Cloud Server Case Study: Ztore - Hong Kong Online Shop
Building online grocery shopping platform with professionalism and care
Built Online Grocery Shopping Platform
"From beginning, we have chosen UDomain to be our cloud service provider for developing and maintaining our network infrastructure, taking care of cyber security and concurrent flow. With their support, we could spare more time and resources focusing on our grocery business."– Andrew, co-founder of an online supermarket.
Background
Established in 2015, an online supermarket featuring mainly local products saw the high potential of Hong Kong e-commerce. They targeted to the online grocery market, which accounts for less than 1% market penetration. The online supermarket is now offering 6,000+ quality groceries and home essentials. Apart from mass branded groceries, they offer an array of original and authentic local branded products. To ensure same-day delivery, they have their own warehouse and logistics team. Currently, they have 10,000+ registered customers and 150,000+ Facebook fans.
Challenges
Although its co-founders are professionals in M&A, Merchandising and software R&D, they needed professional advices on building a robust network infrastructure of the digital shopping platform. "We need professional advices on coping with sudden traffic surges, uninterrupted provision of high-speed & consistent shopping experience as well as planning for future network expansion.” Andrew added.
Goal Setting
Long Term Development: To build a system which fits current needs and expansion possibilities in future
Flexibility: To provide a network with flexible setting in order to cope with unforeseeable situations
Why UDomain
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Professional and experienced Team
“I was using the Server Co-location Service of UDomain when I was doing e-commerce software R&D. Once, my server was hacked and UDomain immediately offered a helping hand even it was not their problem. We built trust and strong bonding since then and they are my only choice for cyber-infrastructure and cloud services.”
UDomain, established for nearly 20 years, has expertise in providing cloud services and IT solutions. It has been the Hong Kong Government Public Cloud Services Provider since 2012. Being an award winning company, it has gained industry recognition for their professionalism and high quality service. With over 20,000 clients, UDomain is the choice of SMEs, MNCs and government entities.
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Path Accompanied
“We are grateful that UDomain provided us with professional guidance and technical know-how. They understood what we needed and proposed the best solutions plus 24x7 manned technical supports.” Andrew said.
UDomain grows with this online supermarket. It not only understands their current needs but also has vision of their future. Capacity is reserved for future connecting to China and CDN (Content Delivery Network) implementation; mobile support, high speed mobile traffic and cross-border network are also put into consideration.
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Ad Hoc Incidents
Sam, another co-founder, “The key to online supermarket is “FAST”. We provide same day delivery for orders before noon so we cannot afford any congestions online. Online shopping platforms always face traffic flow surge upon promotions. Once when our interview was released on TV, the concurrent flow increased by 6-10 times! The system UDomain provided was well capable to handle such influx; still, they were devoted to monitor the whole process to ensure unimpeded network.”
“Another time, we expected traffic surge in a few days when upcoming a newspaper interview. We immediately seek UDomain for advices. With their flexibility and skills in handling emergencies, our web and database servers were scaled-out and scaled-up, tested and implemented in only 4 days! They reacted so fast!”
Calvin, one of the co-founders, recalled “To our surprise they only charged us by the days of services they provided. No surcharge or service fee even for emergencies!”
Key Takeaways
There are not many network design consultants in the market which have both thorough understanding of e-commerce’s nature and strong client support. UDomain has solid experience in supporting of the infrastructure of large-scale online sales activities for some renowned companies. It is competent and experienced.
“Many manufacturers and suppliers want to expand online but the e-commerce environment in Hong Kong is not very mature. They need to face challenges on network infrastructure and cyber security on top of operation and logistic issues. Selecting a reliable network consultant company as your business partner would help it happen!” Andrew concluded.
