BT transports Alstom’s global network to a digital future

BT has announced a five-year contract with Alstom, one of the world’s leading  providers of systems, equipment and services for the mobility sector, to upgrade its  global network with the latest cloud-optimised connectivity solutions.  

The new network will connect Alstom’s operations at 350 locations in 60  countries, including manufacturing plants, offices, depots and data centres. It will  provide agile and secure access to company applications and services used by  Alstom’s employeesⁱ, of which 24,000 have been working remotely during the  pandemic. 

Working with BT consultants using the Smart Transformation process, which  aligns the right solutions to business needs, Alstom chose a managed network service 

based on the VMware SD-WAN solution. It will be delivered by BT over its new digital  service platform. 

The service will help Alstom accelerate its “move-to-cloud” strategy. It will  improve the company’s visibility of network traffic allowing it to optimise end-user  experience. It also includes a range of fully-managed or co-managed options giving  Alstom the flexibility to take control of individual aspects of change management. 

Nicolas Vurpillot, network and network security director, Alstom, said: “The  move to internet as our primary network is part of our strategic plan: Alstom in  Motion. It will provide secure, scalable and reliable access to applications while  reducing cost and improving co-management. Following a thorough assessment of  available SD-WAN technologies, BT demonstrated willingness and capability to  innovate, enhance service levels and partner with Alstom to help us achieve our  strategic goals.” 

Joris van Oers, managing director, resources, manufacturing and logistics &  Europe, Global, BT, said: “We’ve been connecting Alstom’s global operations since  2015 and are delighted to have been chosen again. Alstom will benefit from the very  latest VMware SD-WAN service combined with our trusted security, high reliability  and a range of management options. It is a great example of how our new  generation of managed connectivity services give customers choice and flexibility when planning for their digital future.”