Securelinx migrates Hickeys Fabrics from Netware to Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server – lowering IT costs and providing a future roadmap.

Dublin – 03rd March 2009 – Hickeys, one of Ireland’s leading fabrics retailers, has deployed Novell® SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) in order to support daily operations across it network of retail outlets. The SUSE Linux environment fully supports Hickeys proprietary stock management and EPOS application, combining availability and performance to deliver optimal service across a network of system users.

With 16 outlets in Ireland including 10 Home Focus stores Hickeys has become a household name spanning some 70 years in business. Burdened by both ageing hardware and operating systems platforms however, the Company sought a solution for its in-house Line of Business application. With Securelinx assistance Hickeys Fabrics selected Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.
Highlighting performance, resilience, ability to service current requirements while providing a comprehensive roadmap for the future, the Company cites lower maintenance and support costs also as key drivers in its investment decision. The solution is being rolled out to each of its locations nationwide – reducing management overhead and freeing up highly skilled employees to work on other projects.

The company undertook intensive research and testing to find the right platform to support its stock management and EPOS applications – looking in particular at future roadmaps, support and performance issues. Securelinx provided the necessary integration experience, expertise and support to the project which continues to this day.

Commenting on the deployment, Noel McShane, IT Director at Hickeys said: “We’re delighted with the performance of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and the first class support provided by Securelinx. The new system offers exceptional value, is easier to maintain and caters to our current requirements. We have a terrific roadmap and story going forward now….The support from Securelinx has been invaluable and we’re looking forward to further ventures, cost savings and efficiency gains from our partnership over the years ahead.”

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is one of the leading Linux server distributions on the market today. Novell’s Linux server solutions give businesses greater flexibility, are scalable, inexpensive and easy to maintain.