Meraki helps Big Bus Tours make all the right connections
Project at a Glance
Softcat partnered with Big Bus Tours to modernise its global networking infrastructure using Cisco Meraki. By consolidating hardware and licensing into a single, cloud-managed platform, Softcat delivered a secure, reliable and flexible networking solution that supports onbus connectivity, local offices and sales locations worldwide. The solution improved visibility, simplified management and enabled Big Bus Tours to scale confidently while maintaining high levels of customer service.
reduction in time spent managing the network estate
fixed pricing agreement, enabling predictable budgeting and future scalability
Challenge
With operations spanning multiple countries and a relatively small UK-based IT team, Big Bus Tours needed a costeffective, secure and reliable global networking solution. Supporting onbus internet connectivity, offices and sales locations created complexity, while future expansion plans demanded flexibility in both licensing and device management. Maintaining a consistent customer experience and avoiding reputational risk were critical.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Reliable Connectivity
Minimise the risk of reputational damage through poor user experience and unreliable connectivity.
2
Unified Licensing
Consolidate licensing to facilitate easier management.
3
Flexible Expansion
Increased licence and device flexibility.
Solution
Softcat worked closely with Big Bus Tours to assess its existing environment and consolidate all networking hardware onto Cisco Meraki devices, underpinned by a single five-year Meraki Enterprise Agreement. The cloud-managed Meraki Dashboard provided a centralised view of the entire estate, enabling faster issue resolution, improved cost control and simplified management. Softcat also defined a phased rollout roadmap across the US, Europe and MEAP regions to support future growth.
- Close collaboration to identify issues and source a suitable alternative solution.
- Enterprise Agreement to improve visibility and eliminate ongoing licensing cost overruns.
- Define a roadmap for global rollout.
Results
The new solution gave Big Bus Tours predictable long-term costs, greater operational efficiency and the flexibility to scale as needed. Centralised management significantly reduced the need for site visits and cut the time required to manage the network, freeing up the IT team to focus on higher-value activities. Improved visibility and control helped ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for both customers and internal teams worldwide.
- Fixed pricing agreement providing predictability and flexibility to expand services.
- Meraki Dashboard delivering enhanced visibility and centralised issue resolution capabilities.
- Significant reduction in the need for costly and time-consuming site visits.
Collectively Softcat and Meraki have enabled the Big Bus technology team to provide flexible, cost effective and secure networking solutions globally, ensuring we can maintain and expand our market leading position and continue to provide a great service to customer and internal team members alike.
David Knowles
Chief Technology Officer, Big Bus Tours