The reason
To support the growth of Microsoft cloud applications, Facq wanted to improve Internet connectivity without impacting users’ access to on-prem applications (ERP, inventory, sales, purchasing, and accounting) hosted in their data center.
The solution
Colt’s hybrid SD-WAN connects Facq's 50 sites. Each site is equipped with both MPLS and Internet connections, facilitating access to applications hosted in the data center and in the cloud. The Private Wave solution provides redundant connectivity and real-time high-speed data synchronization between Facq’s data centers.
The result
The active configuration of connections at each site guarantees redundancy and prevents service interruptions. The Private Wave connection enables improved data synchronization. Thanks to the Colt portal, the IT team can independently manage the SD-WAN, giving new momentum to innovation.
Facq's Requirements
As Colt’s partner, Easi proposed a migration plan to Colt’s hybrid SD-WAN. “We wanted to continue our relationship with Colt and Easi because we trusted the quality of their services. Our research showed that Colt’s pricing was perfectly reasonable, so there was really no reason to change,” says Bernard Delleur, IT Manager at Facq.
Each Facq site is equipped with an Internet connection providing direct access to cloud applications and an MPLS connection using QoS parameters to prioritize access to data-center-hosted applications. All sites now benefit from significantly higher bandwidth than before.
The active mode ensures connection redundancy: if one link fails, the other automatically takes over and traffic is rerouted. “SD-WAN provides the level of resilience and redundancy we had been looking for for a long time. The number of proactive tickets issued by Colt has dropped by 38%. Users now benefit from a better experience and faster access to applications, without interruptions.”
Operational autonomy and innovation
Thanks to the Colt portal, Bernard Delleur and his team can independently manage many aspects of the SD-WAN. "If an application requires a specific network configuration, we can handle it directly through the portal. It’s much simpler and faster than submitting a request and waiting for a technician. Projects at this level have become much smoother."
One such project involved deploying in-store handheld scanners, allowing customers to scan products themselves while shopping. At checkout, totals are already calculated, and customers simply proceed to payment.
“We have full control over the entire network. That allowed us to quickly launch this new service with ease. Our customers save a tremendous amount of time.”
Strengthening data center connectivity
At the same time, Facq deployed Colt Private Wave to improve connectivity between its production and backup data centers: 10 Gbit/s Ethernet ensures redundancy while 8 Gbit/s Fibre Channel enables real-time data synchronization. “Private Wave gives us greater peace of mind from a technical perspective. With multiple fibers instead of just one, our bandwidth is multiplied by five. The impact on data synchronization has been very positive, and we can easily add additional capacity as needed.”
A long-term partnership
When the IT Manager joined the company 20 years ago, Facq, was already working with Colt and Quendra (powered by Easi), a trusted relationship that has continued to strengthen over the years.
The Easi team and Bernard Delleur meet regularly to discuss the latest market innovations, Facq’s IT vision, and Colt’s evolution in this context.
“We maintain a long-term, trust-based relationship with Colt and Easi. Together, they provide us with reliable, high-performance solutions that underpin our business, supported by excellent service, advice, and support”
- Bernard Delleur