Major UK network services wholesale supplier deploys 300th ACM7000 Remote Site Gateway device for smart-out-of-band connectivity
Slough, UK – May 24th, 2018 – Opengear (https://opengear.com/) a leading provider of solutions that deliver secure, resilient network access and automation to critical IT infrastructure, today announced that Virtual1, a major UK network services wholesaler has selected Opengear’s Smart OOB™ platform to provide remote console connectivity across its growing UK network.
With a network spanning 180 cities and towns across the UK, Virtual1 is fast becoming the UK’s leading Digital Service Provider. Working exclusively for the wholesale markets, Virtual1 operates an advanced platform delivering high capacity, low latency networking which is also privately connected to market-leading UC, SIP and Cloud solutions.
Reliability is a vital attribute as Rich Adam, head of architecture for Virtual1 explains: “Our network reaches around 75% of UK businesses and the criticality of network and internet access means that any outage or disruption can be incredibly damaging. As such, we take monitoring, proactive maintenance and rapid problem resolution incredibly seriously.”
With major data centres located in the UK’s largest cities, Virtual1 also maintains hundreds of additional sites housing core routing and switching technology.
“We have traditionally used Cisco consoles server for remote management but our rapid growth required us to become more streamlined across areas such as cabling, space and power footprint,” explains Adam, “After looking at the market, Opengear offered us the best long-term option for out-of-band (OOB) connectivity – especially around flexibility.”
Working closely with Flow Communications, a highly regarded Opengear partner; Virtual1 has deployed a resilient OOB architecture that uses secondary DSL circuits and even traditional modems to provide a triple layer of resilient IP based accessibility to key switches, servers and PDUs across its network.
“Flow Communications provided everything from 32 port Opengear units at our main datacentres all the way down to 4 port models at smaller sites,” explains Adam. “In terms of day-to-day usage, alongside out-of-band console server, we also use the Opengear devices for port mirroring during diagnostic activities. Over the years, Opengear has proven incredibly reliable and robust when it has been called upon.”
The Virtual1 core network comprises over 350 routers and switches deployed nationwide providing service via Gigabit and 10Gb ports passing 7.5M premises, delivering a potential 15Tbps of capability. This infrastructure is supplemented with the 300th recently installed Opengear ACM7000 Remote Site Gateway appliance.
“We have consistently delivered industry leading services through our innovative architecture and partner centric approach,” says Adam, “and our investing in network management technologies such as Opengear is part of a long-term commitment to ensure that we continue to meet our customers’ expectation for the best price, performance and reliability.”
Alan Stewart Brown, VP sales EMEA for Opengear added, “Virtual1 is a fantastic example of a market leader that recognises the importance of always-on availability. Opengear is delighted that Virtual1 chose our technology to deliver the scalability and flexibility they need – whether it’s a major data centre or smallest remote site.”
About Opengear
Opengear delivers secure, resilient access and automation to critical IT infrastructure, even when the network is down. Provisioning, orchestration and remote management of network devices, through innovative software and appliances, enable technical staff to manage their data centers and remote network locations reliably and efficiently. Opengear’s business continuity solutions are trusted by global organizations across financial, digital communications, retail and manufacturing industries. The company is headquartered in New Jersey, with R&D centers in Silicon Valley and Brisbane Australia. For more information please visit www.opengear.com
About Virtual1
Virtual1 is the UK’s leading Digital Service Provider.
Working exclusively for the channel, Virtual1 are the largest and most advanced, wholesale only Local Exchange Carrier in the UK. Connecting 180 towns and cities across the country from over 270 on-net exchanges.
Built upon state-of-the-art infrastructure, we deliver high capacity, low latency connectivity which is privately connected to market-leading UC, SIP and Cloud solutions.
Our network is fully software defined and places the control and configuration of access directly under our partner’s control. Via our award winning 1Portal and suite of API’s, our Partners can quote, order and manage their UK customers from anywhere in the world, 24/7.
About Flow Communications
Flow Communications is an established networking and security solution provider; at our very core is our extensive technical experience in providing integrated technology solutions covering all key aspects of Networking and Network Security to mid-market enterprise clients. Flow’s mission is to be the partner of “Choice”, delivering business efficiency to our customers through the provision of innovative solutions based upon leading and emerging technologies. For more information please visit www.flow-communications.co.uk
