Carlsberg strengthens digitised operations through hybrid network

Carlsberg has improved its operations in Western Europe to boost agility, increase efficiencies and reduce costs through the help of digital infrastructure provider Tata Communications.Tata Communications has deployed a software-defined hybrid network to support the digital transformation of Carlsberg in 130 sites across Western Europe. Harnessing the power of the internet and cloud computing, the new infrastructure is a key part of Carlsberg’s "Next 2.0" programme.The network supports Carlsberg’s global "SAIL’22" growth strategy - with an aim to “strengthen the core”, “position for growth” and “create a winning culture”. To achieve these goals, the brewer is digitising its supply chain and exploring new AI-enabled direct-to-consumer services such as its ‘connected bar’ concept. The new network, which has replaced a legacy MPLS network, will act as a resilient, flexible foundation for these innovative initiatives.“We are using the internet to change the foundations of Carlsberg. This doesn’t mean putting a digital veneer on our old infrastructure – it means reimagining our entire IT estate with this next-generation network as the foundation," said Sarah Haywood, CTO of Carlsberg.The growing use of cloud-based applications has led to 70% of Carlsberg’s network traffic being on the internet, the new network has given the company 10 times more bandwidth, reduced costs by 25%, and halved the occurrence of network incidents, according to a press release from the infrastructure provider.“While there’s a lot of hype around software-defined networking in a wide area network (SDWAN), it’s important to note you can’t build it on top of a network that’s not fit for purpose but a rock-solid foundation for SDWAN, combining the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the public internet with the resilience and reliability of a private network. Without these foundations, SDWAN can’t do what it’s meant to do," said Mark Weait, head of Europe of Tata Communications.