Tokyo Electron Device Limited

A low cost, high availability system achieved with Linux on PRIMERGY.
Fujitsu’s advanced technology, expertise and Global Alliance with RedHat Corporation removed the worries from Linux migration.

Tokyo Electron Device Limited (TEL) provides solutions to the electronics industry. Focussing on semi-conductors, they cover new product planning, design, development, manufacturing, and mass-production. To provide professional service to all customers in Japan, Tokyo Electron Devices Limited collaborates with sales agents known as network partners to develop their business. In order for their network partners to process stock inquiries, quotation requests and order registration efficiently, the NP (Network Partners) WEB-SYSTEM was constructed. Web based, it promotes efficient processes and timely support.
In March 2005, the system was migrated to Fujitsu’s PRIMERGY with Linux to further improve response times. Performance was greatly improved answering the network partners’ requests for smoother operation. Work towards further improvements in application functionality for network partner support continues.

Introduction Background

Aim to improve ordering system response times and handle increasing transactions

Tokyo Electron Devices Limited separated from Tokyo Electron in 1986. In addition to managing its core business, Tokyo Electron Devices Limited has grown into a new technology business as a fabless IC supplier offering design and development service functions and in-house brand inrevium™ products.
“With dealings with network partners increasing yearly, there has been a growing importance on building and keeping partnerships,” states Tokyo Electron Devices Limited Information Management Group Supervisor Mr. Ryuta Sawai. “Sales system NP WEB-SYSTEM was constructed in April 2000 to connect our network partners via the internet. With this system, functions like stock inquiry, quotation requests, order registration, which previously were carried out via telephone and fax, could now be executed with ease using a Web browser. This achieved efficient processing and timely support.”
However, system response started to deteriorate around 2 years ago. As network partners increased to around 3 times the original number, the volume of transactions increased. “Our network partners began voicing concerns on the slow search speed of stock inquiry,” confided Mr. Sawai.
Should the NP WEB-SYSTEM be down, disruption to transactions could also not be avoided. So in line with the lease period of the UNIX server ending in March 2005, Tokyo Electron Devices Limited took the opportunity to look into the possibility of a system overhaul.

Introduction Points

PRIMERGY with outstanding performance adopted

Review of the new system started in September 2004. The decision was made to migrate to an open platform using a combination of Linux and Intel servers, giving careful consideration to future scalability and maintenance.
“There were no worries with the strengths and reliability of Linux but tests on inter-operability and performance were still thoroughly carried out before actual implementation.” Tokyo Electron Devices Limited Information Management Group’s Mr. Tetsuya Imamura said. With Fujitsu having taken care of Tokyo Electron Devices Limited’s Information Systems’ development, utilization and maintenance since the company’s setup they were chosen as the partner for the inspection and implementation of the project. “Fujitsu has advanced technology and expertise through an open community and at the same time, there was also the Global Alliance with RedHat Corporation. We had faith in the reinforcement of Linux security.” Mr. Imamura said.
Fujitsu’s PRIMERGY series Intel servers were chosen as hardware for the system infrastructure. ”In the benchmark tests conducted at Fujitsu’s Platform Solution Center for Linux and applications, PRIMERGY left a outstanding impression with its optimal performance.” Mr. Sawai confirmed.
The migration was carried out swiftly over one weekend and the safe cut-over to the new NP WEB-SYSTEM was welcomed in March 2005.

System Outline

Simple system with high scalability 2 layered configuration

Following migration to Linux, the new system operated stably without major problems. ”As operational tests were conducted with standby PCs in actual environment simulations, the migration was smooth and operation stable with the use of Linux. “ Mr. Sawai explained.

The new NP WEB-SYSTEM was configured with 2 layers: taking scale-out into consideration, PRIMERGY RX200 was chosen for Web and application servers, and PRIMERGY RX300 was chosen as the DB server in consideration of its scale-up capability. By isolating the DB server inside the company’s intranet, measures to protect against illegal access could also be reinforced.

In addition, the new system is housed in a Fujitsu operated Data Center. ”Fujitsu is one of the few vendors in Japan which can offer a total solution from construction, production use to maintenance with Linux + Intel servers. We trust Fujitsu.” Mr. Sawai stated.

Future Expectations

Enhanced support for network partners and collaboration expansion

”System response time has improved 5-6 times following introduction and our network partners are happy to have a stress-free and user-friendly system.” Mr. Sawai stated as the results of the migration to Linux on PRIMERGY. Maintenance costs are also well controlled with a 4 year maintenance package in the lease contract. Therefore, cost performance has increased greatly.
With surplus resources on the system, reinforcement of functions in NP WEB-SYSTEM began. For example, as order data CSV files can be read directly there is no need to enter product IDs and quantity. Applications to reduce the workload of network partner’s data entry tasks have also been added. “We hope to refine the new system with SFA and CRM tools, collaborating with the existing business management system, through feedback of our network partners.” Mr. Imamura stated.
Tokyo Electron Devices Limited has secured the advantage of a Linux environment with the reconstruction of its collaboration infrastructure supporting the network partners. ”From this project’s success, it is clear that PRIMERGY supports the stable operation of Linux, therefore PRIMERGY will also be kept in mind as best option for future migrations.” (Mr. Sawai) quoted positively. Therefore even for key systems operating on major UNIX servers, hopes are placed on Fujitsu’s capabilities.
Linux on PRIMERGY supports Tokyo Electron Devices Limited’s future development.

User Profile
Company Name: Tokyo Electron Device Limited
Location: 1 Tohou-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Established: 3rd March, 1986
Capital: 2.49575 billion yen (3rd March, 2005）
Stock Listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange 2nd Section Market (Share code: 2760)
Employees: 562 employees (3rd March, 2005）
Sales: 88 billion yen (3rd March, 2005）
Business Profile: Purchase, resale, design and development of semi-conductors, board products, software, general electronic products.

URL: Tokyo Electron Devices Limited

Note: This content is a translation of a case study in Japan dated March 28, 2006.