Fastener News Desk Spoke with Optessa to learn about the Optessa Cloud Hosting Solution & Safeguarding Your Data
FND: Hello Amit. Thank you for meeting with Fastener News Desk to teach our community about adopting a Cloud Based Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) application. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Amit: I am Amit Lonkar, Director of Technical Services with Optessa. I would like to share with you how Optessa can help you grow your business by engaging in the Optessa Cloud Advanced Planning and Scheduling application.
At Optessa, we understand that success in manufacturing hinges on effective coordination across your entire supply chain. Our cutting-edge software serves as a reliable foundation, enabling seamless coordination in the most cost-effective manner for your organization.
As a global leader among APS software providers, Optessa is dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions that transform your operations with mathematically guaranteed results.
FND: Can you tell us about Optessa’s latest version 7.4 and what modes of accessibility to the technology are available?
Amit: With our latest version 7.4, we proudly support all major cloud platforms, including Google, AWS (Amazon Web Services), and Microsoft Azure. Your business will have the capability to unlock the power of cloud technology with Optessa’s Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) application.
You can choose your cloud deployment mode. We offer our clients the Fully Managed Software as a Service (SaaS) Model where you will experience hassle-free operations with Optessa’s fully managed SaaS model. We host and maintain the application on Google Cloud Platform, ensuring optimal performance and reliability so you can focus on your core business while we handle the technical aspects seamlessly.
FND: What if the client prefers to deploy the technology on their preferred cloud platform or servers?
Amit: If you prefer to manage your own cloud environment, Optessa gives you the flexibility to deploy on a cloud platform of your choice. Take charge of your Cloud Platform management while leveraging the powerful capabilities of our APS application. At Optessa, we understand that different businesses have diverse requirements. If you wish to deploy the Optessa software on platforms like Rackspace or Oracle, we’ve got you covered. Our team is equipped to work with you and deploy the software seamlessly on these platforms, providing you with the flexibility you need.
FND: Does it matter which database technology the client is already utilizing when using Optessa?
Amit: At Optessa, we believe in providing comprehensive solutions that cater to your unique database needs. Our Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) application is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of databases, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance for your organization.
With extensive testing and meticulous development, we proudly support a diverse range of databases on the cloud. Our commitment to excellence means that you can trust Optessa APS to seamlessly operate with your preferred database systems.
FND: Which databases are compatible with the Optessa Cloud Advanced Planning and Scheduling application?
Amit: Optessa clients will experience unparalleled compatibility when choosing Optessa APS. You will gain access to a vast network of supported databases, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. Our dedication to compatibility ensures that you can focus on maximizing your productivity without worrying about technical hurdles.
Optessa APS is designed to seamlessly integrate with Google Cloud SQL. We provide comprehensive support for three databases within the Google Cloud SQL ecosystem: PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and more. Harness the full potential of these databases, leveraging the power of Optessa APS to drive your planning and scheduling processes.
Our commitment to versatility extends to Amazon Web Services (AWS) as well. Optessa APS supports a wide array of databases available on AWS, including the popular Amazon Aurora. You can count on us to empower your operations, regardless of your chosen database solution within the AWS environment.
FND: Can you provide more information about the Optessa Service-Level Agreement (SLA) when choosing the Optessa Cloud Advanced Planning and Scheduling application?
Amit: At Optessa, we understand the criticality of reliability and uninterrupted service for our clients. That’s why we proudly offer a robust Service-Level Agreement (SLA) of 99.9%, ensuring your operations remain smooth and uninterrupted. By choosing Optessa, you gain the assurance of uninterrupted operations with our strong SLA and reliable infrastructure. Our commitment to resilience, redundancy, and security empowers you to focus on your core business while we handle the technical aspects seamlessly.
Here’s why we can confidently provide such a strong SLA.
- Optessa’s application is strategically deployed across multiple regions. This includes a primary region and a disaster recovery region, providing a solid foundation for continuous operations. In the event of any issues, our system seamlessly fails over to the designated secondary region, guaranteeing uninterrupted service.
