Manufacturer reduces unified communications costs 70% with HP Networking & Converged Infrastructure

[#1]

By Carol Shottes, Converged Infrastructure Marketing Manager, HP

Have you ever made the mistake, like I have, of going for a hike and putting on the first pair of socks in your drawer, without any further consideration?  Ouch, the blisters!  I learned the hard way that the quality of my socks is as important as the fit of my hiking boots.  HP customer North Carolina-based THOR•LO, a leading manufacturer of activity-specific socks, knows a lot about the importance of quality, too.  That’s why the company chose an HP Converged Infrastructure solution that includes a high performance network for voice and data communications and business applications at a lower cost of ownership.

A complete Converged Infrastructure delivered from HP partner, Insight, and HP Technology Services—in only six weeks

After a thorough vendor review, THOR•LO chose HP Networking solutions to extend the flexibility and capabilities of its existing HP storage and server infrastructure.  HP partner Insight, an Arizona-based global provider of information technology, hardware, software and service solutions, worked with HP Technology Services personnel to develop a rapid, seamless deployment process, enabling THOR•LO to achieve a fully operational network in only six weeks.

THOR•LO implemented an HP FlexNetwork solution that includes HP 5500 Switch Series and HP 7500 Switch Series, as well as the HP MSM Controller Series and HP MSM Dual Access Point Series wireless mobility products to provide a robust, flexible unified network to simplify business processes and modernize business communications.  These new networking components joined the HP BladeSystem c7000 Enclosure and HP P6300 Enterprise Virtual Arrays storage solutions THOR•LO had previously deployed to provide a complete converged infrastructure that enables the company to effectively manage its expanding global business.

THOR•LO also implemented the HP Intelligent Management Center to simplify network management via a single pane of glass for operating a unified wired and wireless network.

What does a rapid deployment and 70% communications cost savings mean?

As a result of deploying HP networking solutions, THOR•LO has:

• Streamlined business-wide communications by replacing three disparate phone systems with a single VoIP system;
• Reduced costs by 70 percent with its new VoIP phone system, which covered the cost of the HP networking solutions;
• Improved employee productivity by automating time-intensive and error-prone manual tasks with HP’s streamlined management solutions; and
• Simplified data center management by seamlessly connecting HP networking solutions with existing HP server and storage solutions.

Integration of HP Networking solutions into THOR•LO’s HP Converged Infrastructure has positioned the company for growth while reducing IT costs.

“No pain” and gain

THOR•LO Inc. has successfully integrated HP networking solutions into its HP Converged Infrastructure deployment to streamline communications, reduce costs and improve overall network productivity.  Now that’s a quality example I can follow!

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society.

>> Learn more about HP Converged Infrastructure and HP Networking products and solutions.

>> Read a related blog about converged infrastructure: HP Converged Infrastructure is not just a buzzword

>> Follow HP Networking on Twitter and Google+ | Join HPN LinkedIn Community | Like us HPN Facebook