Specifications/Technical Information
Application for evaluation machine
Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN (formerly Silver Peak)
Aruba EdgeConnect（Former Silver Peak）
Aruba EdgeConnect - User Case Study -mizkan group
Realization of an environment that anticipates future expansion of SaaS usage
Point of introduction
- Network congestion has been resolved, and troubles such as delays have disappeared.
- The image quality and sound quality of web conferences have improved dramatically, making it possible to have closer communication.
- By visualizing communication, it became possible to deal with problems on their own, and it became possible to take proactive measures.
Due to the introduction of Microsoft 365 and the rapid increase in the use of web conferencing, network delays hindered business operations.
In 1804, the mizkan group (hereafter, Mizkan) started its business with the production of vinegar made from sake lees. Currently, as one of Japan's leading food manufacturers, we are expanding our business globally in Asia, North America, and Europe under the group vision slogan, "What will eventually change to life." Overseas sales now account for about half of the company's sales. About the company's policy, Miyuki Matsushita, General Manager of the Information Systems Department, said, "Looking 10 years into the future, we are promoting efforts to contribute to the health of people, society, and the earth, and to deliver deliciousness and health. In order to realize our vision, it is essential that the entire company works together to achieve our goals, while improving the quality of management and the speed of decision-making.”
Therefore, as part of the environmental improvement, the company decided to introduce the cloud service "Microsoft 365" provided by Microsoft on a group-wide basis.
“The purpose of this is to be able to respond flexibly to changes in the environment.In recent years, there have been an increasing number of opportunities for users to collaborate with people outside the company, and conventional client/server (C/S) A closed system cannot respond to drastic changes in the environment, so the Company decided to make good use of a global standard cloud service while ensuring security." (Mr. Matsushita)
However, the introduction had an unexpected side effect. As many users started using cloud services, the network (WAN) became strained. In addition, the use of web conferencing has expanded at once in response to the corona disaster. The network became even more strained, causing delays that disrupted operations.
“Because the network was not working, it would interfere with our business, so we had to send inquiries to the system department. We also began to experience problems outside the company, such as slow response of the order receiving system. .
Until now, we have responded by increasing the speed of the WAN, but we cannot continue to increase the speed of the WAN in anticipation of future demand growth, so we decided to quickly review the WAN environment. (Mr. Matsushita)
Easy-to-understand GUI with necessary information Evaluated for support based on abundant knowledge and high technical capabilities
Mizkan began considering next-generation networks in mid-2020. Initially, they considered upgrading existing lines, but they quickly gave up on issues such as the difficulty of responding quickly, the lack of flexibility, and the high cost. After considering the future potential, we decided to consider adopting SD-WAN.
The company selected around 10 products after researching market trends and technology trends. From there, we narrowed it down to five and ultimately conducted PoCs on two companies' products. Hiroki Tabira, a section manager in the Information Systems Department who served as the project manager, explains the key points he focused on: ``It was quick and easy to implement, it allowed us to visualize the network status so we could quickly respond to problems, and it was a reasonable cost.'' .
As a result of the PoC, Macnica 's proposed `` ArubaEdgeConnect'' (then known as SilverPeak) was selected. The reason for this was that there was a large difference in the GUI between Aruba EdgeConnect and other products, which is deeply related to visualization. SilverPeak 's GUI was easy to understand and intuitive to operate, and the display and setting items matched the information the company wanted. In this regard, with other companies' products, it was not possible to obtain the desired information without digging deeply into the hierarchy. They also highly praised the excellent GUI of the settings screen, which made it easy to change settings as the company continued to change its network environment. Yuya Ichihara, Director of the Information Systems Department, who served as the project leader, said, ``In addition to these points, it was an advantage to receive solid support.During the PoC, we relied on Macnica and Aruba 's extensive knowledge and high technical capabilities. It helped me a lot."
At the time, SD-WAN was considered a new technology and the method had not yet been established, so the company was concerned about introducing it. However, these concerns were allayed by Macnica 's prompt response to various questions and requests.
