Optimizing resource use for faster, more efficient work
Achieved 3 times faster transaction times
With SQL Server running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, XM’s teams dramatically improved performance for its databases and systems. The company has achieved 3 times faster transaction response times. Additionally, XM has improved service availability.
“With SQL Server on Linux, we achieved workload performance that was significantly better than our previous operating system,” said Leonel Alfonso Barrios Baños, Digital Services Analyst at XM. “A small, 2-core unit performed the same work as a large, 18-core unit running on the other solution.”
Reduced resource use
Migrating to Red Hat’s enterprise open source operating system also helped XM optimize its resource use. Its compute resource use is now below 30% for each server. The service provider has also simplified and streamlined its operations to reduce staff resource needs.
“We’ve achieved a significant 60% cut in the number of support and maintenance hours performed by administrators,” said Cañas.
Improved reliability
Supporting its database engine with stable, reliable enterprise open source technology has helped XM ensure consistent service availability.
Enterprise open source technology solutions from Red Hat, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, undergo rigorous testing and security-focused development review to optimize community-developed code for critical business and IT capabilities. Red Hat product subscriptions include robust, expert product support, such as ongoing patches, bug fixes, and other security and performance updates.
“We are highly satisfied with the stability results we’ve achieved,” said Vázquez. “We no longer need to constantly apply patches to keep our systems operational and keep our operating system from breaking down.”
Finding opportunities to further improve IT performance
After its successful initial adoption, XM is considering expanding its use of SQL Server running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux in the cloud to support all of its databases. The service provider is considering adopting serverless applications to achieve greater scalability and flexibility at lower cost than traditional, server-based models.
XM is now using its Red Hat infrastructure to support 3 new application renewal projects.
“We’ve seen that running our Microsoft server solution on Linux is an excellent choice, both on premise and in the cloud,” said Barrios .
About XM
XM Compañía Expertos en Mercados S.A. E.S.P. is an affiliate and full subsidiary of ISA, a Colombian state-owned electric energy transmission company. XM specializes in real-time system operations, including planning, design, optimization, setup, operation, and administration of transactional systems and technological platforms, which involve the exchange of information with added value and exchange in markets for related goods and services. XM offers services in 3 areas: energy, finance, and transportation. In the electric sector, the company operates Colombia’s National lnterconnected System (SIN) and manages the domestic wholesale energy market. Through its subsidiaries, XM also takes part in the traffic control center of intelligent mobility system Medellín and operation of the administrator for the local stock exchange energy derivative market.