Major IP infrastructure overhaul for London based global reinsurance institution

This international organisation, which has a market capitalisation of over $4bn, came to ABSNet because of the business issues caused by the communications problems it was experiencing between its Southern and Northern IT centres. For an organisation which writes nearly $2.5bn of reinsurance a year, the knock-on effects to the business of uncontrolled bandwidth utilisation and high latency were not acceptable.

ABSNet recommended and then implemented some smart infrastructure re-engineering and the use of Cisco’s WAAS (Wide Area Application Server) technology for which ABSNet has quickly become the UK’s leading centre of engineering excellence. This international multi-site WAAS rollout has brought bandwidth utilisation under control allowing infinitely better network management and enabling both the centralisation and consolidation of applications which dramatically improves application delivery to remote sites to give far a superior end user experience.

Market Leading Casino operator selects ABSNet to manage its eMail and web security

Operating in the UK, Middle East and South Africa, this publicly quoted group places great emphasis on fair gaming procedures and strict legislative compliance has justifiably acquired a reputation for the highest degree of security, probity and integrity.

As the perceived threats to the business from malicious eMail and inappropriate websites continue to rise, so has the need to protect users and introduce intelligent gateway security, particularly as the group provides online gaming facilities. ABSNet was selected to address the group’s issues and recommend a solution which would protect the interests of the company and its clients and staff - but that wouldn’t get in the way of doing business.

A sophisticated Ironport eMail and Web Security solution was selected to safeguard both the business and its staff from the effects of malicious eMail, hostile attacks and inappropriate web usage.

ABSNet delivers innovative virtualisation solution
to leading specialist public sector housing construction company - joining two SAN’s together and managing data over two sites and 4 arrays.

This public sector client came to us with a concern which threatened the integrity of their entire business. The client had the potential for a major Disaster Recovery issue as their SANs take over five days to rebuild in the event of a catastrophic failure and were running out of space. On top of this there was a corporate governance issue resulting from the lack of an effective way of managing data from a compliance perspective.

The new ABSNet architected SAN, which is fully managed and backed up off-site, is a highly resilient solution which has successfully gone live, providing great insight into the information stored on it and is fully searchable using a familiar web based search engine. So not only does the new SAN help to de-risk the client’s information storage, it adds value to the business by allowing easier access to its business critical data.

Now we are six!
ABSNet achieves top-ranking Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence Award for the sixth time

Sussex, UK, January 2008.  For the sixth successive quarter, Cisco Systems has awarded its coveted Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence badge to ABS Network Solutions Ltd.

The highest distinction that a partner can achieve within the Cisco Channel Partner Program, this award means that yet again ABSNet will be recognized for Customer Satisfaction Excellence in the Cisco Partner Locator with a special star indicator representing the company’s achievement.

Customers, Cisco personnel and partners will be able to identify ABSNet as having achieved outstanding customer satisfaction as part of Cisco’s worldwide assessment process. Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence assessment is based on the customer satisfaction results captured in the Cisco Partner Access Online tool.  Each quarter, Cisco acknowledges Certified Partners who have the highest customer satisfaction distinction within each geographic region.

“Customer Satisfaction Excellence is a core value we both share and a key driver of our current and future success.  Thank you for your commitment to the success of your customers.”  Cisco Channels Team

Here to help: ABSNet provides email protection for international assistance company

Sussex, UK, December 2007.  This international assistance company, which operates in over two hundred countries, has selected an IronPort security solution from ABSNet to protect its email systems.

The company, which has a long-standing relationship with ABSNet, wanted a solution that would offer antivirus, anti-spam and reputation filtering for its UK user base.  ABSNet has implemented an IronPort solution, from Cisco, in a deal which included user training and maintenance support for three years.

This pioneer of international assistance, a leading provider within its sector, has more than 40 years’ experience and over 5,000 employees across the globe.  Its ambition is to support individuals and companies in every life situation, from the most exceptional to the most routine.

Safe and sound: Professional Support Services concern chooses storage solution from ABSNet

Sussex, UK, December 2007.  Professional support services company recently selected ABSNet to provide a comprehensive Commvault storage solution for its distributed network of over 250 sites.

