Dimension Data has launched its Bandwidth Optimisation solution, designed to ensure that customers are utilising their bandwidth in the most efficient and effective manner and in doing so have the potential to realise sizeable cost savings.
This solution, which is offered by the company`s Networking Solutions division, assesses the bandwidth usage in its entirety, taking into regard the business requirements of the network, its design and traffic patterns. Recommendations are then made on how best to optimise bandwidth usage.
The solution allows for enhanced network performance, without the increase in bandwidth costs, thereby decreasing the monthly telecommunications costs. Dynamic reporting on the network`s current bandwidth utilisation can also be generated in order to understand trends and allow for future planning.
"This service offers customers the ability to understand the traffic traversing their WAN and implement the optimal configuration to ensure that the bandwidth is being used effectively and that business-critical applications are given the required amount of bandwidth," says Jeff Jack, network solutions manager at Dimension Data Southern Africa.
"Depending on the size of the customer`s network, and what will be involved from a bandwidth architecture redesign perspective, the initial capital costs can be recovered in months. This improved network efficiency, as well as savings on bandwidth upgrades all contribute towards significant ROI," continues Jack.
So how does it work?
In order to configure the network optimally, it is essential to understand the flow of data across a customer`s network. A probe is placed in the customer`s network for a period of time to identify the traffic flow and the application types that traverse the network and any problematic applications. Once a thorough understanding of the traffic flow is achieved, there are a few options available:
Application re-engineering: This re-engineering entails investigation of how to redesign applications to reduce the amount of data needing to traverse the WAN.
Implementation of quality of service: Implementing the required quality of service (QoS) enables you to manage bandwidth and packet loss parameters on your network, which is imperative in achieving a successful end-to-end business solution.
Implementation of compression and caching: Data compression is achieved by installing compression devices at specific points throughout the network, allowing for the reduction in the amount of data traversing the network, minimising the required amount of bandwidth.
Caching enables organisations to reduce cost, drive productivity and increase revenue by positioning frequently used content at the edge, improving response time and delivering an enhanced user experience.
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Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT) is a leading global technology company. The group provides solutions and services that optimise and manage the performance of IT infrastructures to enable business to build competitive advantage. To achieve this, the group delivers solutions using its proprietary `Application Network` architectural framework and its expertise in networking, application integration and managed services.
Dimension Data, founded in 1983, had revenues of $2.1 billion in 2003 and operates in 30+ countries with over 7 500 employees.
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