19.03.2020
The world’s biggest networking solution in the retail sector:Telefónica Germany connects ALDI
- A flagship project for more than 8,000 ALDI sites in 14 European countries
- Secure, scalable, straightforward: SD-WAN networking solution from Telefónica Germany meets all the high expectations of its partner
Karsten Pradel
“This milestone project allows us to demonstrate our innovative strength and performance in state-of-the-art networking solutions”, says Karsten Pradel, B2B Director at Telefónica Germany. “Never before has there been such an extensive and modern SD-WAN installation in global retail. We are proud to be implementing this for ALDI and to be supporting our partner in the digitalisation of their business.”
The setup and operation of a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) on this scale sets standards that go far beyond the borders of Telefónica Germany's domestic market: sites operated by ALDI SOUTH, ALDI North and Hofer in 14 European countries will be connected to the new network. Together with Cisco, Telefónica is connecting more than 4,000 sites in Germany alone. This step is further testament to the commitment to drive the digital transformation of its business partners.
Expansion of long-term collaboration with a major partner
Alfons Lösing
Telefónica Germany and ALDI have already been collaborating successfully for many years on ALDI TALK mobile services. To ensure optimum implementation of the SD-WAN network for ALDI’s stores, regional and national corporate offices, and external suppliers in Europe, Telefónica Germany is relying on a diverse network of partners and a globally applicable solution from the Telefónica Group. The group has already successfully installed SD-WAN solutions for numerous international companies.
“We are creating a standardised and homogeneous network for ALDI in 14 European countries,” says Alfons Lösing, Chief Partner and Wholesale Officer and member of the board of directors at Telefónica Germany. “As part of one of the world’s leading telecommunications groups, we have many years of experience and references when it comes to innovative solutions. We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to develop our long-term partnership with ALDI, by providing them with one of the largest SD-WAN networks in the world.”
Network of the future – faster, more reliable and scalable
Wide area networks (WANs) cover enormous areas. Many of them cross country borders or even continents, and as such are not restricted to the connections of local computers and systems. In the past, WANs were often built using technologies that relied on customised company-specific hardware. In the meantime, many organisations have shifted the focus of their digital strategies to enable a transformation to software-based networks.
Compared with conventional corporate networks, SD-WAN has optimised speed, scalability and reliability.
“Under the leadership of Telefónica Germany, we have succeeded in developing an innovative solution that suits ALDI’s requirements. The three major goals – security, efficiency and low operating costs – have been fully achieved,” says Rüdiger Wölfl, who is responsible for key accounts at Cisco in Germany.
High expectations in terms of security, scalability and operability
Compared with conventional solutions for corporate networks, SD-WAN solutions deliver much better, more flexible and centrally managed networking for less money. Telefónica Germany has developed a tailor-made network design for ALDI that meets the retailer’s very specific requirements. A crucial specification was that the product had to be easy to operate. The SD‑WAN solution needed to be intuitive to use and help to reduce operating costs. Furthermore, it needed to be rolled out to thousands of sites with ease, whilst remaining flexible and easy to manage. The solution also needed to be able to support different networks on the same infrastructure as well as allow for secure, isolated operations.
Individual network solutions
Telefónica Germany is currently working with many customers on transformation programmes to implement digital strategies through the provision of appropriate networks. Although digitalisation affects nearly all companies regardless of size or business model, the individual requirements vary enormously. For this reason, extensive knowledge, experience and skills are essential for ensuring that each individual project delivers maximum advantages and benefits to the company concerned, along with the best possible functional scope. Telefónica Germany is ideally equipped to deliver such solutions. The company has already successfully completed a large number of comparable networking projects. By adding the upcoming networking of the ALDI sites to its portfolio, the company is increasingly becoming the market leader in the field of SD‑WAN solutions.