Following extensive consultancy, and building on an existing trusted supplier relationship with ABSNet, this client selected Commvault’s data storage solution, which will be implemented and supported by ABSNet’s expert team.

With a very large network distributed across many small offices and customer sites in the UK. The group was experiencing inefficiencies in managing its data, a process which was highly labour-intensive, and that carries the prospect of back-up tapes being damaged or lost while in transit to the data centre for storage. With Commvault’s solution, the data will be duplicated at source and sent back to the data centre electronically, to be backed up directly onto disk.  This removes the need for managing tapes, thus improving operational cost and security, and enabling storage to take place at a single location.  Crucially, it also allows the client to implement a comprehensive data policy.  Commvault’s de-duplication software also reduces the amount of data that needs to be backed up, while at the same time managing the flow of data during transfer to avoid overloading the network and causing bandwidth issues. 

About the Client

This professional support services company manages road networks, public buildings, rail infrastructure, homes, schools and utilities on behalf of central and local government, public sector agencies and businesses.  It employs around 11,000 people in more than 100 offices around the world.

Now it’s 5 in a row!
ABSNet achieves Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence Award for the fifth successive quarter

Sussex, UK, October 2007.  For the fifth successive quarter, Cisco Systems has congratulated ABS Network Solutions Ltd for achieving Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence.

This is the highest distinction that a partner can achieve within the Cisco Channel Partner Program, and it means that yet again ABSNet will be recognized for Customer Satisfaction Excellence in the Cisco Partner Locator with a special star indicator representing the company’s achievement.

Customers, Cisco personnel and partners will be able to identify ABSNet as having achieved outstanding customer satisfaction as part of Cisco’s worldwide assessment process.

Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence assessment is based on the customer satisfaction results captured in the Cisco Partner Access Online Tool.  Each quarter, Cisco acknowledges Certified Partners who have the highest customer satisfaction distinction within each geographic region.

“Customer Satisfaction Excellence is a core value we both share and a key driver of our current and future success.  Thank you for your commitment to the success of your customers.”  Cisco Channels Team

Walking the talk – ABSNet takes its own advice with a corporate FMC solution

Sussex, UK, October 2007.  ABSNet’s new fixed to mobile convergence (FMC) solution, recently implemented for its own corporate network, is the first of its kind in Europe.

FMC extends unified communications to mobile and remote workers, improving collaborative working and enhancing customer service while at the same time delivering significant savings on the cost of calls.

With ABSNet’s FMC solution, wherever your employees are, they can be connected to your organization’s corporate WAN and colleagues and clients need only call one number to reach them.  This is thanks to the combination of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (formerly Cisco CallManager), some ABSNet ingenuity and a dual mode phone such as the Nokia E61 series that can make calls over a wireless connection as well as via the GSM network.

Spiralling corporate phone bills are being blamed on extensive use of mobile phones, with recent research estimating that around 28% of calls made from company premises are initiated via mobile networks.  Using FMC technology, however, such calls are effectively ‘free’, as they use the broadband or leased connection that is already earning its keep by delivering other elements of the organization’s communications infrastructure.  What’s more, FMC offers a business class of service, making it transparent as far as users are concerned.

Powering up
ABSNet’s Cohesion solution suits independent power generation company down to the ground

Sussex, UK, October 2007. This independent power generation company with over 3,000 employees and interests in over 40 power stations has selected ABSNet to deliver a fully managed MPLS WAN solution for its entire UK operations.

The new network will be delivered via ABSNet’s innovative Cohesion Managed and Hosted Services portfolio, which focuses on providing the technology that enables business advantage, with the client paying only for what they use or need.

As part of a major network redesign, the client wanted the benefits of a BT network but with a flexible management solution that would help them achieve their stringent disaster recovery plans. ABSNet’s innovative solution offers previously unachievable levels of service management that will more than meet their needs.

With its combination of responsiveness, understanding of the client’s business drivers (underpinned by business-focused service level agreements), the continuity offered by its highly skilled technical staff and the flexibility of the solution offered, ABSNet was the obvious choice to design, deliver and support the network, which in the initial stages will cover all UK operations.

