MEI Signs Three-Year Agreement for Private IP Network Supporting Remote Access with Verizon Business
MEI, one of the world's leading manufacturers of unattended payment systems, has turned to Verizon Business to provide a new global network that includes remote access for MEI's mobile employees.
Under terms of the three-year agreement, Verizon Business designed and deployed a global, managed Private IP network. It seamlessly connects MEI's company headquarters in West Chester, Pa., with its major business centers in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Mexico, as well as locations in Australia and China, and several U.S.-based distribution centers. The MPLS-based network also links to the company's disaster recovery site to help ensure its operations run continuously.
MEI manufactures electronic bill acceptors, coin mechanisms and other unattended payment systems for the amusement, gaming, retail, transport and vending markets. It has the world's largest installed base of unattended payment systems, handling in excess of 2 billion transactions per week in over 90 countries. The company's recent divestiture created new requirements for local- and wide-area networks.
Integral to MEI's new Private IP network is the capability to provide remote access for more than 200 mobile employees located around the world. Verizon Secure Gateway -- Mobile User Service provides MEI's mobile employees with convenient, secure and dependable remote access to the corporate network.
"We needed to build a new global network from the ground up," said Tim Michel, chief information officer, MEI. "The relatively small size of our enterprise belies a highly sophisticated and dispersed operation. The decision to fully outsource the management of our global infrastructure to Verizon Business made sense in terms of global presence, proactive network management, support for future growth and cost efficiency."
With a widely dispersed mobile workforce, MEI is open for business worldwide 24 hours a day. This requires a dependable network to enable employee access to critical e-mail and enterprise resource-planning applications that support manufacturing, finance and human resources functions. Verizon Business fully manages MEI's Private IP network, delivering a high degree of reliability and strong security supported by proactive, round-the-clock management. Today more than 40 percent of Verizon customers using Private IP service opt for full management.
"MEI had a specific set of requirements critical to building out their new network, including making sure their mobile workforce could access corporate resources when and where needed," said Steve Young, senior vice president of sales, Verizon Business. "Our broad portfolio of managed networking and global mobility capabilities gave MEI the flexibility and choice needed to find the right approach for their business."
Verizon's mobility strategy builds on the power of the company's expansive, world-class wireline and wireless networks along with its advanced collaboration technologies. Verizon offers a comprehensive suite of mobility solutions that enable professionals to seamlessly conduct business while away from the office.
Verizon mobility services include: managed wireless LAN; wireless voice and data; fixed-mobile convergence services; and Verizon Secure Gateway, which provides flexible access into a corporate virtual private network for mobile users. In addition, the mobility services feature Verizon's advanced collaboration tools, including audio, video and Web-based conferencing services; secure instant messaging; and managed e-mail.
Nancy Gofus, Verizon Business senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said the agreement with MEI reflects a growing trend. "As the world becomes more global and more mobile, organizations are looking for us to solve their unique mobility requirements," she said. "Our comprehensive suite of mobility solutions enables professionals to seamlessly conduct business while away from the office." -Verizon
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