Cineworld is using new web hosting services to support a re-launched flagship website.
The second-largest UK multiplex cinema chain launched its revamped website with movie trailers, a streamlined booking process and an online shop two weeks ago.
Vincent McGann, Cineworld IT manager, told IT PRO the redevelopment of the website demanded that it found new hosted technical infrastructure facilities.
"Our previous website was hosted by its developer, so we had to find a new hosting provider when we decided to revamp the site," he said.
Cineworld put the contract out to tender and selected technical consultancy and enterprise hosting service provider Carrenza to provide the hosting facilities over Cable & Wireless, Titan, Telecity and Rackspace.
"My team and I were impressed with Carrenza's utility computing model,' said McGann. "It was attractive from a cost perspective and because of its green credentials, due to the fact that it consumed less power. I also liked the rental model it offered."
The Carrenza Utility Computing Service (UCS) eliminates Cineworld's hardware requirements by using a network of hosted, dedicated servers to provide the processing power and hosting capabilities needed to run its UK website over a virtual platform.
McGann added that the UCS model differed from the arrangements for running its previous website, as well as those proposed by the other providers during the tender process, by removing any requirement for Cineworld to buy the hardware that is hosted.
"There's no incentive for us in owning the hardware and having to replace it every three years. The ownership stays with the hosting provider, who has the expertise to run it best," he said.
The virtual, on-demand service has also been designed to allow the new website's capacity to rapidly scale and meet spikes in demand. And the UCS claims a 60 per cent energy saving compared to a like-for-like platform.
McGann said testing the platform's specifications was key to ensure it could cater for over 500,000 visitors per day. "Since it launched, we've been very pleased with the site's performance," he added
Working with website developer Can Factory, he concluded that Carrenza had given Cineworld an infrastructure to support its online needs "for many years".
