Software retailer, The Connection Group, has installed an end to end 3Com networking solution in order to increase customer service levels and profitability. The deal which is worth an estimated R1,5-Million comprises of a 3Com Wide Area Network (WAN) and Local Area Networks (LANs).
The Connection Group owns Software Connection, Incredible Connection, Computer Superstore, Business Connection, Business Land and Enterprise Connection. There are a total of 16 retail stores nationwide and room for growth within the group.
"Before we installed the 3Com network, the Connection group was using a variety of incompatible networking products, which caused endless problems with regard to network configuration," says Robin Wright, Connection Group IT Manager. "We were looking for a complete networking solution that could provide the best network performance with regard to reliability and speed combined with the best compatibility."
"3Com products were chosen because they could address these needs and in addition, were easy to configure and easy to support," he says. "The network we have now provides the entire group with a solid backbone and a consistent IT architecture since there is no more mixing and matching of products."
"We believe that in order to remain on the leading edge of software retail, the equipment we use has to be the best. This follows our philosophy we preach to our customers as well - they must go for a quality product that is known," he says.
LANs using 3Com`s LinkSwitch 1000, 1100, and 3300 and its Super Stack II Hubs have been installed within the group`s head office, as well as in each of the group`s 16 branches to ensure that the sharing of information runs smoothly.
A sophisticated WAN infrastructure has been installed, using 3Com`s NETBuilder II 8 Port Routers and the 222 Remote Office Routers. The WAN now links all of the Connection Group`s retail stores to the Midrand head office to facilitate easier communication.
"The WAN also saves time on dial up connections as it provides dial out facilities to the stores," says Wright. "It also allows for the free flow of information between all the stores and the head office." The WAN is also easily upgradeable as future needs dictate and additional security, management and performance features can be added to the existing 3Com NETBuilder routers, thereby protecting investment and lowering overall network deployment costs.
3Com LinkSwitches and manageable hubs have been deployed throughout the group enabling the Connection Group to link all of its desktop applications.
He points out that there have been no network failures since installing the 3Com network. "This has resulted in zero down time which is a major benefit to the group as a whole. For the Connection Group`s 750 users performance has dramatically improved and in turn customer service levels have increased."
He emphasizes that with about 35 000 e-mail messages weekly in the group alone and the staff downloading 45 Gigs of information a month, they can`t afford not to have the information immediately.
"With application performance being a top priority because it gives us our competitive edge, we are very happy with the top network performance levels we are achieving with the 3Com products," says Wright. "We have had great support from 3Com. To have this much support when you`re running critical systems puts everyone`s minds at ease."
As far as the network is concerned, Wright says that it is robust, which makes it easy for all. The IT department for the whole Connection group is run by four people who handle the administration of the network. He says that this is only made possible with the use of top quality products.
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