Chapman Taylor chooses 3Com XRN, Gigabit technology as foundation for networking future

Designing and installing a communications infrastructure from the ground up is a daunting task, especially when the organisation is an intensive technology user like Chapman Taylor, an internationally renowned architectural and design practice.

Faced with the challenge of building an infrastructure for the company`s new London-based head office, Shan Tilakumara, communications and network manager at Chapman Taylor, responded with a next-generation network based on advanced technologies including 3Com XRN (eXpandable Resilient Networking) technology and ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet switches.

"Chapman Taylor relies on leading-edge technology and, in particular, the network infrastructure to support the business. We have over 250 staff at the London office, many of whom use heavy-duty applications such as AutoCad and various graphics applications all day, every day," explained Tilakumara, who has a track record of success in strategic network development projects for commercial and public sector enterprises. "Getting the network infrastructure right is the key to the long-term effectiveness of any network. In our case it had to be robust, resilient and fast to support the daily use of bandwidth intensive programmes and our ambitious development plans."

Chapman Taylor`s head office infrastructure features two 3Com Switch 4050s connected using XRN technology to provide a single high-performance, high availability network core. The solution includes 3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 4400s which Tilakumara plans to deploy in a clustered environment to improve overall resilience. The network will be segmented into around 14 Virtual LANs (VLANs) to improve traffic handling and maximise network performance. Management capabilities will be provided by 3Com Network Supervisor, a powerful yet easy-to-use application that graphically discovers, maps, and displays network links and IP devices. The solution is supplied by 3Com channel partner, Upper Systems Ltd.

"We`re confident that implementing an infrastructure based on 3Com XRN technology and Gigabit Ethernet switches will enhance business efficiency right from day one. Equally important is the fact that we`ll have a network platform which can be developed easily and cost-effectively in as inventive a way as makes sense to the business," said Tilakumara.

"Chapman Taylor has a reputation for creativity that is reflected in the company`s willingness to use the latest technologies. Starting with a clean slate gave us the opportunity to focus on finding the best products. However, as we don`t have the time to waste trouble-shooting temperamental technology, nor could the business tolerate any downtime, we had to find products that combined technical excellence with resilience."

Chapman Taylor subjected all products to an extensive trial process prior to making any buying decision. Tilakumara recalled: "When 3Com showed us what could be done with its new XRN technology particularly its clustering capabilities, we felt that it could be suitably responsive to some of our network requirements. Using XRN software to create a distributed fabric between two 3Com Switch 4050s has given us what we hope to be a resilient, clustered network core. We`re guaranteed high performance at all times from a network that is also significantly more robust and reliable."

"XRN technology differs from many other new technologies in that it combines innovation with practicality and is an effective technology: put simply, it does what it`s supposed to do which, ultimately, is to ensure that the business meets its strategic objectives."

Tilakumara had no doubts about choosing 3Com Gigabit switches. "3Com switches have a great reputation based on a proven track record of success. Our experience to date confirms that they`re robust and offer a great range of features, which, unlike those offered by other manufacturers, are actually of practical value. It`s an added bonus that they are also very cost-effective - attractively priced as well as simple and inexpensive to expand."

Tilakumara singled out the 3Com SuperStack 3 Switch 4400`s quality of service (QoS) features for praise. This `excellent and useful` feature will take on added importance as Chapman Taylor extends its use of networked telephony. He is similarly impressed by the 3Com Network Supervisor management system.

"Network Supervisor interacts well with all products on the network. It allows for extremely detailed problem analysis - allowing the user to drill right down into a switch, for example - which makes for timely and more effective troubleshooting."

Following completion of a complex, staged installation at the London office - which includes a company-wide upgrade to Microsoft Windows 2000 - Tilakumara will oversee network upgrade projects at each of Chapman Taylor`s European offices. Tilakumara confirmed that the focus on best-of-breed technologies would be a constant theme through subsequent stages of the network development process in which security will take on greater prominence.

"Some companies can be nervous about taking on new technologies. Our experience shows that by choosing manufacturers - such as 3Com - with a proven reputation and then testing all products thoroughly, implementing the most advanced technologies can make a very positive and long-term impact on the business," Tilakumara concluded.