Chandos deploys full network solution, with MPLS, IP Trunking, Secure Connect and Managed Services

BUSINESS CHALLENGE

As a major general contractor with several locations and multiple long-term project sites, Chandos needed more than quick and effective inter-office communications; it also needed a reliable voice and information stream between head office and on-the-job employees. Its older, multi-vendor solutions—an Internet-based VPN and a consistently undependable VoIP system— weren't up to the task. Bandwidth clogs limited data transmission and application availability, while voice technology was feature-heavy but performance-light. It needed a fast, secure data-sharing infrastructure; a reliable, multifeature IP solution that would run on its existing Mitel hardware; and a general upgrade to an integrated, single-provider network.

SOLUTION

Chandos considered a number of other service providers, but only Allstream offered the comprehensive package it was looking for. "Allstream promised—and delivered—added features that competitors couldn't match," says Jaycen Kuehn, partner at SNS Technologists, Chandos's IT provider. "Combine that with our previous positive Allstream experiences, and the choice became obvious."

Chandos now has a fully managed MPLS infrastructure. All offices connect across a LAN that has complete single-point security with Allstream Secure Connect, as well as enhanced speed, simplified troubleshooting, secure mobile VPN access and improved application performance. The implementation of IP Trunking supports the IP system on the data line and simplifies voicemail, long distance, call transfers, inter-office calling and mobile connectivity. Innovative financing through Allstream Shield also vastly expands the company's telephony options while reducing costs.

"One partner, one contact, one central call number, one solution. This kind of simplified, consolidated, dynamic service is something forward-thinking companies like Chandos really need to leverage," says Jaycen Kuehn.

BUSINESS OUTCOMES

Chandos's comprehensive Allstream solution has helped it:

• Limit costly downtime by increasing capacity and redundancy
• Build in the infrastructure for future technology like teleworker phones and active directory synchronization (where new users get automatic VPN functionality)
• Reduce help desk calls by at least 30%
• Create economies of scale by consolidating network costs under one provider
• Reduce its environmental footprint with fewer offices and more virtual workspace
• Increase employee productivity with improved work flexibility and mobility options

ABOUT ALLSTREAM

Allstream is a leading national communications provider that works exclusively with businesses of all sizes. An industry leader in delivering innovation, Allstream is focused on unifying and elevating all the ways that businesses connect and collaborate to serve customers, to drive workforce and partner productivity, and to get payback on networking and IT resources. Headquartered in Toronto, Allstream leverages the entrepreneurial spirit and skills of 3,000 employees across Canada. Our portfolio features advanced capabilities including: network connectivity and infrastructure, managed network services, and unified communications solutions. Our portfolio is provided across an extensive national broadband fibre optic network that spans some 30,000 km. We supply international connections through strategic partnerships and interconnection agreements.