Widen your vision: Experience Exchange 2010 on a virtualized platform

Running Windows exchange 2010 on a virtualized platform (with Hyper-V or VMware ESX) gives you a plethora of availability and recovery options, each providing varying levels of protection and cost.

Zero time invested in upgrade or system downtime:
A good deal of time, energy, and capital is involved in traditional physical environmental upgrades. It also means risk of data loss and extra time required for the recovery process. Virtualizing exchange server helps save substantial amount of time and money in the following ways—
• Planning and implementation time
• Sizing and acquisition of new hardware
• Downtime for system upgrade, which incurs higher costs and risks of data loss

Faster data recovery minus time and data loss:
Data recovery and systematic storage are the two main concerns for IT professionals. Virtualized Exchange environments can help you recover from-
• Planned or unplanned hardware outages
• Hardware degradation
• Application failure or Failover Clusters
Virtualized capability automatically balances workloads and shared storage on a virtual platform helps in keeping incidents of application failures at bay.

High performance mailbox servers:
Running your exchange server 2010 on a virtualized platform gives you the advantage of enormous largest mailbox server which that exceeds physical performance. In addition, you get the following—

• Virtual Machine scalability up by 8 vCPU and 256 GB of memory
• Disk IO scalability increased to more than 350,000 IOPS, enabling VMware ESX to support IO-intensive applications such as Exchange and large Databases
• Network IO increased to 40 Gbps

This also means enhanced architecture and improved features of Microsoft Exchange 2010 and 2007 that significantly reduce the IO requirements as compared to Exchange 2003.

Do more with enhanced exchange infrastructure:
A virtualized platform for windows exchange server 2010 allows you to scale exchange mailboxes on multiple smaller virtual machines to maximize the throughput of the physical server. Windows Exchange server can be scaled out on 8 Virtual Machines, each supporting 2,000 very heavy mailbox users, to support 16,000 users on one 16-core server.

GSS Infotech, which has VMWare as one of its strategic alliances helps you leverage the inherent benefits of a Microsoft® Exchange Server 2010 deployment on VMware vSphere.

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com

Ready for Windows Exchange Server 2010

Windows exchange server 2010 with its wide array of new and advanced features, is worth a try. But if you are all set for an official roll-out, you need to consider a few pre-requisites, before you switch to Windows Exchange Server 2010.

Hardware requirements for Exchange Server 2010:
• System requirements: Exchange server 2010 is compatible with x64 architecture-based computer with Intel processor that supports Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology (Intel EM64T). It also runs fine on any AMD processor that supports the AMD64 platform. However, Intel Itanium family IA64 processors are not supported by Exchange Server 2010.
• Operating system requirements: Exchange server 2010 supports Microsoft Windows Server 2008 x64 Standard and Enterprise Edition with Service Pack 2 or Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard and Enterprise Edition.

Software requirements for Exchange Server 2010:
ServerManagerCmd commands and the PowerShell commands are two of the most essential requirements for installing Windows Exchange Server 2010. The related download files contain necessary commands for installing Windows (2008 SP2 or 2008 R2) and for each Exchange role.

You must also keep in mind that if ServerManagerCmd command may use different XML files if you are installing windows server 2008 or other servers. It is also necessary to have Exchange media ready when you are installing a role.

If you need to run Exchange 2010 on a virtualization platform, you need to remember that not all roles are supported. The Unified Messaging Server role, for instance is not supported in a virtual environment because of its reliance on time-sensitive, real-time communications. However, Microsoft exchange server 2010 supports some common virtualization platforms like Microsoft Hyper-V R2, VMware’s ESX/vSphere, and Citrix’s XenServer.

Additional requirements for Exchange Server 2010
There are a couple of other requirements that one needs to consider for adopting Windows Exchange Server 2010, such as —
• Memory ― A minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM per server with 5 megabytes (MB) of RAM are required for each mailbox.
• Disk space —At least 1.2 GB space on the drive is used for installation. An additional 500 MB of available disk space is recommended if you have plans for installing for Unified Messaging (UM) language pack.
• Available disk space: At least 200 MB of available disk space is required on the system drive.
• File format―Disk partitions need to be formatted as NTFS file systems.
• Monitor―your screen resolution needs to be 800x600 pixels or higher

Once you have ensured that you have met all of the aforementioned requirements, your adoption of windows exchange server 2010 will be smooth and safe.

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com

8 Simple Steps for starting HIPAA 5010 migration

It is a known fact that providers, payers, and vendors are running late with their HIPAA 5010 transition , but things may be even worse than it appears. Only 12% of providers, in fact, have formally initiated their HIPAA 5010 conversions, according to HIMSS, and they're facing a deadline prior to the January 1, 2012 compliance mandate.

