BCBG Max Azria Group Selects IRG to add some Attitude to its

C A S E
S T U D Y
BCBG Max Azria Group Selects IRG to add some
Attitude to its Global Store WAN
CIO Challenges
The challenges were plenty, and time was of the essence. With
a new, broadband-based POS launching in 120 days across 32
states and 3 countries, BCBG needed its new network designed and
implemented before the rollout could begin. The company’s decision
to replace its legacy dial-up network in favor of a broadband-based
VPN was driven by several factors, including the desire for increased
bandwidth for new retail applications, improved network security, and
IP-based payment processing. Furthermore, the added bandwidth and
network capacity would allow BCBG to implement new Web-based
applications to help drive business, perpetuate brand awareness, and
increase associate quality of life.
Embracing an always-on network carried with it the responsibilities of maintaining PCI compliance by
protecting its customer’s sensitive information. Customer trust is paramount to BCBG, and they insisted upon
a network partner who could deliver a compliance-assisting solution. BCBG’s final requirement was a true
turn-key implementation. The network partner must be able to provide complete circuit provisioning, equipment
staging, configuration and transport, technician logistics, in-store cabling, network activation, and ongoing
support services.
“We wanted a partner who had the ability to collectively manage every aspect of this broadband rollout,”
said Hamid Nehoray, VP of Retail IT for BCBG Max Azria Group. “My team had their plates full with our new
POS project, and a new network vendor had to be able to think on their feet and act quickly on our behalf to get
a cost-effective, reliable, and scalable network installed fast. BCBG’s brands are some of the premier names
in fashion today, and we wanted a top-shelf team and network to help us leverage technology to keep us there.”
☞
With critically acclaimed collections, trend-setting designs, and an aggressive expansion plan, BCBG Max Azria is truly
a powerhouse of style in the fashion industry. Extremely successful promoting its “good style, good attitude” fashion
philosophy since the brand’s launch in 1989, BCBG is embraced by
A-list celebrities and women worldwide for its attention-grabbing,
yet wearable designs.
Such a dynamic company required a like-minded
network partner, capable of helping the company
transform its store-wide IT infrastructure
by customizing each facet of network
design, implementation, and support,
while helping BCBG maintain
Payment Card Industry (PCI)
compliance.
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C A S E
S T U D Y
The IRG Solution
After careful due diligence and comparisons between numerous vendors, the IRG|VPN was chosen as the
network of choice, for its global coverage, flexible topology and PCI compliant security. This premier, managed
VPN service was a perfect fit for assisting BCBG in meeting their network requirements, while offering a
level of scalability that is sure to pay dividends in their future expansion plans. Working in partnership with the
BCBG IT staff, IRG designed a true turn-key solution that was carefully managed throughout every step of
the rollout. From network appliance selection, configuration, logistics, in-store wiring, activation, testing, and
acceptance, IRG owned each process. Mr. Hasenzahl added, “The IRG team was able to coordinate with each
individual store about their specific installation process and schedule, which was another item to which other
vendors weren’t willing to commit. My team’s focus was able to remain on its normal, heavy work load while IRG
handled the WAN implementation.”
IRG Delivered
• Provisioning, coordination, and installation of
a large, broadband-based IRG|VPN network
spanning 32 states and 3 countries in less than 120
days.
• All in-store cable infrastructure improvements to
accommodate the new WAN (IRG|RetaiLAN).
• Procurement,
configuration,
implementation,
and testing of all VPN Security Appliances and
Broadband CPE (IRG|RetaiLAN).
• Pro-active network monitoring (IRG|TruManage).
• Testing and acceptance of new WAN interoperability
with POS (IRG|RetaiLAN).
• One comprehensive, easy-to-read invoice.
About Industry Retail Group
Industry Retail Group, Inc. (IRG) is a Gartner-recognized, and VISA PCI DSS validated, provider of customized
managed network services, offering a comprehensive portfolio of broadband and broadband-centric services targeted
to retailers and other multi-site companies. Additionally, IRG is an industry leading, highly specialized, yet agile, singlesource purveyor of managed IP communication, application and turnkey professional services; plug-in IRG applications
such as Hotspot and Enterprise Wi-Fi solutions, Hosted VoIP, and IP-based Video Surveillance to further help Clients
leverage their broadband investment in a scalable, yet secure manner. IRG’s growing client base includes Fortune 1000
retailers, quick-serve restaurants and convenience store chains.
IRG has a simple objective: to provide retailers and other multi-site organizations with the premier suite of broadbandenabled network services that will help provide a competitive advantage while keeping costs in check. Through the
managed integration of leading edge technology components such as DSL, Cable, Wireless, and traditional access,
IRG is able to provide the most comprehensive network coverage and bandwidth availability to meet each client’s unique
business requirements.
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