Microsoft-1-800-GOT-JUNK

Vendor: Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT)
Customer: 1-800-GOT-JUNK? www.1800gotjunk.com 
Vertical Markets: Retail/Other
State: International – Canada

Technology Used: Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V virtualization technology, Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008

Solution: Founded by Brian Scudamore when he was still in university, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has evolved into a $100 million business with over 200 franchises in 3 countries. The highly successful junk removal business serves residential and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Encouraged by his success, Scudamore decided to make aggressive efforts to expand his business by increasing the number of franchises in North America. Before he did this, however, he had to make sure that he had scalable IT and server infrastructure capable of handling any level of future growth.

After reviewing several possible solutions, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? decided to virtualize its IT environment using a solution based on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V. To manage its virtual landscape, the junk collection company also deployed Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008.

The new environment has allowed for the consolidation of servers and more efficient server management. Because IT administrators now spend less time on maintenance, more resources can be used to enhance the system, respond to customer concerns, build brand awareness, and develop a growth strategy. The associated IT cost savings have also been significant. The number of physical servers has been reduced from six racks to two, which will reduce the need to buy more hardware and limit costs related to server maintenance, cooling, and floor space. By virtualizing just 25 to 27 percent of their servers, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has been able to save approximately $35,000 in hardware costs alone.

Further details: http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?casestudyid=4000005771