Making the Case for Cisco Meraki Implementation
As a booming accounts payable technology and audit firm, Atlanta-based
FlexTecs was facing the growing pains that come with rapid transitions. Because they’re an international company, it was important for them to have a single cloud-managed network. They were looking for a way to make managing their network and deploying their services easier and more efficient, and turned to Aventis Systems to help them navigate their options and implement the best services for them.
To help them reach their objectives, Aventis Systems began by analyzing their requirements to determine what would work best for them. Some of FlexTecs’ challenges included needing to increase productivity while at the same time cutting the costs of their email server, and to enjoy greater savings as well as improved performance in their data center.
Making the Switch to Cisco
FlexTecs’ need for a cloud-managed network began with the need for improved efficiency and productivity with email, but extended to its overall international operations. Aventis Systems was tasked with evaluating the scope of FlexTecs’ needs and determining the best possible solution for them.
Based on those findings, Aventis Systems determined that
Cisco Meraki switches would be an ideal fit for FlexTecs. Their cloud architecture is designed for easy deployment and management, and it allows for remote troubleshooting of network issues, which keeps costs to a minimum. It rates favorably in terms of scalability and accessibility, and even allows for infrastructure management through a secured dashboard mobile app.
After receiving FlexTecs’ buy-in, Aventis Systems mapped out a seven-step process needed for deployment:
Step 1: Analysis
The team at Aventis Systems looked at FlexTecs’ current and future needs to determine every way in which the Meraki network would be used. That allowed us to make a comprehensive list of needs and ensure all necessary features would be included.
Step 2: Determine Sizing
After looking at such factors as the number of users and coverage area, Aventis Systems was able to estimate the number of access points (APs) FlexTecs would require for its wireless network.
Step 3: Plan Location Placement
Aventis Systems conducted a site-wide survey to identify all the possible AP locations, which then allowed for the development of a network design.
Step 4: Incorporating Mesh Capabilities
By implementing Meraki’s mesh networking capabilities, Aventis Systems created a network design that allows several APs to wirelessly share one Internet connection rather than connecting each one to an active Internet connection.
Step 5: Configuring the Network
After determining what was appropriate for the deployment, Aventis Systems created and configured a network in the Meraki Cloud Controller and registered the APs into the network.
Step 6: Staging
As the final step before the APs go up, Aventis Systems connected the Meraki APs to the appropriate Internet connections and downloaded the proper configuration and latest firmware.
Step 7: Installation and Testing
Once the APs are all installed, Aventis Systems conducted thorough testing of the wireless network. This gave them the opportunity to adjust or add APs until the network’s coverage and performance goals had been achieved.
Mission Accomplished
Once deployment of the Cisco Meraki switches was completed, FlexTecs was able to turn over
management and monitoring of the network to Aventis Systems. This allows FlexTecs to focus on more business-critical operations while at the same time having the confidence that their network is constantly being monitored and that any issues that arise are being tended to immediately.
Because of the cloud-based nature of this new network, FlexTecs receives automatic upgrades without having to renew licenses or dedicate IT manpower to ensuring the upgrades are completed. And it has proven to be an ideal solution for FlexTecs’ mobile workforce that wants to access the network from locations around the world and from different devices.
Additionally, FlexTecs has reduced their overall costs by as much as 40% just by streamlining network operations in the cloud. It has made a significant impact not only on direct costs, but on how and where employees spend their workdays, says FlexTecs CIO Joe Massanelli.
“Our technical staff can now focus on their day-to-day activities instead of focusing on updating code or managing our network,” Massanelli says. That means greater productivity both for individuals and for the company as a whole.
When it’s time to upgrade your network, Aventis Systems can help you find the right solution for your business, regardless of the scope or size of the task.
Contact us at 1-855-AVENTIS or visit us online at aventissystems.com to see how we can help your business with its network needs.
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