- To further bolster reliability, Optessa’s application and engine servers are deployed across multiple zones within each region. This redundancy ensures that even in the face of localized failures, your operations remain unaffected. We prioritize safeguarding your business continuity.
FND: What measures does Optessa take to insure protection and availability of a client’s data?
Amit: Data is paramount to your operations, and we take its protection seriously. Optessa employs real-time database synchronization to a secondary database server. This ensures that in the event of a failover to the secondary server, no data is lost, enabling seamless transition and uninterrupted workflow.
To mitigate any potential disruptions, Optessa maintains a fully redundant infrastructure in the secondary region. This means that if the primary region encounters issues, such as the US East Coast, we seamlessly switch over to the US West Coast, guaranteeing continuous service delivery.
FND: What additional security measures are in place in case of disaster?
Amit: At Optessa, security is a top priority. To ensure a highly secure environment, all access to our application is routed exclusively through a load balancer URL. This eliminates direct access to individual servers, providing an additional layer of protection for your sensitive data and operations.
We prioritize the security of your application and data. To maintain a robust security posture, Optessa enforces access to servers exclusively through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or a bastion host. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access the servers, safeguarding your application and its integrity.
We recognize the paramount importance of data security and the sensitive nature of your valuable information. We have implemented robust measures to safeguard your data, partnering with industry-leading solutions such as ESET antivirus, encryption technologies, and more.
To provide comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and ransomware, all our servers, virtual machines, and laptops are fortified with ESET endpoint security and malware protection. This advanced security solution safeguards your systems, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity of your data.
Data encryption is a vital component of our security strategy. We employ industry-standard encryption methods to protect your data at multiple levels. Windows laptops and servers are encrypted using BitLocker, while MacBooks utilize FileVault encryption. Additionally, the SAN (Storage Area Network) in the Optessa data center is encrypted using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256 cipher, ensuring the highest level of security for your stored data.
At Optessa, data security is not just a priority; it’s an unwavering commitment. We continually assess and update our security measures to stay ahead of emerging threats, providing you with peace of mind and the confidence that your data is protected by industry-leading security practices.
FND: What best practices does Optessa employ regarding backup of information?
Amit: At Optessa, we prioritize business continuity and safeguarding against potential risks. Through a strong business continuity plan, ongoing employee training, and robust security measures, we strive to eliminate errors and protect your systems. Here’s how we address these crucial aspects:
Optessa maintains a well-documented business continuity plan to ensure the continued operation of your systems and minimize disruptions in the event of unforeseen incidents. We conduct regular disaster recovery tests to validate the effectiveness of our plan, making any necessary adjustments to enhance its resilience.
FND: Does Optessa provide ongoing training for employees being that technological advances are forever evolving?
Amit: To reduce the potential for human errors, we emphasize ongoing employee training and education. By continually updating our employees on best practices and emerging trends, we strive to minimize the risk of user-related errors. Our dedication to training ensures that our team remain well-equipped to handle our clients’ systems efficiently and effectively.
FND: You mentioned version 8.0 earlier in our discussion. Can you provide us with any information on NEW features in Optessa’s v8.0?
Amit: With the upcoming release of Optessa v8.0, we are thrilled to announce our support for Docker and Kubernetes orchestration platforms. This integration opens doors to unparalleled scalability and cost efficiency for your business. Here’s what clients can expect:
- Optessa APS, coupled with Docker and Kubernetes, empowers your application to dynamically scale resources based on workload demands. As the load increases, the system automatically provisions additional resources to ensure optimal performance. Conversely, during periods of lower demand, resources are scaled down, reducing hosting costs without compromising efficiency.
- By harnessing the power of Docker and Kubernetes, Optessa APS ensures your resources are utilized efficiently, optimizing performance, and reducing hosting costs. Say goodbye to overprovisioning or underutilization, as our integrated solution dynamically adapts to your workload, providing cost savings without sacrificing productivity.
- Optessa APS’s commitment to innovation means we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers. By embracing Docker and Kubernetes orchestration platforms, we future proof your operations, ensuring you have the flexibility and scalability to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.
