The trend is moving toward networks which need to “ understand ” the applications . So beyond the actual transport of data , it ’ s also about supporting the continual operation of the applications in the best possible way . The SD-WAN technology used by BKW ensures this in an optimum way . Regarding digital
“ SECURITY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF SD-WAN SOLUTIONS .”
transformation , the topic of security also plays a central role . Security is an integral part of SD-WAN solutions . With them , the traditional separation between network and security vanishes . This is a great advantage for companies which are currently in the process of digital transformation . Other advantages : simpler integration of international sites , more flexibility , more efficient and powerful management , etc . SD-WAN uses primarily the Internet as the communications infrastructure and upgrades it with company-specific intelligence with central management .
UPC Business has been operating an SD-WAN for the energy and infrastructure services group BKW since 2018 . With which needs did BKW approach UPC Business ? As a rapidly expanding and diversifying group with locations in Switzerland and abroad , BKW was looking for an agile solution for site networking with cloud and security integration . After the first invitation to tender we withdrew at first , because from our point of view the SD-WAN market had not yet reached the maturity necessary for the defined requirements . BKW subsequently engaged in constructive dialogue with us , after which the invitation to tender was revised again . This final invitation to tender included a total of three parts : access , SD-WAN and security . Regarding SD-WAN , Cisco best met the demands . We offered the entire package , and in the end prevailed over our competitors . The deciding factor was ultimately the fact that both contracting parties were willing to set forth on a path for which the goal was clearly defined , although the way to get there was still unknown . In the course of realisation it became evident that BKW and UPC Business were agreed on one crucial aspect : We can and will pursue trailblazing solutions !
UPC BUSINESS 20 YEARS OF CONTINUITY AND INNOVATION
Since 1998 , UPC Business has gradually developed into a full-service provider for business customers . The spectrum of the innovative ICT offering ranges from compact standard solutions for SMEs through to customised project solutions for complex company networks . As a general contractor with an extensive partner network , today UPC Business meets all telecom and IT requirements of SMEs and large enterprises .
The company ’ s own broadband network , which consists of 95 % optical fibre , facilitates network connections throughout the whole of Switzerland with transfer capacities of up to 100 Gbit / s . Mobile voice and data services are provided by an outstanding Swiss mobile network in top quality .
UPC Business stands for customer proximity , innovative technology , an established partner ecosystem and high customer satisfaction . Today , tens of thousands of companies from all lines of business rely on the services from UPC Business .
Which specific advantages does SD-WAN offer for BKW ? BKW can use a variety of connectivity options and cut costs in the area of access . The SD-WAN creates homogeneity throughout the group — for the communications capabilities , application performance , cloud access , Internet access , and security . BKW has a homogeneous overview of the service behaviour . Other benefits are the central management and the visibility it brings , the simple handling of adaptations and the easy access to cloud services . Over the long term , BKW will benefit from the innovative potential of a market-powerful software developer .
Which reasons are in favour of Managed SD-WAN ? At the forefront is easing the burden on the IT department . When it no longer has to take care of planning , implementation and operation of the WAN , it has more time for the needs of users . In the end , satisfied users are more relevant for the success of the digital transformation than operation of a WAN infrastructure is . It merely helps to create the ideal technical conditions .
What is your impression of the journey so far with BKW ? What are the most important factors which led to the success of the project ? For both companies , adopting new technology involved special challenges from the very start . So far we have mastered these challenges well , because we work closely together and communicate openly . upc . ch / business