ESR Technology , an innovative engineering and risk management consultancy has reduced its own exposure to risk by migrating to Open Source software.

As a venture capital funded spin-off from AEA plc (formerly the Atomic Energy Authority), ESR Technology wanted to free themselves from the financial and business risks associated with vendor lock-in.Their solution was to deploy a complete Open Source infrastructure across their sites in the UK and Middle East.

Whilst ESR's desktops remain Windows-based, all network services such as file and print, web access, e-mail and group calendaring now run on Open Source software. ESR worked closely with leading European Open Source firm, Sirius Corporation, to design and implement an enterprise-class solution. A solution that will scale with zero additional costs in software licensing.

An important technical achievement in the project was deploying an Open Source groupware solution including e-mail, webmail, group calendaring and directory services in preference to MS Exchange Server and Active Directory.

Dr. Sean Harmer, ESR Technology said: “We inherited our old proprietary infrastructure but were unhappy with its cost and performance. We wanted more control over our own IT infrastructure and a more responsive service. “We knew Open Source software works seamlessly with our Windows PCs and delivers a level of performance and availability that you just can't find with expensive proprietary brands.

Mark Taylor, CEO of Sirius Corporation said: “We are delighted to be working with ESR Technology. As a dynamic start-up they are now benefiting from the technical advantages and lower total-cost-of-ownership of Open Source software.

“ESR's staff get to keep their familiar Windows desktop software and use a network that is now fast and reliable.”