RMC Group plc, a leading international producer and supplier of materials, products and services to the construction industry has selected Vanco, the Global Virtual Network Operator to design, implement and manage a new Wide Area Network (WAN). This five-year agreement is worth £7.7 million and will connect 722 sites throughout the UK.

This agreement follows a strategic review undertaken by RMC of its UK data communications network within the broader context of its &8216;Connect Strategy&8217; project. The overriding objective was to identify the optimum solution and provider to support RMC data communications for the next five years. In particular this related to the migration from localised server architecture to a single consolidated data centre with back up business continuity facility.

The overriding aim of the solution was the simplification of the core network thereby reducing the cost, as well as having the flexibility to support future changes, for example, voice and data convergence. In doing so RMC were looking to migrate from a hierarchical structure to a flat, more flexible, any-to-any model, providing greater resilience and minimal points of failure. Finally, it was essential that the solution avoided technology lock in so that the network can take advantage of new technologies or cost savings, without delay or penalty, as and when appropriate.

In order to meet RMC&8217;s requirements Vanco proposed a hybrid network using a variety of IP technologies, specifically an MPLS core with direct connectivity via ADSL and ISDN services. This solution will deliver a highly serviced robust network, providing a platform that can be easily expanded to other geographies or scaled to incorporate further sites in the UK &8220;From a collection of disparate, loosely connected data networks we are moving towards a single unified global solution. With Vanco we have in place a strategic framework agreement for the roll out of other &8216;in-country&8217; RMC networks as and when we require. The strategic fit between where they can offer services and what we require was perfect,&8221; said Denis Sharp, UK IS Director. &8220;Vanco have clearly illustrated how they will deliver a materially enhanced service as well as dramatically reduce the overall cost. And, through their &8216;Active Negotiating Position&8217; process we expect further ongoing savings.&8221;

&8220;Our unique VNO approach will provide RMC with a network which is competitively priced, closely managed and which utilises the latest technology to align it to business objectives.&8221; Added David Perez, Director, Vanco UK, &8220;I am delighted that RMC selected Vanco and we look forward to a long and successful relationship.&8221;