Strongbow led an RFP for Managed SD-WAN services, optimizing a solution to modernize this premier retailer’s North American WAN, achieving 25% cost savings and industry-leading SLA’s for speed to market and network performance.
Client Situation:
- 250+ locations connected by MPLS; 90%+ of locations are retail stores with critical uptime requirements; accommodating legacy routing protocols was another key requirement
- The client’s network modernization plan targeted replacement of end-of-life Cisco 2900 series routers and Firewall/WAAS appliances, and the introduction of LTE wireless services for backup
Strongbow Approach:
- Strongbow analyzed multiple service options and conducted a multi-round competitive RFP with in-depth analysis of operational, financial and strategic factors
- Led final negotiations with the winning bidder to exceed budget targets for Year 1 savings impact
- Implemented industry-leading per-site availability SLA’s, backed by significant (100%+) penalties
Result:
- Cisco Meraki-based managed SD-WAN service driving 25% savings, 99.999% site availability and integration with NAC & other security tools
- A “walk away” contractual provision to ensure network partner’s performance
- New network architecture will also help accelerate client’s ongoing transition to public cloud