Cost savings of more than 40pc and improved customer service is what Cork-based hosting and data connectivity provider Strencom is promising businesses with the launch of its managed wide area network (WAN) broadband service. The company said it is also planning major contract wins in the UK.
The managed WAN broadband services allow companies to connect all their sites together on a private network using existing phone lines. The company has already enabled companies such as Kiely’s Electrical, Right Price Tiles and the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation to achieve cost savings of around 40pc.
The Strencom private ADSL service uses the same technology as broadband internet, enabling data to traverse ordinary phone lines at high speeds and with 24-hour always-on availability.
Only a router is required on each site and businesses can take advantage of a completely secure and flexible virtual private network (VPN) without having to send information onto the public internet, which carries quality-of-service and security risks. Strencom will manage each WAN solution from its state-of-the-art network management centre in Cork.
Strencom chief executive Tim Murphy said companies that need to share information in real-time and have a number of sites in different locations are ideally suited to private ADSL. Retail chains, he explained, are a key target for Strencom.
Murphy said: “Strencom’s private ADSL is an excellent solution for businesses that want fast, secure and resilient WANs or VPNs without the inherent risks associated with the internet. It’s also much more cost-effective than most frame-relay, leased-line and IP network solutions.
“Retail chains and public sector organisations with multiple sites are perfectly suited to take full advantage of the scalability, reliability and security of private ADSL. The cost savings created by leveraging existing phone networks are another bonus,” said Murphy.
Following an introduction from a key business partner, PFH Computers, Strencom migrated Kiely’s Electrical on to the new network. With five stores across the south west of Ireland, Kiely’s is the leading electrical retailer in the region.
Patrick Rowe, financial controller with Kiely’s, explained: “Kiely’s has always been progressive in developing IT infrastructure. We recently migrated from frame relay to Strencom’s private ADSL service. This high-bandwidth solution has already provided us with substantial cost savings of more than 40pc against our previous frame-relay solution. It also allows us to add new and improved business applications that are shared across our entire company network.
“We value the importance of being able to access accurate and reliable real-time data in all our stores and offices at any time. Strencom’s private ADSL allows us to offer our customers a better overall service and we can make more informed management decisions on a daily basis. It also comes with added security and an improved data backup service,” Rowe concluded.
By John Kennedy
