Tied to the relocation of Thomas Miller’s offices in London, the contract is worth £1.5 million over five years. Affiniti will ensure that Thomas Miller benefits from the latest security and wireless technologies, and its 450 employees can enjoy increased flexibility and productivity thanks to the functionality that unified communications provides.
The nature of Thomas Miller’s business means that there are regularly customers and business partners on the premises. It is therefore important that the new office is ‘friendly’ to guests with informal, café-type areas designated for visitors to do business and get online. Opening up network access in this way made security a paramount concern and central to the whole project. Affiniti recommended a Network Admission Control (NAC) topology to ensure that all guests can be given secure access at no risk to Thomas Miller’s assets.
NAC offers the most robust, comprehensive security solution available. It uses the network infrastructure, rather than perimeter security defences, to enforce security policies on all devices looking to seek access to the network. This advanced security topology also ensures that when Thomas Miller relocates its operations in July 2008, the entire building will be wireless enabled and secure.
Alan Dainty, IT Services Manager at Thomas Miller commented: “This is the first time for 30 years that Thomas Miller has moved offices and it provides us with the perfect opportunity to upgrade our communications network so that we can continue to be a leading organisation in the London financial markets for years to come. However, it is critical that we minimise the associated upheaval, not only with the move but also with the network migration. The Affiniti team has been excellent, a true IT partner understanding our business needs. It has provided proactive, valuable advice, been very sensitive to our requirements and we look forward to having a network to rival any major financial institution.”
Paul Renucci, Managing Director at Affiniti commented: “Our experience in the financial sector has shown that organisations are cautious and risk averse when it comes to technology upgrades. Our close working relationship with Thomas Miller means we have been able to offer advice on the benefits of using the latest technologies and help them shape ambitious plans for the future. By the time the business relocates to Fenchurch Street in July, Thomas Miller will have an intelligent, wireless, future-proofed network worthy of its smart new offices.”
Affiniti and Thomas Miller have a seven year working relationship and this was a significant factor in selecting Affiniti for the unified communications installation. Affiniti was chosen from a shortlist of three companies on the strength of its high-quality proposal, specialist knowledge, the calibre of its references and the account team who were considerate and responsive to Thomas Miller’s needs.
Design and consultation has already commenced, and installation of the Cisco secure unified communications infrastructure is due to start in May 2008. There will be two phases of user migration, each totalling approximately 225 users, commencing July 2008. Affiniti is contracted to support the network for five years post implementation.