MPLS has been an affordable option for wide area networking for more than five years and is rapidly becoming the network solution of choice for multi-site organisations. The concept of an IP-only, any-to-any MPLS network using a variety of transport methods, from DSL, leased line and Ethernet to Internet and mobile, is a novelty for some organisations. However, there are a growing number of organisations that use MPLS and regard it as a mature networking technology. For these organisations with a current MPLS IP VPN service, the challenge is often how to predict their future network requirements and planning how to ensure that any switch of providers happens with minimal disruption.
Drivers for change
Many organisations have enjoyed the benefits of MPLS IP VPNs for some years and may now be coming to the end of a typical three-year contract. Some that are looking to renew or replace MPLS IP VPN contracts simply want to market-test the value and efficiency of their existing providers. Many will be investigating the market to see if there are advances in technology that will improve their MPLS services, while others will be dissatisfied with the performance or service management of their existing arrangements. Increasingly, it is these last points - the service wrap, delivery and management of services - that are providing the distinguishing factors between service providers.
Plan ahead
Planning to review an existing contract can be quite a lengthy process. The MPLS offering an organisation installed three years ago may no longer be suitable or scalable enough to meet its future needs. Therefore, organisations need to review their requirements before asking for proposals. Assessing needs, drawing up a shortlist of providers, organising tenders, reviewing bids, consulting users and drawing up contracts all takes time. Typically, it can take six months or more to find a suitable provider to fulfil an organisation's next contract to the required standard.
The period of time needed to install new, replacement or upgraded network connections should not be underestimated either. Installation of new fibre digs, for example, could take between 30-60 working days, and could be more if difficulties with landlords or wayleaves are encountered. The cautious will be aware of the difficulties that can arise here and plan for slight delay and budget a little extra in case any digs result in excess construction charges. Provisioning of DSL services, on the other hand, can be considerably shorter and has little risk of unforeseen charges; possibly as little as 20 working days, assuming that an existing analogue exchange line is available. It is important to ensure that you are able to provide access to sites when the supplier’s engineers are scheduled to install equipment, otherwise unnecessary delay and expense may arise. This often involves having one of your staff on site to oversee the scheduled installation.
What to look for
When looking at a replacement network provider a broad range of topics should be taken into account, including payment options and technology features, such as innovative backup methods, multicasting, IPT and mobile access, via BlackBerry®, PDA or 3G. Customers looking for a fully managed service to each of their premises will require a different approach to those whose in-house support capabilities allow them to consider a wires-only option. The provider that can offer a track record of advanced and consistent customer care in this area will have the advantage in winning new business.
Despite ticking all of the boxes in the finance, technology and service categories, customers may still feel reluctant to go through the upheaval of moving to a new telecoms provider. The prospective customer will favour a provider that can demonstrate experience of providing replacement networks and is able to work successfully with its clients to seamlessly guide them through the migration progress. The new supplier needs to be accustomed to working collaboratively with the customer and liaising with the existing provider. Large and complex networks may require extensive discussions with your existing and new supplier to ensure that they have clear instructions as to the phasing of changes that you need.
The approach most often taken is to create one or more touchdown points between the new network and the existing service. A customer's sites can then have their new connections and premises equipment installed and tested in parallel with the existing network, cutting over to the new service at the customer's convenience. This will allow the customer to exit from their existing contract at the earliest opportunity.
If a telecoms provider can discuss the migration process at an early stage in the negotiations, supported by case studies, it can help to give the potential customer the assurance that the risks associated with moving from an existing MPLS supplier to another can be minimised. So it pays to choose a provider that has the necessary experience and the ability to advise the customer when necessary.
The right choice
It's important to ensure that you select a supplier with a track record of well managed migrations that can make the transition to a new MPLS IP VPN infrastructure painless. This will allow an organisation to focus on deriving the benefits that a converged MPLS service can deliver such as access to a secured Internet service or business-grade Voice over IP solutions. With the right supplier and an effective migration plan, you can unlock the potential of state-of-the-art network services without sacrificing the stability of an existing infrastructure.
Checklist
- Get a list of benefits from the provider about the new network, and list the capabilities of the existing service that need to be retained.
- Budget for phased implementation so installation costs and the benefits of the new service (including the savings from terminating the existing service) will not all be simultaneously incurred.
- Excess construction charges can arise unexpectedly: budget a little extra just in case.
- Identify how the provider interfaces with an organisation and look for a supplier that will work collaboratively with staff.
- Decide on the term of the new contract. Most organisations view three years as the minimum to justify migration and few contracts are greater than five years.