Focus on convergence: Case study - SA Brain & Co

Company profile: Company: SA Brain & Co Established: 1882 Location: Wales and the West Country Turnover: £120 million Staff: 3,000

SA Brain & Co is the leading drinks and hospitality company in Wales, with more than 200 licensed premises. Various acquisitions meant it had a range of communications systems which needed to be simplified. BT already provided four of its systems, so it was invited to propose a standardised voice and data solution across 80 sites.

Malcolm Begley, IT technical manager at SA Brain, explains: 'Selecting a branch system from the same stable as our central systems would simplify support, ensure effective interoperation and minimise training needs.'

Keeping the business talking

BT proposed Nortel Business Communications Manager (BCM) systems. BCM is an advanced internet protocol (IP)-enabled private branch exchange (PBX) system with integrated voice and data-networking capability. It offers a single platform that can handle everything from call centre functionality and voice messaging, to digital cordless handsets and computer telephony integration. SA Brain picked the BCM50, which is ideal for applications serving eight to 30 users.

Begley points out: 'Our aim was to replace existing telephone systems when we refurbish each pub. So we needed a system that was future-proofed. BCM has all the features we need today and will support a move to IP networking in the future.' SA Brain has established a configuration for the system that will cater for pub payphones, electronic point of sale (EPOS) terminals, stock control applications and normal telephony.

Beyond BCM, BT was able to provide key solutions throughout the system. BT's ISDN2 services took care of network connectivity, while BT Business Plan provided a discounted calling package. BT OneBill consolidated all network and service charges on a single bill, while BT Billing Analyst enabled SA Brain to allocate costs and review phone usage patterns. All the systems are backed up by a BT CustomCare maintenance contract. Installations commenced last November, with a target of three or four pubs a month.

BCM: The benefits

BCM has simplified systems which reduces administration costs and delivers service benefits such as local data back-up via a USB connection and remote access, so BT engineers can diagnose problems quickly.

Another benefit is the provision of a standby system for emergency installation. It was put to good use recently when a water leak meant the rapid replacement of a pub's phone system. 'BT provided an installation team and we were up and running again in 48 hours,' explains Begley.

SA Brain has emerged from the project with a platform that will support the deployment of IP telephony and enable interconnection of ADSL broadband services in the future - and the company is already working with BT to assess the feasibility and value of this.

Begley is satisfied: 'BT has been very flexible in accommodating changes to our refurbishment programme and all the systems have gone in without a hitch. We now have a leading communications platform for our public houses that has improved local services and reduced the administrative burden.'

The Tech Spec

The solution implemented for SA Brain involved BT-supplied Nortel Business Communications Manager (BCM50), BT's ISDN2 with BT Business Plan, BT CustomCare maintenance services and BT OneBill with Billing Analyst.

BT has been very flexible. All the systems have gone in without a hitch and we now have a leading comms platform. Malcolm Begley, SA Brain & Co

To find out how BCM can make your life easier CALL 0800 783 8813

What is IP Converge?

Internet Protocol (IP) convergence is a combination of voice and data applications over a single IP-based network (see the Directory, page 28, for more on IP Converge). BT's IP Converge is a complete, managed network proposition that offers cost savings and greater flexibility.
What are the benefits?

1. Connects staff - A converged LAN supporting IP handsets and Wi-Fi gives workers the freedom to roam

2. Links remote sites - Branch offices, international sites and homeworkers can be connected securely over a single, flexible LAN

3. Run new applications......like file sharing to improve customer service and staff productivity

4. Work flexibly - Remote workers can hot desk with IP phones and laptops on the main site

5. Work strategically - A managed network means more time to focus on strategic projects

CONVERGE NOW... AND PAY LATER

By taking advantage of a converged network from BT, your business could achieve improved efficiency and enjoy cost benefits. That's because as part of your converged network you can have an IP Telephony or LAN solution now, yet pay no capital or set up charges for a year. And after that, it's interest free*.

Case Study - ICM

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