ABSNet appoints head of northern sales operation
ICT sales professional will further strengthen regional capabilities

Sussex, UK, September 2007.  ABS Network Solutions has announced the appointment of ICT sales professional, Steve Bate. His role will consolidate and further strengthen ABSNet’s capabilities and commitment to its customers in the north of the country.

Bate, who joins ABSNet as northern regional sales manager, has 20 years’ experience in the ICT arena, running sales operations and key accounts with firms such as Digital, Compaq, Gartner and BT. Much of this time was focused on selling services-orientated solutions, making him ideally fitted to head ABSNet’s northern sales operation.

Extreme business - ABSNet takes on the cream of Europe at the 2007 Cisco Euro Challenge

Sussex, UK, September 2007.  This month ABSNet took on for the first time some of the best business teams from across the continent at the 2007 Cisco Euro Challenge, the largest team event in Europe, coming 45th.

The event took place in the stunning surroundings of Donegal Bay from 13-16th September, and ABSNet competed against over 300 of Europe’s most high profile business executives from companies including Vodafone, 3i, Cisco Systems, Barclay’s Bank, Lloyds TSB and Dimension Data, to name a few.

As the European arm of the Intelligent Sport® World Series, an international programme of high energy, strategic team events, the Cisco Euro Challenge tested competitors to the limit.  Over three days and two nights the teams were faced with a number of mental and physical challenges where stamina, intellectual agility, strategy and decision-making ability were vital.  

Through the Intelligent Sport® concept Challenger World has developed the most advanced, fun and diverse corporate team development challenges across the globe, with one aim in mind - to create great teams for business.   Over the course of the event individuals learn more about themselves and their team mates than they would from spending a year in the office, and take hard-earned skills back into the workplace. 

On his team’s involvement in the event ABSNet team captain, Rick Ure, said:  “It was a truly great experience and I think our team did really well.  I was particularly pleased with our placings in the final three events – 12th, 8th and 25th.”

Andrew Finan, Managing Director at Challenger World, said: “The calibre of teams this year was higher than ever and there was certainly some healthy competition.  Donegal is a great location for the challenge and the Intelligent Sport® designers devised a world class course.”

Congratulations on Achieving Cisco Customer Satisfaction Excellence
Congratulations again... 4 in a row now!

Cisco Systems is pleased to recognise and congratulate ABS Network Solutions Ltd for achieving Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence.

Customer Satisfaction Excellence is the highest distinction a partner can achieve within the Cisco Channel Partner Program. ABSNet is recognised for Customer Satisfaction Excellence in the Cisco Partner Locator (www.cisco.com/go/partnerlocator) with a special star indicator representing their achievement.  Customers, Cisco personnel and partners will be able to identify ABSNet as having achieved outstanding customer satisfaction as part of Cisco’s worldwide assessment process.

Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence assessment is based upon the customer satisfaction results captured in the Cisco Partner Access Online tool. Each quarter, Cisco will acknowledge Certified Partners that have the highest customer satisfaction distinction within each geographic region.

For more information on Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence, please visit: www.cisco.com/go/pal

“Customer Satisfaction Excellence is a core value we both share and a key driver of our current and future success.  Thank you for your commitment to the success of your customers.”  Cisco Channels Team

“Congratulations again... 4 in a row now!”  Rebecca Vincent. Channel Account Manager Network Integrators Team

Ship-shape - ABSNet is firmly on cruise company’s radar
Long-term partnership realises tangible business benefits for cruise line 

Sussex, UK, June 2007.  ABS Network Solutions is celebrating ten years as the preferred communications technology supplier to this internationally renowned shipping company.

This long-established company provides the most frequent and comprehensive passenger and freight services to the Continent. Projects undertaken by ABSNet on its behalf have included ship to shore wireless, wireless LAN’s, LANs for all 24 vessels in the fleet, LAN upgrades at most of its sites supporting PoE, implementation of WAN acceleration devices and the installation of monitoring software.

