Extreme Networks Delivers Intelligent Network To Synovate

Published 5th November 2009

Extreme Networks today announced that market intelligence company Synovate has installed a fully flexible network that will provide interoperability with Avaya telephony systems, and contribute to lowering electricity consumption across its new offices in Central London. The network is built on Extreme Networks’ BlackDiamond and Summit® product families and sets a solid foundation for future developments.

Established in 2003 with approximately 6000 members of staff globally, Synovate is now located in a new building at London Bridge, where it required a resilient network to handle its specific requirements. As its previous network was unable to fulfil these, Extreme Networks’ Partner G3 Telecommunications recommended that Synovate deployed a variety of BlackDiamond and Summit® switches to provide the backbone for introducing IP telephony with minimal failover.

“We spoke in detail with G3 and briefed its team on our requirements for the new network,” said Synovate IT Director, Pete Hamel. “Our main objective was to gain a network that was capable of hosting IP Telephony, with a strong emphasis on the uptime and reliability necessary for interoperability with our Avaya phone system.”

“Although Synovate has a history of different vendor equipment, we recommended Extreme Networks as we knew it was more than capable of meeting its resiliency and reliability requirements whilst ensuring a future-proofed network, ideal for expansion,” said G3 Account Manager, Alan Lloyd. “This solution is also the most cost-effective and Extreme Networks already has a good working relationship with Avaya.”

Following the implementation of the new network, Synovate is now benefiting from increased uptime with the ability to host the new IP Telephony system along with enhanced power management. In addition to being future-proofed, the new network will allow for the inclusion of any further triple-play services.

“Extreme Networks has been a great investment and we have experienced improved up-time and resiliency for our IP Telephony solution,” adds Hamel. “The EAPS capability of Extreme Networks switches has been very important. It is absolutely vital to have such a high level of reliability built into your network if you are running an IP Telephony solution.”

Having now experienced the benefits of a fully interoperable solution with improved resiliency, performance and the uptime to run IP Telephony, Synovate is now looking to recommend Extreme Networks to its overseas offices when the time comes for network improvement.

“We’re delighted to be working with an organisation such as Synovate as it shows the breadth and flexibility of Extreme Networks’ solutions,” said Extreme Networks Regional Director of UK and Ireland, Gary Newbold. “At a time where technology is consistently evolving, it is important to run a secure network that is capable of hosting the ever-increasing list of new applications. We look forward to nurturing this relationship for future developments.”