Optimized Computing Solutions Helps E&P Operators Maximize Total IT Environment

Every exploration manager wants to maximize the value of his/her total E&P technology environment. Unfortunately, selecting the most ideal hardware-software relationship for business needs and workflows can be extremely difficult. This is particularly true when software and hardware solutions are purchased separately. Many applications have their own workload characteristics and requirements and are most likely to perform optimally on specific solution and infrastructure configurations.

Users indicate that they want their software applications and their hardware infrastructure to deliver a clear return on investment, and they want solutions be carefully designed to complement their exploration objectives. They also want solutions that protect their current technology investments. That is the challenge being directed toward computing solutions providers today.

To better meet this challenge, Landmark stepped up its focus and commitment to addressing the upstream computing and IT infrastructure market with a revamped team and a new strategy. This revamped line of business, Landmark Optimized Computing Solutions and Services (OCS&S), is based on delivering differentiated computing solutions that are supported and optimized for Landmark software and/or upstream technology environments.

Landmark Corporate Data Archiver™ Software and EMC Centera™ Storage Solution (Click to enlarge image)

"We are creating a differentiated portfolio of optimized solutions and continuing to provide a full line of partners' solutions," said Marc Spieler, senior manager of OCS&S. "We also are putting in place related IT services that will enable us to be a single-source provider for our customers' upstream IT needs." Landmark OCS&S optimizes the hardware and software relationship for E&P applications before a system is delivered to the purchaser.

"With computers becoming commoditized, hardware manufacturers are not proving out their solutions," says Marc Spieler, senior manager, OCS&S. "And, as customers deploy scarce resources to work on their assets, they don't want their people spending time proving hardware and dealing with software issues. This is where Landmark OCS&S can help by recommending solutions and then implementing them. We can help operators solve their problems, not just sell them hardware and software."

To assist operators, single sourcing for all hardware needs, from initial configuration selection through deployment and even management is available to assure that computing solutions both accelerate and/or are optimal for the required E&P workflows. According to Spieler, operators can choose from competitively priced and globally supported optimized hardware/software solutions ranging from handhelds, laptops, desktops and workstations up to the largest servers, plotters, and projection systems.

Optimized for E&P
OCS&S' experience working onsite with the upstream E&P community has enabled computing solutions that are optimal for the environment in which they are to be deployed. Often, optimized solutions and upstream technology infrastructure solutions that can run on either non-Landmark or in-house applications are recommended to operators for specific E&P projects. Collaboration with hardware manufacturers and component providers such as Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA allows the recommended solutions to work together to take advantage of newer, more innovative technology.

Single-Source Relationship
Many E&P companies elect to purchase their hardware, software and IT services directly from different manufacturers. But when they do, they often experience compatibility and performance issue. When these problems arise, the different suppliers often are unable to effectively work together to provide a solution.

By working with leading technology manufacturers to provide stable, long-lasting and easily upgradeable solutions, OCS&S strives to ensure that operators do not face these issues. For the end user, this provides added value and eliminates the worry of maintaining and managing relationships with multiple vendors.

Alliances
Alliances with best-in-class manufacturers and providers of hardware, software and services in the exploration and production (E&P) and commercial technology industries have been formed at the engineering level for the creation of joint solutions and for embedding cutting-edge technologies and feature sets into products. These alliances include AMD, EMC, HP, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NetApp, NVIDIA, SGI, Sun, Verari as well as other top E&P software companies. All are leaders in E&P and in systems integration, hardware, software, and related services.

Systems Created for E&P
A dedicated staff constantly researchs new hardware products that compliment and enhance E&P applications. By doing so, customers are assured of receiving the advantages of the newest technologies.

The following are a few optimized solutions that OCS&S personnel have created recently:

HP xw8400 Workstation and GeoProbe® Multivolume Interpretation Software Optimized for the DecisionSpace® Environment. Assists geoscientists in finding and replacing reserves faster by quickly turning giant data sets into meaningful graphics.
Verari Systems™ E&P 7500 Visualization Server Optimized for Landmark Software. Enables geoscientists to visualize and manipulate large regional data sets with greater power and resolution.
Corporate Data Archiver Solution integrated with EMC Centera™ Storage Solution. Allows asset teams to instantly archive and retrieve critical data without any of the disadvantages of tapes.

Conclusion
As companies grow, it becomes easy to add components, servers and applications when needed. But, few companies have the time or ability to create optimal computing systems by researching, purchasing, installing, testing, and troubleshooting hardware and software for their varied E&P applications. Therefore, they are challenging their providers to offer computing solutions that relieve them of this task.

To answer this challenge, OCS&S is bringing resources together to create computing solutions that optimize the performance of both proprietary and non-proprietary upstream applications. In the end, these solutions focus on the specific needs of operators and allow them to take advantage of the latest technological advancements in computing hardware and software.