EBM reduce branch network costs
24 April 2009 - Q011
The performance and security deficits associated with consumer-focused broadband platforms such as ADSL and 3G means that businesses have no choice but to continue utilising conventional – and expensive - leased-line diginet or VPN-based solutions.
“Not any more,” says (person to quote) at network and application optimisation services company, Qualica Technologies.
Using Qualica’s innovative Enterprise Branch Manager (EBM) solution, enterprises with multiple branches can set up their connectivity networks using multiple, affordable ADSL and 3G links without compromising on performance or security.
In addition, EBM allows for remote support and management of desktops and the network, thereby reducing support costs.
“It’s not only been a case of lowering networking costs,” he says. “Users also achieve savings in terms of the cost of support to branches. Indeed, enterprises can generally achieve a positive return on their investment in EBM within xx months.”
According to (surname), EBM effectively ‘upgrades’ consumer-focused broadband platforms into an industrial-strength, managed, high-performance package.
“ADSL and 3G have not been considered suitable for enterprises because performance of the network could not be guaranteed. Now, by employing techniques such as load balancing – sharing traffic volumes over two or more connections which could be wired (Telkom ADSL) or wireless (3G, Neotel CDMA) – and traffic shaping to give priority to business-critical packages, Qualica EBM is able to ensure excellent network performance levels,” he explains.
“Should one or more of the links become unresponsive, it is removed from the load sharing configuration and all existing connections are distributed over the remaining links.
“And the beauty of having a platform agnostic solution like EBM is that a branch need not be cut off from the network as a result of cable theft: it would be possible to switch the connection to a wireless alternative.”
In an EBM connectivity scenario, each branch is equipped with a single low-cost gateway server PC running the Qualica Internet Gateway software that can be quickly and easily installed at the branch.
Each gateway connects to one or more ADSL modems for Internet connectivity; as well as to the branch’s internal network where user computers are situated. Where required, wireless access points to allow for 802.11x connectivity have also been provided.
Each EBM gateway – which serves as a firewall, domain server and proxy server – is managed centrally at a management portal.
The Gateway Management Portal provides a Web-based interface to enable remote viewing of Gateway status, individual ADSL line connectivity; management of individual users at each site and remote desktop takeover of any user; reports on Internet usage by user and by site; management of firewall and intrusion detection amongst others.
“Effectively, it reduces the need for IT personnel at branch level, thus further lowering costs for the organisation,” (surname) concludes.
About Qualica Technologies (Pty) Ltd
Qualica Technologies is an international provider of optimised network and application services and solutions. Qualica develops specialist Internet applications that deliver measurable business value to blue-chip clients in diverse industries.
For additional information, please contact:
David Rogers, CEO Qualica Technologies (011) 731 1700
Marilyn de Villiers, Troika PR (011) 884 0775