“A lot of providers look at 5010 as a project to start in 2010,” says Joe Miller, director of e-business at AmeriHealth Mercy Family Companies. But the first deadline, known as Level 1, is to start trading partner testing on January 1, 2011. “Providers are aware of 5010 but focused on the final compliance date. Many won't be ready to meet the Level 1 compliance.”
That's not to say it's too late, as the month of March winds down, but instead that providers will need to get started pretty much immediately to meet the Level 1 deadline, thereby leaving 2011 for external testing.
During a HIMSS Webinar on Wednesday, Betsy Clore, a senior analyst and programmer at Wake Forest University Health Sciences, and Gale Scott, HIPAA transaction compliance administrator at Tampa General Hospital, outlined 8 steps for getting started.

1. Educate yourself
this begins with getting a clearer understanding of HIPAA 4010 transactions to learn more about the changes in 5010, Wake Forest's Clore says. “And don't assume that X12 is just for techies,” she added. The transition also includes business and regulatory processes, clinical data needs, and even marketing.

2. Analyze changes
Clore recommends the implementation guidelines and the X 12 HIPAA Interpretation Portals as starting points. Changes to consider are impacts to business processes and software, billing procedures, and EDI processes. In Wake Forest's case, converting software and EDI technologies enabled them to use new non-HIPAA 5010 features they did not take advantage of before they upgraded.

3. Communicate with your vendors
Tampa General's Scott explains that by January 1, 2011, providers should be ready to start trading partner testing – and that means vendors have to be on board by then. “Make your vendor aware of your requirements,” Clore adds. “Don't assume that others have covered everything.”

4. Communicate with trading partners
This one is critical because even if you are prepared, a non-compliant trading partner can be trouble. Scott says that a CMS unit will be conducting “random audits to make sure you're compliant.” Fines or other penalties have not yet been detailed but, Scott adds,” There’s every indication they're headed that way.” Clore and Scott recommend understanding partners' timetables and the ways in which testing will be conducted.

5. Upgrade and test vendor software internally
this year is the one for internal upgrades and testing. Remember to “ensure that your 4010 transactions still work,” as you move to 5010, Clore says. In some instances, both Clore and Scott say that their systems work with both 4010 and 5010 transactions, but that depends on the vendor.

6. Update your own customizations and edits
Examples include edits requiring subscriber date of birth and sex, which are no longer needed, as well as some alterations that will need to happen post-compliance, such as turning off the pop-up prompt for patient weight for epoetin, Clore notes.

7. Use a validation service
If you don't already, Clore recommends tapping a validation service to confirm that your transactions are compliant with implementation guidelines. Some services, Clore adds, also handle business edits.

8. Test with trading partners as part of a phased migration
Scott describes the phased migration as “targeted testing of transactions within a full production environment with a gradual transition to full production with one high-volume payer at a time.” Clore says that Wake Forest plans to use just that approach.

For more information on this, please visit our site www.gssinfotech.com

Cloud Computing – The New Word for Low on Cost & High on Convenience

Today’s IT industry talks lot about ‘the cloud’. But what does it mean and what impact does it have on small businesses?

The latest technology of ‘cloud computing’ is bringing about a big change in the way small businesses operate and manage their enterprises. While large companies are able to justify high costs on investing in new technologies, it is a different story for small businesses where cash flow and resources are limited. Some of the challenges for SMEs lie in identifying how to reduce total cost of ownership, increase cost savings, easier and faster implementation and justifying investment in infrastructure management.

This is where Cloud Computing comes into the picture. What does it do? It enables companies to access software services and store data online through the Internet. Overall, it helps in managing various IT systems without significant investment in IT infrastructure, consequently reducing costs and increasing savings.
Going beyond, mere accessibility of computing resources on demand, GSS Infotech adopts a unique approach. Our ‘Cloud-iT’ services enable you to take an informed low-cost decision before “On-Boarding” applications to Cloud Platform. Moreover, our methodology helps you assimilate, understand, strategize, evaluate, and adopt different ‘Cloud Platforms’ best suited to your business.

With decades of experience in Application Development and IT engineering services, we have a robust footprint in the infrastructure space to support Cloud. With GSS Cloud-iT Services, you benefit by reducing 28% of total cost of ownership, easier implementation, and faster application rollout and reduced need for software licenses.

It is imperative in today’s ever evolving market to make informed investment decisions, especially related to new technologies. With the new technology of Cloud Computing, small businesses stand to gain the most. And while it helps in minimizing costs and increasing savings it also enables infrastructure to grow along with company. Easy to see why with Cloud Computing , it’s a win-win situation all the way.

