Gallagher Bassett - Reclaiming Resources

Gallagher Bassett is one of the largest claims and risk management companies in the UK, with 150 staff handling over 50,000 claims per annum. Since 1991, the company has successfully concluded over 250,000 liability claims on behalf of over 200 self-funded and insured clients. As well as a UK Head Office in London, Gallagher Bassett has offices in Leeds, Burton, Lichfield, Sterling and South Queensferry. Gallagher Bassett International has a worldwide turnover of over 240 Million Euros.

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The Challenges

"When we first met with Gallagher Bassett, it was clear that the group were outgrowing their network," explains Pat McDonald, Enterprise Account Manager at Claranet.

The network required secure IP tunnels between their 7 geographically diverse UK offices, which placed restrictions on the available bandwidth between offices and to the London Head Office. Consequently, the traffic on Gallagher Bassett's network, particularly at peak times, was slowing down.

Our network was struggling, we have over 150 staff often accessing the same application from Chicago. Even downloading emails or printing could be unbearably slow. - Michael Christensen, UK IT Manager of Gallagher Bassett.

The Solution

Claranet implemented a nationwide managed Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network to replace the existing point-to-point IPSec infrastructure. Work on the upgrade began in August 2006 and the entire system went live in March 2007.

The Gallagher Bassett network was connected to the Claranet backbone using MPLS Virtual Private Networking (VPN) technology, providing an ultra-fast, secure connection to other offices and the global Internet.

The Result

"The new network was immediately effective in speeding up processes, according to employee feedback," says Michael Christensen.

"Our managed solution is saving time and money," concludes Michael. "I'd certainly recommend that growing, dynamic businesses like ours take a look at their IT systems, and consider whether outsourcing to Claranet could do the same for them."