SD-WAN Transformation for Global Biotech Networks

Global biotechnology company achieves network transformation success

SD-WAN deployment delivers significant MPLS cost reductions and enhanced reliability

6 min read

Overview

The client is a leading U.S.-headquartered biotechnology company with expertise in R&D, clinical research, clinical trials and manufacturing across neurological diseases, immunology and rare conditions. With globally dispersed business operations, the client faced challenges related to high network costs, lack of network agility and reliability and approached HCLTech for comprehensive network infrastructure transformation.

The client needed a transport-agnostic network solution that provided centralized management, greater reliability and improved cost efficiency across its global operations. The transformation also focused on simplifying day-to-day operations, increasing visibility into network performance and creating a scalable foundation for future growth.

The Challenge

Complex legacy network infrastructure with high costs and limited agility

The global biotechnology company faced network constraints that reduced operational efficiency and increased costs:

Mixed network infrastructure complexity with network infrastructure consisting of MPLS, Internet, VPLS, P2P and DIA connections
High operational costs as the environment were not transport agnostic and had high costs of installing and managing MPLS circuits
Limited redundancy and management with lack of redundancy at most branch sites along with no centralized management and control in the environment
Cisco hardware reached EOL/EOS, prompting client to transition to Arista Networks.

The Objective

Deploying a transport-agnostic network solution with centralized management, improved cost efficiency and stronger security

The client strategy to modernize its global network with a transport-agnostic solution that centralized management, improved cost efficiency and delivered reliable performance. The transformation also focused on strengthening security, enabling scalable growth and cloud adoption, increasing network visibility and simplifying daily IT operations.

Global biotechnology company achieves network transformation success

The Solution

Comprehensive Cisco SD-WAN implementation with cloud controllers and upgraded infrastructure

HCLTech delivered end-to-end SD-WAN transformation services, covering solution design, implementation and cost-optimized cloud-based management.

SD-WAN solution architecture: Proposed Cisco SD-WAN solution to meet transport agnostic requirements, ease of use and centralized management
Comprehensive implementation: We undertook design, testing and implementation of SD-WAN sites for all regions
Cost-optimized cloud management: To offer cost savings, proposed Cisco hosted cloud controllers (vBond, vSmart and vManage)
Legacy integration approach: Suggested the client deploy C8000v router on their existing ESXi hypervisor to act as a transit point between legacy and SD-WAN sites
Infrastructure modernization: Upgraded existing Cisco routers (ISR4K, ASR1K, Cat8K) to support SD-WAN image, dual internet strategy and local internet breakout at each branch

The Impact

Substantial cost reduction, enhanced reliability and improved customer experience

The comprehensive SD-WAN transformation delivered significant improvements across operational metrics and cost optimization:

Significant reduction in yearly MPLS circuits cost
Better customer experience using aggregated throughput and automated failover for services
Redundancy at each branch site using dual internet or MPLS – internet circuits and devices. Single management plane for all SD-WAN devices

For more information, write to us at DF-Marketing@hcltech.com