Going global
World's leading beverage can maker (and second largest consumer packaging group!) chooses ABSNet to transform its global communications from an elderly PBX estate to a converged global network covering 20-plus countries

Sussex, UK, May 2007.  One of the world’s largest global packaging groups, has selected ABS Network Solutions to transform its ageing legacy telephony system into a secure converged network that will support voice, video and data across a single infrastructure.

A key requirement, given the significant investment that would be required to provide unified communications for its 23,000 employees, was rapid return on investment.  ABS Network Solutions was approached by Cisco Systems to design and deliver the solution.  Working with Cisco’s own Return on Investment business unit, ABSNet was able to show an 18-month ROI based on the migration of 130 sites.

Staying connected
Fortune 1000 provider of staffing, consulting, and solutions connects with ABSNet for seamless voice solution

Sussex, UK, May 2007.  ABS Network Solutions is to provide a unified communications platform and proactive network monitoring for the group’s European operations.

ABSNet has maintained this group’s Cisco systems since 2002, in addition to advising on switching and routing equipment.  Most recently, the relationship between the two companies was extended by turning to ABSNet for network resilience designs; novation of its BT MPLS network, including out-of-hours proactive monitoring; provisioning and managing the installation of new MPLS circuits, and the deployment of Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

With centralised management of its voice solutions throughout Europe, the client gains significant cost savings and considerable operational benefits.  Pro-active monitoring and management out of hours means that BT is notified of any circuit failure as it happens, rather than fault reporting being carried over to the next business day, resulting in improved business continuity and customer service.  A preferred partner, thanks to its consistent track record, solid SLA performance, Cisco backing and extensive portfolio, ABSNet is currently continuing the migration of all European sites to Cisco Unified Telephony.

About the Client
This Fortune 1000 company, which is quoted on the NYSE, is a leading provider of staffing, consulting and solutions in the disciplines of information technology, finance and accounting, law, engineering and healthcare, with operations in the US, Canada, the UK and Europe.

The ideal infrastructure - vital infrastructure support services provider chooses ABSNet to deliver converged voice and data at new headquarters
Integrated solution provides truly unified communications

Sussex, UK, May 2007.  ABS Network Solutions has designed and delivered a converged voice and data platform for leading integrated business and infrastructure services company.

The client’s board decided to relocate two of its key sites - the UK headquarters and the executive office, both based in London - into a single site, in order to consolidate 300 staff and reduce operating costs. It took the opportunity to review its existing voice infrastructure, which was proving expensive to maintain and did not have the capacity to support the ongoing demands of the business. The result was a requirement for a converged voice and data solution.

ABSNet was selected as preferred Cisco partner to deliver this solution, based on its long-term relationship with Cisco Systems, its experience in executing successful IP telephony deployments, and its extensive Cisco accreditations. The new platform design provides Call Manager with voicemail for every user, allowing staged migration to a unified messaging solution integrating text to voice functionality. A voice solution using wireless IP phones provides a hot-desk environment for remote and internal workers, with a secure wireless connection to the network.

Keeping it real – organic farming and dairy business partners with ABS Network Solutions for future-proof communications
Layering technology onto a single network provides platform for growth

Sussex, UK, May 2007.  This rapidly-expanding multi award-winning food business is the country’s most popular organic dairy brand and wanted to migrate from its legacy systems to a new WAN telephony infrastructure with wireless LAN selected ABSNet as its preferred Cisco partner.

ABS Network Solutions designed a unified communications platform that allows migration from an array of legacy technology to a single network for simplified, secure communications. ABSNet designed wireless LANs for each of six operational sites, with projects including the design and installation of QoS enabled WLAN for scan gun devices and wireless IP phones; design and installation of fully resilient QoS enabled MPLS WAN across six sites; installation of a new QoS enabled LAN and deployment of Cisco CallManager across six sites and a total of 400 IP telephones.

The new network facilitates smooth migration from the legacy systems and provides a future-proof infrastructure that will facilitate expansion and the incorporation of new technologies. Additionally the network, which allows all technologies to be managed centrally, delivers reduced operational costs and a lower environmental overhead.

