Enterasys Networks signs on ICT group with gigabit Ethernet, VPN technologies

Enterasys Networks Inc, a leading provider of broadline enterprise networking solutions, today announced that ICT Group, Inc, a leading global provider of customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, has standardised on Enterasys` Gigabit Ethernet and VPN solutions as its new strategic networking platform.

At ICT`s new corporate headquarters in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and North American contact centres, Enterasys` multilayer switching and routing technologies provide high-performance network connectivity with the scalability to support ICT`s critical, high-bandwidth CRM applications and growing user base.

In addition, Enterasys` Aurorean VPN solutions support the company`s employees and clients, providing them with remote access to corporate applications. Engineers from The Datastore, a full-service provider of enterprise-wide solutions headquartered in Maple Shade, New Jersey, ICT and Enterasys worked together to design the high-speed, intelligent network architecture.

Recently recognised as one of Business Week`s "100 Hot Growth Companies", ICT relocated its corporate headquarters to a 105 000 square foot facility to accommodate the company`s accelerated growth. Consistent with its mission of providing clients with high-quality, consistent CRM sales, service and marketing solutions, it was important for the company to choose a vendor that would provide it with ample support and networking expertise, to help ensure a smooth transition during the move. ICT`s infrastructure demands a high degree of network availability to support its on-site and remote users, and to ensure that its customers receive the highest level of service possible.

"Working with our long-term partner, The Datastore, we found that Enterasys` technology provided us with the best system for ICT`s new corporate headquarters as well as a standardised platform on which to network our contact centres," said Pamela Goyke, ICT`s Chief Information Officer. "In addition, the flexibility and support we`ve received from Enterasys has been impressive; their willingness to listen to our needs and tailor a customised solution to meet/exceed our requirements has helped streamline the transition process and ensure the delivery of quality, seamless service to our clients."

The new network includes Enterasys` X-Pedition multilayer switch routers, providing Gigabit Ethernet connectivity throughout the network core. In addition, Enterasys Matrix E7 switches support more than 400 users in ICT`s new corporate headquarters, and Vertical Horizon switches provide connectivity in its contact centres.

"We have worked closely with ICT for more than 10 years and have keen insight to their IT infrastructure needs," said Matt Himmelstein, vice-president of sales for The Datastore. "We believe the Enterasys solution is the best technology to help them achieve their business communications objectives."

Enterasys` Aurorean virtual private networking (VPN) solutions provide secure, high-speed remote access, allowing ICT`s telecommuters and travelling employees to easily utilise corporate applications and resources. Customers of ICT`s hosted CRM technologies use Aurorean VPN to access top-tier CRM applications, such as Seibel`s contact management and sales force automation and Oracle`s relational database, which are hosted on ICT`s servers and accessed remotely for use by clients at their own in-house contact centres.

"Our work with ICT and The Datastore demonstrates Enterasys` ability to provide a comprehensive LAN and WAN networking solution for an enterprise, both in terms of technology and service," said Mads Lillelund, executive vice-president of worldwide sales and marketing, Enterasys Networks. "The high-speed, scalable infrastructure will support ICT as they continue to grow and offer their clients the highest level of CRM solutions available. We are delighted to support ICT in their strategic IT platform development initiatives."