How a new network infrastructure increases sustainably and network reliability
In a growing organisation the IT network capacity and reliability are essential and so is the need for access speed. The modular system that Groupe SMA implemented for data centre and its network infrastructure, together with enhanced support leads to an easy to install and easy to manage solution including the scalability for future growth.
The Groupe SMA is a French mutual insurance company primarily serving the construction and civil engineering sector. With more than 3,200 employees serving its 150,000 members, the company has a turnover of more than two billion Euro. As a result, Groupe SMA is the leading French insurance company for construction industries.
For over 160 years, the organisation has constantly adapted to different market developments by trusting its values of expertise and innovation. Previously, 1,300 head office employees were spread among five buildings with outdated network infrastructures. This inevitably led to challenges in scalability and capacity, as well as increasing operational expenses which it needed to control.
To support the continued growth of its overall business and to drive operational efficiencies, the organisation decided to migrate to a new 380,000 square foot building in Paris. This move would allow the company to manage a facility with full IP capabilities, allowing for more communication points than the previous facilities and drive its critical voice, data, and video needs, along with security-surveillance, access control, clocks, and AV systems and controls. The consolidation would allow opportunities to expand its business and maximise space utilisation while reducing its operational expenses.
The new building would involve merging 1,300 people, two data centres, more than 7000 drops and 39 telecom rooms. In addition, the new facility needed to highlight Groupe SMA’s commitment to building quality structures to stay relevant within the construction industry.
“Upgrading our facility would provide an optimised environment for employees to collaborate freely, enhancing productivity. We also want the ability to quickly add new business applications and upgrades as they occur,” said David Marais, DSI, Groupe SMA.