MONEY

Five9 Network Systems solves system issues

Mike Russo

Inside a massive server sits a tiny chip that controls an enormous machine. If the chip fails, production grinds to a halt.

Five9 Network Systems (Five9NS) of East Rochester, a provider of specialized computing solutions, knows this scenario all too well. They’re often called upon to get applications up and running, or to design custom configurations for original equipment manufacturers.

“Everything has a life cycle,” said Norm Erwin, a sales manager. “You have to design for it.”

Alex Usachev, a senior systems engineer and Rochester Institute of Technology graduate, said the key is to collaborate with clients from start to finish.

“We’re very customer oriented from the first conversation,” Usachev said. “A lot of the time, they don’t know what they need, and they’re probably paying a lot more than they need to.”

CEO Souheil Saliba started the business six years ago when he recognized a need for systems to be optimized specifically to consumer requirements. Longevity was factored into that need. Customers wanted a system that would be around for as long as five years, rather than just using a generic, off-the-shelf system that worked for only 12-18 months.

“There was an unmet need for specialized secure systems, as well as a more intense level of real-time engineering support from concept through to production and field deployment,” Saliba said.

One need was for a reliable platform with a fast boot time to support Raytheon’s Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, or STARS.

“The platform we designed and have been building for them demonstrates our capability to deliver enterprise class, mission-critical systems for the most demanding environments,” Saliba said. “It also proves that we can provide the engineering and field support for such complex deployments.”

Five9NS has also worked with Rochester Software Associates, a provider of production print workflow software, to develop server-based application platforms located throughout the country.

“They recommended design changes that gave us increased product performance without increasing costs to customers,” Tim Kelly, a senior vice president at Rochester Software Associates said.

With offices in California and New York, Five9NS has the country covered, and Usachev said that they are ready for any project that comes their way, no matter the scope.

“It’s exciting because chances are, you’ll never see the same thing twice,” he said. “It’s challenging, and because it’s such a small company, you get your hands in pretty much everything.”

Russo is a freelance writer covering the Rochester area.

Alex Usachev: When building a server

It’s not as simple as just grabbing a motherboard, processor, memory and hard drive; components need to be compatible.

Each component determines the longevity of the product as a whole.

Power should support the worst-case scenario of a system. Cooling fans provide airflow to the components.

You can build a great server, but if it doesn’t meet the requirements of a customer it’s of no use.

Find the correct drivers for specific hardware that are compatible with the operating system.