For more information on this, please visit our site, GSS Infotech

GSS Partners with Microsoft to Virtualize IT

As one of the major players in the world of virtualization, Microsoft offers a comprehensive range of products and services that help companies get the most out of IT resources. For maximum scalability, their Hypervisor, a lightweight, core operating system, is a logical choice for server hardware virtualization. The Hypervisor can host independent virtual machines (VMs); however, it does require hardware with embedded virtualization awareness. GSS Infotech alliances with Microsoft and other top vendors ensure the latest technology solutions for any size business looking to virtualize their servers and other crucial hardware assets. Clients realize better application performance and cost savings that are crucial in today's tough economy.

GSS Infotech, a storage and virtualization company, can team with Microsoft to offer presentation virtualization for users who desire a centralized system capable of hosting multiple users. Processing is then executed only on those centralized systems, which keeps user sessions isolated from one another. The only data sent between clients and hosts is presentation information, such as mouse clicks and keyboard strokes. GSS Infotech, a subsidy of GSS Infotech, offers presentation virtualization solutions, service, and support, accompanied by world-class technology vendors, such as Microsoft and VMware.

GSS Infotech reviews each client requirement in detail and takes pride in designing the right storage and virtualization solutions for the client IT environment. Customers looking to support legacy applications are finding cost-effective solutions with desktop virtualization, which offers the ability to run their legacy applications on legacy operating machines. This technology is very similar to server software virtualization, and it can run on client systems such as Windows Vista, as well as on the new Windows 7 operating system. A virtualization application is run by the client machine's operating system to accomplish this task. Windows virtualization solutions support most server configurations and a wide range of hardware, so their solutions can work for most companies regardless of their current resources. The software’s server management tools easily manage all physical and virtual servers through one easy-to-use interface.

Companies worldwide are finding are finding virtualization solutions with GSS Infotech advantages. GSS Infotech services include support for desktop and presentation virtualization. Leveraging their close collaboration with Microsoft, the company can ensure a smooth transition for any client looking to cut costs and maximize its diverse IT resources through virtualization.

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com

Greener Data Centers with GSS

Key Challenges for Data Centers

Data centers, which are one of the most critical components of many businesses, are highly expensive to maintain in terms of power consumption. More than $24.7 billion a year, including $3.8 billion in energy-related costs are incurred because of ineffective energy utilization. This also means designing 44 million servers, out of which 4.7 million are lying completely unutilized.

Answers to Data Center Power Cost

Smart power management for servers, which reduce both cost and carbon footprint, is the simplest strategy for energy-efficient servers across the world. Creating greener datacenters have become a matter of immense importance for most enterprises today.

GSS Data Center Solutions

GSS Infotech's Intelligent Data Centers (iDAC) does all of these at an optimal cost and with an assured ROI. Our Datacenter consolidation, Information Security, and Disaster Recovery Solutions ensure seamless support, back up support, and savings. This means users can continue working ceaselessly, without having to worry about their data, irrespective of data center relocation, spurt or fall in energy consumption, or in times of unforeseen collapses. iDAC also ensures flexible ramp up and down of energy utilization with its efficient ramp capacity back up, eventually saving up to 50%-60% of power consumption.

GSS Data Center Solutions

GSS' ITIL V3 model, Green IT initiatives, and resourceful operation management tools have already found acceptance among users for up to 99.99% availability, 50% savings on TCO, and reduced carbon footprint.

GSS Data Center Services

• Server Management
• Storage Management
• Platform Hardening
• Systems Integration
• Database Administation

For more information on this, check our site
www.gssinfotech.com

Application Development and Management Services from GSS Infotech for Better Functionality

Most IT organizations lose their focus over business due to recurrent quality, legacy problems, and constant headache over service disruptions. They need application management solutions that combine intelligence, innovation and process orientation. At GSS Infotech, the knowledge and experience of industry leaders devise the best model for you with their strong technological background, sound business philosophy, and process framework.
GSS Infotech specializes in providing customized solutions for various industries including Telecom, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Insurance, Government Organizations, Transportation, Healthcare, Legal and Power companies. GSS’ Application Development and Management Services include Application Development Services for web, mobile, enterprise, and custom application, Production Support Services and Maintenance Services.

GSS Infotech Application Development and Management Services will deliver—
•Future-ready processes and tools to improve predictability and efficiency
•Accelerate application development
•Lessen application maintenance costs
•Improve levels of service to businesses
•Reduce complexity, risk and service disruptions
•Enhance application performance
•Ensure maximum resource utilization for business returns
•Enable businesses to focus more on their strategic priorities
•Ensure planned and phased enhancements to improve application stability

GSS Infotech’s core competencies are driven to attain customer satisfaction with underlying delivery expertise in Enterprise Technology, Methodologies, and Implementation.

