Verizon Business Centralizes IFS Network to Support Business Expansion

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - Verizon Business today announced that it will provide IFS of Sweden with a standardized wide area network (WAN) infrastructure, consolidating the management of 60 global sites.

The new agreement extends the companies’ existing relationship and calls for Verizon Business to implement an MPLS-based Managed Private IP network that will centralize all of IFS’ network management at its headquarters, while also providing an ultra-reliable and secure connection between key IFS hub sites in Sri Lanka, Sweden and the United States.  The Verizon Business WAN replaces infrastructure previously supported by an array of different suppliers.

IFS is one of the world’s leading providers of component-based business software for open standards, and it is one of the first to deliver SOA (service oriented architecture) capabilities.  These capabilities involve the use of loosely coupled software services to support the requirements of the business processes and software use.

During recent years, IFS has globalized its internal business processes and centralized its system service support.  This has increased its demand for one secure and stable network that offers a high degree of responsiveness and task prioritization. More than 2,600 employees depend on the IFS corporate Intranet for their daily communications, and rely on this central network to, for example, enable the secure, real-time sharing of designs and information between the development hub sites of Sri Lanka and Sweden. 

Over time, IFS’ network had become dispersed and expensive to run, with regional sites using different network providers and services. In particular, the IP transmission path between IFS’ headquarters and its development sites was becoming overburdened, less responsive and less secure.  The company needed a common, robust environment that was always available and that quickly yielded the efficiency and financial benefits that come from a consolidated and centrally managed network infrastructure.

Verizon Business was selected to provide one common infrastructure across all of IFS’ sixty global sites, enabling the company to have more control over its network, increase employee efficiency and reduce overall costs. Verizon Business supported the implementation with comprehensive network management tools and security capabilities, providing a secure, managed environment to support the company’s current and future business needs.

Stefan Persson, IFS chief information officer, said, “We have been working with Verizon Business as one of several providers for over five years, but managing our disparate array of networks was starting to cause problems. Verizon Business’ MPLS network offered an ideal solution that could be tailored to our global and local needs.”

John Irvine, vice president of international marketing, Verizon Business, said: “IFS needed a solution that would solve its short-term goals but could also be upgraded and scaled up to ‘future-proof’ its network -- voice over IP and video conferencing are only two examples of new applications IFS is currently evaluating. We are confident that Verizon Business can continue to provide the highest level of support and service at each step as the organization continues to expand.”

About IFS

IFS, the global enterprise applications company, provides solutions that enable organizations to respond quickly to market changes, allowing resources to be used in a more agile way to achieve better business performance and competitive advantage.

IFS was founded in 1983 and now has 2,600 employees worldwide. IFS pioneered component-based enterprise resources planning (ERP) software with IFS Applications, now in its seventh generation. IFS’ component architecture provides solutions that are easier to implement, run, and upgrade. IFS Applications is available in 54 countries, in 20 languages.

IFS has more than 500,000 users across seven key vertical sectors: aerospace & defense, automotive, high-tech, industrial manufacturing, process industries, construction & facilities management, and utilities & telecom. IFS Applications provides extended ERP functionality, including supply chain management (SCM); enterprise asset management (EAM); maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO); product lifecycle management (PLM); customer relationship management (CRM); and corporate performance management (CPM) capabilities.

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE:  VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide.  Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

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