Anite

Improving performance, supporting growth

To deliver first-class customer service, effective internal communications are key for business software solutions provider Anite. But when its network became heavily congested, performance was affected.

Anite needed a network it could rely on. It also wanted a solution that offered the scalability to cope with continued growth, and the flexibility to support emerging Internet Protocol (IP) based applications in future.

Our fully-managed, IP-enabled network service provided the answer. It can carry voice, video and data, provides guaranteed bandwidth for different types of traffic – and offers the scalability that Anite requires.

Reliable communications fora global business

With customers including leading telecoms and travel companies, as well as major public sector organisations, Anite is a fast-growing company with a bright future. Providing software, consulting, managed services and systems integration solutions, it has 1,300 staff based in 8 UK and 14 overseas offices. Our flexible and scalable communications network will support Anite as it grows.

High-speed access to critical applications

With offices spread across the UK, fast access to critical applications is key to business success for Anite. But with its existing communications network congested, staff were experiencing slow connection speeds. To improve performance, Anite decided to restructure its network."We wanted a solution that would work in the long-term," says Dave MacDonald, IT Services Operations Manager at Anite. "As well as improving connection speed, we also wanted a network that could grow with the business."

We provided the perfect solution with an IP-enabledVirtual Private Network (IPVPN) that can carry voice, videoor data. It’s flexible and scalable, so that new officescan be incorporated easily at a later date. In addition,Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology enables Anite to prioritise business-critical data – guaranteeing bandwidth and avoiding performance issues for key applications. "We provided a solution that ideally suited Anite’s long-term requirements," confirms Tom Mackay, Account Manager at ntl:Telewest Business.

Managing the network

Previously, IT staff at Anite had managed the existing network, tying up time and resources. So, our fully-managed, 24x7 service was a welcome change. "We were looking for a supplier who could not only give us the best commercial deal, but also the best support and management," comments Dave.

Now that we manage the network for them, IT staff arefree to concentrate on other tasks – so they can providetheir internal customers with a better service. Davealso appreciates the round-the-clock cover provided byntl:Telewest Business. "The UK network is actually accessed by people all over the world – so we are becoming a 24x7 company ourselves. It’s cost effective for ntl:Telewest Business to provide this cover."

A winning team

Timescales for the switchover were aggressive and arrangements were further complicated by an office move within Glasgow. But, even so, we achieved the implementation on schedule with minimal disruption."The switchover involved only 30 minutes of downtime, outside normal working hours on a Friday night. That’s pretty impressive!" says Dave.

Dave believes that our close working relationship contributed significantly to the project’s success. "It was a proper partnership. From day one until we went live, we were working together," comments Dave. "We needed a supplier who was flexible and able to work with us and that’s whatwe got from ntl:Telewest Business."

What it has made possible

Anite staff now enjoy faster connection speeds tocritical business applications hosted in the Anite datacentre, increasing efficiency and productivity across the organisation. But the network will also provide long-term benefits to the company. "The new network supports IP-based technologies," says Dave. "So we have the option to implement IP telephony and video conferencing in future."

Dave knows we will provide the support that Anite needsas it expands its operations. "We have a lot of confidence in ntl:Telewest Business backbone and technology – it’s really critical to our business," he concludes. "It’s a relationship that’s started off on a very good footing and that gives us confidence going forward."