ENGIE was faced with the following challenges:

Implementing the shortest data path between users and applications
Determining where to place routers to ensure efficiency
Reducing length of time to integrate new business acquisitions into their network
Providing consistent performance to customers
Optimizing connectivity while providing investment protection
Keeping ENGIE’s “Cloud First” strategy in mind, Cisco SD-WAN enabled using virtual routers in the cloud to link its domestic and partner networks to its applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and on-premises data centers. This solution allowed some applications to remain on-premises while utilizing Cisco on AWS for efficiency.

Cisco SD-WAN on AWS was the best choice because deploying virtual SD-WAN routers, was faster than using on-premises data centers and offered close locations to ENGIE sites worldwide. Cisco SD-WAN was ideal given its capabilities around multi-tenancy, security, application visibility, and zero-touch provisioning.

In addition, the company reduced the Internet segment they were using and AWS’ global backbone provided the opportunity to do just that. A dedicated AWS Transit Gateway acts as an underlay between Cisco’s virtual router and the firewall. Sites are connected to the ENGIE network via a central virtual router on AWS with a Cisco router in the data center.

Cisco SD-WAN enabled ENGIE to securely leverage AWS as a worldwide transit network. The design that was used in the Dublin ENGIE office was simplified and replicated in four additional regions: Paris, United States, Bahrain, and Singapore.

“Cloud First” strategy results in savings and speed
By implementing Cisco SD-WAN on AWS, ENGIE saw more control,flexibility, and support and could keep network management in-house. They were able to reduce the amount of time it took to connect cloud applications and on-premises data centers to European hubs from 15 days to less than 1 week. Visibility for IT managers also increased allowing them to now have read access on the vManage console for their respective VPNs.

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