Care and support · Case Study
Bringing a distributed estate together with SD-WAN
A common network framework connected branch locations, data centre services and an existing MPLS network, alongside a coordinated Microsoft 365 migration.
- Branch sites in the SD-WAN deployment
- Around 180
- Connectivity across separate network environments
- One framework
- Reported result of the delivered project
- Within budget
The Client
Achieve Together brought together Care Management Group and The Regard Group, two specialist support providers for people with learning disabilities and other support needs. Fluid’s engagement began with The Regard Group before the organisations came together.
The Challenge
The combined organisation needed to connect existing network environments and establish a shared framework for IT services. The design had to provide cost-efficient WAN connectivity while making use of existing Internet service provider connections.
The brief also covered a move from existing Office 365 tenants and on-premises Exchange systems into a new tenancy, with licensing, consultancy and project management coordinated alongside the network work.
Our Delivery
Discovery and proof of concept
Fluid reviewed the existing Regard estate, established detailed requirements and validated the approach through a proof of concept.
SD-WAN design and rollout
The design used existing ISP connections to link branch sites to core data centre services and the existing MPLS network. A large rollout covered approximately 180 branches.
Working as one project team
Fluid coordinated delivery with the customer’s infrastructure teams and support specialists, aligning configuration, migration and operational requirements.
Microsoft 365 migration support
Project management, Office 365 licensing and technical expertise supported the move from the existing tenants and Exchange environment.
The Results
The published case study reports that the project met the agreed requirements and was delivered within budget. Cisco Meraki’s central cloud platform gave the organisation an easier way to manage the network.
Fluid secured a five-year Meraki licensing arrangement for this rollout. This was a commercial arrangement for the original project, rather than a current offer or a guarantee about future WAN costs.
The original story also describes a subsequent phase of the WAN rollout and further technology planning.
“successfully consult, design and deliver a robust Cisco network”
Project Technologies
Platforms and technologies used in the original engagement.
- Cisco Meraki MX security appliances
- AutoVPN and SD-WAN
- Office 365 licensing and migration
This case study describes the original customer project. Technologies, licensing arrangements and outcomes reflect that engagement.
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