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com

IT Management Simplified with GSS’ Infrastructure Management Services

Today’s IT organizations today are faced with concerns over the exact requirements of the end users, high maintenance costs, and data security issues. GSS understands the scenario and addresses these issues to ensure maximum productivity and assured business profitability. GSS’ Infrastructure Management Services focus upon three main areas — Virtualization, Datacenter, and Remote Infrastructure Management Services.

Virtualization Services: The need for Virtualization has become the mantra in the fast changing technology environments. Virtualization brings about radical changes in IT management, deployment and delivery. GSS Infotech‘s Virtualization Services enable customers to maximize their IT infrastructure utilization with lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Datacenter Services: IT organizations today are concerned with issues ineffective energy utilization and skyrocketing power costs for maintaining data centers, which are storehouses of information. GSS Infotech’s energy –efficient and greener datacenters ensure better storage utilization, lesser power consumption, and higher savings.

Remote Infrastructure Management Services: Enterprise-computing environment is an absolute necessity in organizations across the world for better performance and smarter cost management. GSS Infotech’s Remote Infrastructure Management Services improve end-user productivity by upgrading desktops, servers, and messaging infrastructures through robust IT infrastructure.
GSS Infotech brings a radical transformation in your IT infrastructure, with proven excellence and flexible models.

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com

ICD-10 and HIPAA 5010: The Two Most Happening things in Healthcare Solutions

HIPAA migration from 4010 to 5010 electronic transaction set and conversion of ICD-9 code set to ICD-10 code set are two major US healthcare regulatory compliance mandates for Healthcare payers and providers. These initiatives will impact nearly every core process, system and interface across the industry and require major changes and have specific time lines for implementation.
January 1, 2012 − HIPAA 5010 Compliance Date October 1, 2013 − ICD-10 Compliance Date

• All electronic claims must use Version 5010
• Version 4010 claims are no longer accepted
• Claims for services provided on or after this date must use ICD-10 codes for medical diagnosis and inpatient procedures

HIPAA Migration
HIPAA migration to ASC X12 Standard Version 5010 facilitates the U.S. transition to an electronic healthcare environment. HIPAA adoption of 5010 is a precursor to ICD-10 implementation, which includes new guidelines for claims, eligibility inquiries, referral authorization, remittance advice, and more. It adopts an updated version of the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) and also follows the standards set for Medicaid pharmacy subrogation transactions.

ICD-10 Migration
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a regulation that will replace the ICD-9-Clinical Modification code sets, used to report healthcare diagnoses and procedures, with the new advanced and expanded ICD-10 code sets. Transitioning to new ICD-10 coding requires IT system upgrades with the following results.
• Increased code set from 18000 to ~140000
• Structural changes for the codes to Alphanumeric from Numeric format
• Code size increased to 7 character from 5 character length contributing to higher data volumes

Impact of the ICD -10 Adoptions across Healthcare Systems
About 138 countries have adopted ICD-10 for mortality data purposes, and 99 countries have adopted it for morbidity. While ICD-10 paves the way for greater collaboration, innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and in the end, better coordination of benefits and care for the healthcare consumer, the impact will be felt on everything from reimbursement to quality management research and health policy.


GSS Infotech’s Services and Solutions for Regulatory Compliance
GSS Infotech helps you in efficient ICD-10 translation. We have the right people with the right skill set required for healthcare organizations, helping them with compliance mandates for HIPAA and ICD conversion. GSS approach is supported by proprietary in-house regulatory compliance suite to accelerate the transition, while saving costs. In order to help you adopt the new coding system, GSS Infotech offers comprehensive consulting, education, training and specialized end-to-end testing (both internal and external trading partner).

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com

GSS at GITEX

The GITEX Technology Week, scheduled to take place from October 17-21, 2010, is one of the leading exhibitions in the ICT sector across the world. The event which completes 30 years in 2010 serves as a promising platform for making lucrative business in Middle East. According to BMI report December, 2009, $3.2bn IT market in UAE is poised for exponential growth by 2013. GITEX offers a unique opportunity for exchanging new business ideas, meeting new business prospects and staying touch with existing business partners.
GSS Infotech is making its presence felt at GITEX through its Business Solutions. With thousands of IT professionals and informed decision makers congregating for 5 days, GITEX Business Solutions offers immense prospect for GSS Infotech to showcase its portfolio of services, interact with industry leaders, and also to determine its investment with real returns. GSS is covering the following services under Business Solutions at GITEX:

• Cloud Computing & Virtualization
• CRM Solutions and Database Management
• e-Commerce Solutions including e Government
• Enterprise Solutions
• Network and Security
• SMB Solutions

GSS Infotech, which is already an established name in managed IT services in Middle East, sees huge prospects in GITEX Technology Week, in terms of business returns and meeting new customers. Join us at stall no E-72 at GITEX, to interact with our panel of experts for discussions on IT solutions and assured business value.

For more information on this, log on to www.gssinfotech.com