ABSNet provides caring holiday villas company with resilient European contact centre
Unified Communications platform implemented to support converged multi-stream IP Contact Centre

Sussex, UK, March 2007. Cisco asks ABSNet to provide a converged multi-stream IP Contact Centre which would provide the resilient communication system demanded by this caring holiday company. Partnering with JAM IP, ABSNet worked closely with the client to scope and design a Contact Centre based on Cisco’s Unified CallManager and Unified Enterprise Contact Centre portfolio.

The contact centre solution provided by ABSNet is based upon Cisco IP Contact Centre (IPCC) and is an integral component of the Cisco IP Communications system, delivering a comprehensive solution that provides intelligent routing and call treatment with transparent blending of multiple communication channels. The Cisco IPCC Enterprise solution enables an organisation to take advantage of new IP-based applications at its own pace while preserving legacy investments and leveraging existing IP data infrastructure. The deployments can be phased adding IP telephony, new contact channels, and new IP-based services as desired to meet business demands and budget challenges.

Every aspect of the network was addressed to give a fully resilient core to build the Contact Centre on. The Contact Centre and Disaster Recovery site offered multiple PRI and WAN connections providing diverse routing to each PoP. The build to date has included deploying over 120 Cisco IP Phones to staff including 60 Contact Centre Agents allowing scaling of the network to addition remote UK and European sites. Indeed, the client so enthused with the possibilities of the Cisco UC platform which ABSNet described to them, they almost doubled their original budget from $350,000 to $600,000 to ensure they could take full advantage of them.

The extremely efficient multi-stream Contact Centre solution, delivered over a single vendor Open Standard network, provides multi-stream contact and integrated European collaboration which means better customer service & compliance and enhanced business continuance and disaster recovery. The internal business benefits are reduced capital and management costs, as the system is highly cost effective and bestows far greater business agility.

Building on success
ABSNet delivers MPLS solution for successful builders merchant

Sussex, UK, August 2006. Builders’ merchant cements a deal with ABSNet that encompasses the design and delivery of an MPLS solution based on an NTL:Telewest network.

The client wanted to guarantee maximum resilience and availability of its new communications infrastructure, which provides interconnectivity for 14 sites, so ABSNet also incorporated NTL’s LES service. This involved the purchase of LAN extension services (LES) through NTL:Telewest, with ABSNet’s engineers overseeing the creation of a triangulated disaster recovery service for core sites.

Initially, the company was considering a managed service from NTL:Telewest, but awarded the contract to ABSNet once it had demonstrated its extensive experience with LAN interaction and a thorough understanding of the customer’s key requirements. ABSNet will also support, manage and monitor the new network.

About the Client
Established in Birmingham in the 1920’s, this company has a 600-strong workforce and 10 trading locations throughout the east & west midlands and the south east - it has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of construction materials. Its customers include trade professionals, architects, major contractors and developers, and DIY enthusiasts. The company prides itself on delivering the highest levels of customer service in the industry.

Keep on trucking
Global Freight Management and Logistics Organisation with over 300 offices partners with ABSNet to implement its new MPLS network

Sussex, UK, March 2005. ABSNet has been chosen by this global freight management and logistics company to design and implement an MPLS solution that will connect its complex UK operations. 

The company chose ABSNet to provide the solution, based on BT’s IP Clear technology, because, as the client’s existing infrastructure support provider, ABSNet had a thorough understanding of its needs and a proven track record for service and expertise.  ABSNet’s solution was also more cost-effective than that offered by BT.  ABSNet will also support, manage and monitor the network.

About the Client
This client is a Global Freight Management and Logistics Organisation with over 300 offices in nearly 70 countries and over three quarters of a century of industry experience. Their award winning product range encompasses every transportation mode, warehousing, distribution, customs management, supply chain solutions and the integration of specialist third party suppliers.

We are sailing
Major port operator chooses ABSNet as its MPLS turnkey provider

Sussex, UK, March 2005. ABSNet was chosen to provide interconnectivity for its 9 offices via a BT IP Clear solution.

The Port Authority wanted to implement a Tier 1 network but wanted to manage it themselves. They turned to ABSNet for the hardware, support and a ‘wires only’ Tier 1 service, which offers them the solution they need at a price they can afford.