In the heart of South Yorkshire, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) stands as a testament to resilience and dedication, committed to serving and improving the lives of its people. The challenges posed by the pandemic only fuelled their determination to deliver vital support, regeneration, and innovation to their diverse community.
CAE Technology Services Limited is now part of the boxxe Group and we are delighted to welcome you to the boxxe website.
For any queries regarding the acquisition, please read boxxe announces acquisition of CAE Technology Services or contact our Customer Services Team on 0330 236 9429 or via email at letschat@boxxe.com.
For any queries regarding the acquisition, please read boxxe announces acquisition of CAE Technology Services or contact our Customer Services Team on 0330 236 9429 or via email at letschat@boxxe.com.
Results
Our partnership with RMBC delivered transformational results across their entire digital infrastructure. By implementing a comprehensive Software Defined Networking approach with Cisco ACI and SDA solutions, we created a secure, flexible, and sustainable tech ecosystem. Beyond environmental savings, RMBC now benefits from regular security updates, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced flexibility that allows them to do more for their community.
Over 50% reduction in energy consumption and costs
We delivered significant sustainability improvements alongside infrastructure modernisation
51% reduction in carbon emissions
Our solution cut heat output by two-thirds and slashed carbon footprint by over half
Full Software Defined Networking deployment
We implemented Cisco ACI for data centre and SDA for campus, creating a modern, agile, and secure network foundation
Challenge
RMBC aspired to update their network for flexibility and sustainability, driven by their Golden Rules and Digital Principles focused on privacy, compliance, and the highest standards. However, their existing IT infrastructure posed a significant obstacle to these ambitions. They needed a partner who truly understood their organisation and goals, and could help them navigate the complex journey from legacy systems to a modern, agile infrastructure that would support their long-term digital transformation vision.
Plan
We worked closely with RMBC to understand their existing infrastructure and craft a comprehensive roadmap for modernisation. We started with Network Intelligence powered by CAE Labs, which revealed soon-to-be end of life infrastructure, software vulnerabilities, and energy inefficiencies. Using this data, our experts developed a Five Year Forward View with step-by-step solutions, cost estimates, and prioritised equipment replacement strategies.
Approach
We deployed a Software Defined Networking approach that provided RMBC with a modern and agile data centre. This included implementing a Cisco ACI solution for their data centre and software-defined-access (SDA) solution for the campus, featuring Catalyst 9K hardware for both wired and wireless connectivity along with dual Catalyst centre appliances.
Core services were migrated and integrated onto the new ACI platform, enhancing performance and security against potential threats. The Cisco SDA platform and wireless-first approach improved user experience and efficiency, merging guest and corporate Wi-Fi networks securely.
Outcome
Through our partnership, energy consumption and costs were cut by over half, heat output reduced by two-thirds, and carbon emissions slashed by 51%. RMBC achieved a seamless, secure, and automated infrastructure with simplified licensing through the Cisco Enterprise Agreement, providing true forward capability and improved manageability.
Beyond tech deployment, we introduced a comprehensive Customer Success Plan and training programme, enhancing team skills and confidence through a people-centric approach that resulted in significant improvements in infrastructure support.
The organisation now benefits from regular security updates, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced flexibility and mobility. With Phase 1 completed, RMBC has a solid foundation for evolution.
“In partnership with boxxe Group, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is invested in a long-term collaboration that will evolve with our digital transformation goals and adapt to the changing technology landscape.
Other Public Sector bodies (NHS, including the ICB) are now able to use our infrastructure when on RMBC sites, allowing seamless integration onto their systems.
The next phase of our project will place a heightened focus on security (‘Defence in Depth’), paving the way for exploring the potential of the Internet of Things. This strategic alliance is not just about technology; it’s about shaping the customer experience and ensuring positive user outcomes in an ever-evolving digital era.”
Chris Sweeney
Digital Services Manager
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
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