Tiscali Press Release - Rok builds real benefits with a Tiscali virtual network

Property build group Rok has chosen internet and broadband company, Tiscali, to provide a Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution to link up hundreds of temporary sites. The fully secure broadband VPN, managed by Virtual Network Operator (VNO) Sirocom, allows both site and office based employees to access all of Rok's applications and data. Choosing a VPN from Tiscali means that Rok no longer has to invest in costly and inflexible fixed-line contracts for each site.

Rok has up to 400 operational sites at any one time, all at various stages of completion. Prior to deploying the VPN, the process of establishing and managing the communication provision was extremely problematic, expensive and time consuming for Rok. With the VPN in place, Sirocom and Tiscali can react dynamically to Rok's changing needs and the needs of the site managers which means that projects get up and running quickly.

Nathan Francis, general manager of Tiscali Business Services says: "Many businesses are in Rok's position and struggle to manage huge amounts of fixed lines at any one time. It's an incredibly difficult juggling act. Having a VPN delivered via a VNO takes the pain away. It will free up the IT team to concentrate on delivering business critical applications."

The attributes of the network can now be tailored to the needs of each site. The VPN is monitored 24 hours a day and connectivity faults can be addressed immediately. Centralised billing provides Rok head office with a single monthly cost coded report which has virtually eliminated administrative overheads.

Richard Gifford IT Director at Rok Property Solutions says: "The project-based nature of our business means that a building site office will be temporary and dynamic in its physical location. This causes complications when attempting to ensure effective voice and data communications as well as secure access to centrally held data. Before we began using the VPN from Tiscali, the cost and time wastage was just incredible. Now, not only have both been dramatically reduced but we’ve also seen a huge difference in network performance, functionality and productivity."

Tiscali's Enterprise VPN capability provided by Sirocom also allows for the flexible connectivity for Voice over IP services, which Rok may look to implement in the future.