Department store chain Debenhams hopes to cut network costs
by 25% after installing an IP broadband network across its 104 UK
stores and distribution centres.
As well as cutting costs, the network, based on technology from BT,
will provide greater bandwidth to Debenhams stores, meaning new
initiatives and applications can be rolled out more quickly, the
retailer said.
The implementation, delivered by BT Global Services, includes voice
over IP, IP Clear and ADSL lines to stores and a Cisco wireless
network in Debenhams' flagship store in the Bullring in
Birmingham.
Martin Wyke, IS director at Debenhams, said, "The network gives us
four times as much bandwidth as we had before, at a lower cost. It
will allow us to centralise and standardise the management of
services, driving down costs.
"We are putting voice on to the IP network in the first quarter of
next year. Telephony will, in effect, be free because we are paying
for the bandwidth, not the calls."
Debenhams has been rolling out technology to improve both its
internal and external communications over the past year.
Earlier this year, the retailer embarked on an ambitious project to
implement a private B2B portal for its suppliers to enable stores
to react more quickly to changing demand.
The B2B portal, which is based on Microsoft .net, was initially
aimed at Debenhams' international suppliers, but it is expected to
include all the retailer's external partners in due course.
"The portal has been received well," Wyke said. "We are using it to
work collaboratively on issues such as digital design, event
tracking and purchasing."