FND: What are the most compelling benefits clients should consider when choosing the Optessa Cloud?
Amit: When it comes to advanced planning and scheduling, Optessa Cloud stands out as the optimal choice for businesses seeking efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness. Here are just a few of the benefits that set us apart:
- Unparalleled Uptime and Disaster Recovery: Optessa takes pride in delivering a service-level agreement (SLA) guaranteeing an impressive uptime of 99.9%. In the unlikely event of a major failure on the Cloud Platform, our robust architecture ensures a swift return to operations within a few hours. With Optessa you can trust in the continuity of your critical business processes.
- Strongest Standard Security Measures: We prioritize the security of your data and applications. Optessa Cloud employs the strongest standard security protocols to safeguard your information. With single sign-on and data encryption in transit, combined with AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256 cipher, your sensitive data remains protected throughout its journey. Additionally, our deployments are single tenant, ensuring that resources are dedicated exclusively to your organization, further enhancing security and isolation.
- Protection Against DDoS Attacks: Security is a top priority at Optessa. To protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, we utilize industry-leading solutions such as Cloudflare and Google Cloud Armor. These robust security tools are designed to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks, ensuring the availability and performance of your systems even in the face of malicious traffic.
- Streamlined IT Operations and Cost Savings: Optessa Cloud offers a streamlined approach to IT operations, reducing the burden on your organization. By leveraging our cloud-based solution, you can significantly reduce IT orders, freeing up valuable resources and driving down costs. Say goodbye to lengthy procurement processes and infrastructure management headaches—the Optessa Cloud empowers you to focus on your core business while we handle the technical intricacies.
FND: Where can clients continue to learn more about Optessa? Do you have a blog or podcast?
Amit: You can learn more about Optessa Cloud by visiting: https://info.optessa.com/cloud.
I also encourage you to view my latest blog on the topic: https://www.optessa.com/benefits-of-adopting-a-cloud-based-production-scheduling-solution/. Additionally, Optessa just launched a podcast, ‘Optimization Please’ where we highlight short stories about manufacturers addressing their problems through optimization.
FND: Thank you for speaking with us, Amit and for introducing our audience to Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) technology. This technology can certainly be a game-changer for B2B industrial manufacturing and distribution businesses aiming to scale and digitize their operations. We learned that APS technology offers a range of benefits that will enable organizations to achieve enhanced efficiency, accountability, and analytics, all which assist in propelling your business forward.
Since the pandemic B2B industrial distributors and manufacturers have experienced many changes, such as supply chain issues, the need for digitization, and having the ability to adapt to changes very quickly to name just a few. The Optessa APS technology has the ability to provide real-time visibility into operations, enabling businesses to track and monitor key metrics, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions. We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Amit and you have a better understanding of APS technology. With the power of APS technology your organization can gain a competitive edge by streamlining operations, improving productivity, and delivering superior customer experiences in the increasingly digital marketplace.
Join Optessa’s Global Community
Join the ranks of global enterprises who have chosen Optessa as their trusted APS partner. With our proven track record, we have successfully empowered organizations worldwide to overcome their planning and scheduling hurdles and achieve remarkable outcomes.
Unleash your business’s true potential with Optessa’s Cloud Advanced Planning and Scheduling Application.
Contact Optessa today to learn how we can propel your organization forward, deliver cost savings, and foster sustainable growth. Together, let’s revolutionize your operations and achieve unprecedented success.
Optessa.com
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IN THE NEWS with Fastener News Desk the Week of May 29th, 2023
Featured, Technology
Once again, Beveridge is on a mission to celebrate the independent, family- and employee-owned businesses that are the backbone of this country, bettering communities small and large with meaningful jobs and economic stability. But this time, he’ll zero in on what it means to be a “Force for Good”, an idea he conceptualized after his two summers on tour.
FND encourages all North American fastener distributors to take part in the FDI Monthly Survey.
For all the details go to www.mwfa.net 
