual passport screening.

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