"They didn't just do the work for us, but they gave us careful advice so that we could operate it properly in the future. Through these interactions, our trust in Macnica has further increased." (Mr. Tabira)
Resolves network congestion and enables comfortable web conferencing Visualization of communications enables proactive response
Mizkan started an SD-WAN implementation project in December 2020. From February to March of the following year, Aruba EdgeConnect was first introduced on a pilot basis at three major locations: the head office, Tokyo, and Nagoya.
"Normally, pilot implementations are carried out at small bases, but we purposely chose our main base because we wanted to resolve the urgent issue of network strain as much as possible.We also decided to use an Internet break that directly connects Microsoft 365 from each base. When we tried Out, we were able to immediately see the effects.'' (Mr. Tabira)
Due to the success of the pilot implementation, the company decided to deploy Aruba EdgeConnect to large-scale locations nationwide in August 2021. Installation work began in September. It will be introduced to the DC from January 2022, and the overlay network will start operating. Installation at all targeted domestic locations was completed in March. Since all 15 locations nationwide have been made redundant, a total of 30 machines have been installed. Ken Tajima of the Information Systems Department said, ``Since the CE (Customer Edge) router that connects to the backbone was being replaced, the work was carried out late at night to ensure that production would not be disrupted at the factory. We were worried about the impact, but thanks in part to the accurate support we received from Macnica, the implementation went smoothly."
This time, the company introduced Aruba EdgeConnect, which alleviated the network strain and eliminated problems such as delays. Additionally, the image and sound quality of web conferences has been significantly improved.
"In the past, we sometimes restricted people from showing their faces in web conferences because it would cause communication to be interrupted.Also, if you tried to join the meeting later, you might not be able to connect to the meeting.Nowadays, you don't have to worry about it. It has become possible to use web conferencing without having to do anything, and the density of communication has increased.Also, the telework environment has become more comfortable, and it seems to have a positive impact on the way you work.Furthermore, there are cost benefits compared to line reinforcement. It's also big.'' (Mr. Tabira)
Another effect is that the communication flowing through the network can now be visualized at the application level, which increases the number of cases in which users can troubleshoot problems themselves.
“It is a big advantage that we are now able to take proactive measures that allow us to take action even when there is a sign.” (Mr. Ichihara)
Prepared environment for responding to the expansion of SaaS usage and converging WAN and LAN
Mizkan's future plans include responding to the expanding use of SaaS. Internet breakouts are also planned for cloud services other than Microsoft 365.
"If access to the Internet increases directly without going through the headquarters or DC, the distinction between internal and external will disappear, so I believe we have taken a step towards the future of zero trust." (Tahira) Mr)
The company will also consider integrating WAN and LAN using Aruba ClearPass, an integrated authentication platform. This makes it possible to identify users and devices on LANs and WANs, and centrally manage access rights, settings, and policies. The result is smooth and secure network access.
"Now that we have completed the SD-WAN infrastructure development, we can now easily handle the relocation or expansion of our base. However, SD-WAN technology is new and is updated daily. Therefore, I would like to ask Macnica, which has a lot of knowledge, to continue supporting us.'' (Mr. Ichihara)
User Profile
mizkan group Information System Department
manager
Mr. Matsushita
mizkan group Information System Department
Manager
Mr. Tabira
mizkan group Information System Department
Chief
Mr. Ichihara
mizkan group Information System Department
Mr. Tajima
| mizkan group | |
|---|---|
| location | 2-6 Nakamuracho, Handa City, Aichi Prefecture |
| Introduction time | 2021 |
| URLs | https://www.mizkanholdings.com/ja/ |
|
It is a major food manufacturer with a history of about 220 years, and has Mizkan Corporation. as a group operating company. We are expanding our activities overseas and expanding our business globally in three areas: Japan + Asia, North America, and Europe. With the corporate philosophies of "delivering products that you can feel good about as a purchaser" and "denying the status quo based on your observations", the company continues to innovate and take on challenges. |
|
Inquiry/Document request
Macnica Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN
- TEL：045-476-2010
- E-mail：silverpeak-sales@macnica.co.jp
Mon-Fri 8:45-17:30
