FFEI (Formerly Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Ltd), Hemel Hempstead - March 2006
Integrated Cisco Technology Solution including Unified Communications, firewalling and wireless
The Challenge: With no legacy infrastructure to consider, FFEI required a converged voice and data network which would integrate with existing FFEI locations. Cabling, Project Management and Firewalling solutions were also required within a fixed timescale. Without an existing infrastructure to ‘fall-back’ to there was no margin for error in the installation of the technology.
The Solution: Following a vigorous selection process, Nettitude implemented a Cisco IP Telephony and Data network, incorporating a resilient Cisco Unified CallManager cluster at the core with integrated Unity Voicemail. With gigabit to the desktop to support heavy traffic from graphics workstations, FFEI had chosen a scalable solution that can cope with growth. Cisco products included Cisco Unified CallManager, Catalyst 3560G Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches and 7941G full featured handsets.
The entire intelligent hardware infrastructure was delivered on top of a brand new category 6 cabling deployment, all managed by Nettitude. Quality of Service (QoS) was one of the most critical elements in the converged voice and data infrastructure to ensure that call quality was maintained at all times. By leveraging Cisco’s end to end QoS model, each component was configured to ensure that voice traffic was always given priority over other data.
As a result the voice quality is exceptional, even when the network infrastructure itself is placed under heavy load. In addition, FFEI implemented Cisco’s Extension Mobility feature of Unified Call Manager. This facility allows users to log into any IP handset attached to FFEIs network and have their own personal extension number transferred to that phone. This allows FFEI’s employees to work flexibly and from different locations and still have voice calls routed directly to them. In addition, Cisco’s IP Communicator was also deployed to a number of mobile workers within the organization. Communicator provides a software based telephone on a laptop style device, and allows mobile workers access to the corporate telephone system across the remote access Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Full reception call handling facilities were provisioned allowing incoming calls to be answered on a central PC based console and routed to the correct person or department swiftly and efficiently. All calls place through the system are logged in a SQL database with automatic reports being generated to identify the top users of the system both by number of calls, and call duration. Wireless access based on Cisco Access Points was also deployed within the new offices. Initially this is deployed for data applications only, however shortly it will also be used for voice access through Cisco’s 7920 series of wireless IP phones.
Finally, Nettitude also deployed a comprehensive firewall platform built on Checkpoint Firewall-1 running on Nokia appliances. The firewalls provided any to any connectivity between each of FFEI’s three core locations with automatic failover occurring in case of any single firewall or ISP link. The Benefits: Nettitude provided a fully managed implementation across a number of key technology areas including Cisco Unified Communications, firewalling and wireless and delivered on time against aggressive and unmovable deadlines.
FFEI reaped the rewards by being able to operate with their new infrastructure on time and on budget.
Background: FFEI’s team is dedicated to developing technologies that make a difference to daily lives. Whether it’s enhancing individual expression in print, making the news more immediate, or helping to diagnose potential health problems, our company’s digital imaging expertise has a focus on lifestyle improvement. As a former Fujifilm business unit, FFEI are built on firm foundations. By continuing to employ the highest caliber technology, best-in-class partners and highly trained personnel, we combine the infrastructure of a blue-chip company with the flexibility, creativity and drive of a start-up business. With this unique culture, our goal is to maximise opportunities to the benefit of end users and stakeholders. FFEI is proud to have received many coveted industry awards for their revolutionary flatbed scanners, imagesetters, platesetters, and software products. These awards reflect the capability of both our products and employees, highlighting our ability to design and manufacture some of the world’s most innovative products.
Recent accolades include: Fujifilm Workflow XMF named “Best Workflow Management Software of the Year 2007” by the European Digital Press Association The Queen’s Award for Innovation 2002 Best Engineering Factory, Highly Commended Award 2001 and 2003