Multi-Location Business Network Consolidation

Client Background

Organization: National Professional Services Company

Size: 75 offices, 2,500+ employees

Revenue: $450 million annually

Geographic Coverage: 30 states

Network Infrastructure: Multiple providers and fragmented systems

Initial Network Challenges

The professional services company faced significant challenges with their fragmented network infrastructure:

• Multiple Providers: 15+ different network providers across locations
• High Costs: Expensive and inefficient network services
• Poor Performance: Inconsistent network performance across locations
• Complex Management: Difficult to manage and monitor multiple networks
• Limited Visibility: Poor visibility into network performance and usage
• Security Concerns: Inconsistent security policies and controls

Network Consolidation Solution

SD-WAN Implementation

Implementation of software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology to unify and optimize network connectivity.

SD-WAN Features:

• Intelligent Routing: Automatic selection of best available path
• Bandwidth Optimization: Efficient use of available bandwidth
• Quality of Service: Prioritization of critical applications
• Centralized Management: Unified management of all network connections
• Cost Optimization: Reduced reliance on expensive MPLS circuits

Unified Network Management

Implementation of centralized network management platform for comprehensive monitoring and control.

Management Features:

• Centralized Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of all network connections
• Performance Analytics: Comprehensive performance analysis and reporting
• Automated Alerts: Proactive alerting for network issues
• Capacity Planning: Predictive capacity planning and optimization
• Security Management: Unified security policy enforcement

Provider Consolidation

Consolidation of network providers to reduce complexity and costs.

Consolidation Benefits:

• Reduced Complexity: Single provider for all network services
• Cost Savings: Volume discounts and simplified billing
• Better Support: Dedicated account management and support
• Simplified Management: Single point of contact for all issues
• Improved SLA: Better service level agreements and guarantees

Implementation Process

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (Months 1-3)

Comprehensive assessment of existing network infrastructure and development of consolidation strategy.

• Network infrastructure audit and documentation
• Provider analysis and consolidation planning
• SD-WAN technology evaluation and selection
• Implementation timeline and resource planning
• Stakeholder engagement and change management planning

Phase 2: Provider Selection and Contracting (Months 4-6)

Selection of primary network provider and contract negotiation.

• RFP process and provider evaluation
• Contract negotiation and finalization
• Service level agreement development
• Transition planning and coordination
• Initial pilot deployment

Phase 3: SD-WAN Deployment (Months 7-10)

Deployment of SD-WAN technology across all locations.

• SD-WAN equipment installation and configuration
• Network connectivity migration
• Performance optimization and tuning
• Security policy implementation
• User training and support

Phase 4: Optimization and Support (Months 11-14)

Network optimization, monitoring, and ongoing support.

• Performance monitoring and optimization
• Capacity planning and scaling
• Security monitoring and management
• Ongoing support and maintenance
• Continuous improvement and optimization

Key Results and Benefits

Cost Savings

• 45% Reduction in Network Costs: Consolidated providers and optimized services
• 60% Reduction in MPLS Costs: Replaced expensive MPLS with SD-WAN
• 50% Reduction in Management Costs: Centralized management and automation
• 40% Reduction in Support Costs: Single provider and simplified support
• 30% Reduction in Equipment Costs: Standardized equipment and bulk purchasing

Performance Improvements

• 60% Improvement in Network Performance: Optimized routing and bandwidth usage
• 99.9% Network Uptime: Improved reliability and redundancy
• 80% Faster Application Performance: Optimized application delivery
• 70% Reduction in Network Latency: Intelligent routing and optimization
• 90% Improvement in Bandwidth Utilization: Efficient use of available bandwidth

Operational Benefits

• Centralized Management: Single platform for all network management
• Improved Visibility: Comprehensive monitoring and analytics
• Simplified Support: Single point of contact for all issues
• Better Security: Unified security policies and controls
• Enhanced Agility: Faster deployment of new services

Technology Stack

SD-WAN Platform

• SD-WAN Solution: Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)
• Edge Devices: Cisco ISR 4000 series routers
• Management Platform: Cisco vManage
• Analytics: Cisco vAnalytics
• Security: Cisco Umbrella and Firepower

Network Services

• Primary Provider: Verizon Business
• Backup Provider: AT&T Business
• Internet Services: Multiple ISPs for redundancy
• Cloud Connectivity: Direct cloud connections
• Security Services: Managed security services

Management and Monitoring

• Network Monitoring: SolarWinds NPM and PRTG
• Performance Analytics: ThousandEyes and AppNeta
• Security Monitoring: Splunk Enterprise Security
• Incident Management: ServiceNow
• Documentation: Confluence and Visio

Lessons Learned

Success Factors

• Comprehensive Planning: Detailed planning was essential for success
• Provider Partnership: Strong partnership with primary provider
• Phased Implementation: Gradual rollout minimized business disruption
• User Training: Comprehensive training ensured user adoption
• Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring and optimization

Challenges Overcome

• Provider Transition: Successfully transitioned from multiple providers
• Network Complexity: Managed complex network configurations
• User Adoption: Overcame resistance through training and support
• Performance Optimization: Optimized network performance across all locations

Project Impact

This case study demonstrates the potential for significant improvements in network efficiency and cost reduction through strategic network consolidation. The implementation approach and results shown here represent typical outcomes for similar multi-location organizations.