Transforming a charitable foundation’s network infrastructure through software-defined solutions.
Client overview
Wellcome is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation supporting science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. They support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and are taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.
The requirement
By 2019, the kit used for Wellcome’s network architecture was approaching its obsoletion period. Owing to this and that there was a legacy system in place that required all devices within the network to be managed individually, Wellcome decided that software-defined solutions were required to modernise Wellcome’s network and provide centralised control for the infrastructure.
Enhanced security was also a prerequisite as Wellcome had a number of tenants within its network.
Solution: Cisco ACI & SDA
Wellcome selected two software-defined solutions to enhance its existing networks: Cisco SD-Access and Cisco ACI.
Benefits
Software-defined networks empower organisations to manage every device in a network from a single, centralised controller, while enabling them to build tailored policies for effective network management. The automated, intent-based management achieved through the use of software-defined solutions not only significantly reduces operational overheads, but also mitigates the risk of devices within the network being out of sync with one another.
- Centralised, policy-based management means it takes employees less time to manage applications.
- It offers enhanced security to better protect business continuity and workplace capabilities.
- The solution provides enhanced scalability for reliable connectivity, no matter the location of devices in the network.
- Greater segmentation is achieved up to the firewall for streamlined security.
The challenge
Wellcome had already sourced the relevant Cisco solutions and was aware of how they could be used to enhance the incumbent network. What the project demanded, however, was a partner with extensive experience in implementing software-defined solutions with the capabilities to translate the individual requirements of the customer into reality.
To keep Wellcome fully operational throughout the project, it was vital that the incumbent network infrastructure remained in place during the implementation phase. As a result, WhiteSpider would need to bring about enhanced connectivity with the new network, without impacting what the customer already had. These challenges were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, as both the Wellcome and WhiteSpider teams were forced to work primarily from home during the implementation and migration phases. This added an extra layer of complexity to an already intricate task.
From a data centre perspective, WhiteSpider would also need to maintain full segregation right through the ACI infrastructure and then out to the server environments used by Wellcome. This would also need to apply right up to the firewall, where the security policy can be applied to routes between the different environments.
If this was to be done successfully, WhiteSpider would need to prevent any loops in the routed architecture, especially as multiple flows were being condensed into a common ACI platform. As the project required multiple other infrastructure platforms at the same time, some of which were already connected at the backend, great care was required. If loops were to be created within the traffic flow and the problem wasn’t addressed, it would mean Wellcome’s resources would quickly diminish and bring the project to a halt.
“For this project we needed a partner that would take the time to understand our requirements and current environment. We didn’t have a huge networking team, so we required support when it came to putting our plans into action. From the outset, the WhiteSpider team felt like an extension of our own – every decision was made together, and WhiteSpider really took the time to take us through the technical aspects of the project to ensure a smooth handover to ourselves once it was finished. Thanks to WhiteSpider, we’ve successfully moved away from one huge network to streamlined, segmented environments that have brought enhanced operational and security benefits and dramatically improved user experiences”.
Chris Dennehy, Network Manager, Wellcome Trust
The result
WhiteSpider partnered closely with Wellcome to deliver a modern, automated network that balances innovation with cost efficiency. By building on Wellcome’s existing infrastructure, the team ensured a smooth transition to a Cisco-driven environment without disruption to operations.
The new solution gives Wellcome greater agility and control. As tenants come and go, the IT team can now set up or remove environments quickly, with security policies applied automatically across all sites. This consistency improves visibility, strengthens protection of critical assets, and reduces risk.
Centralised management has transformed efficiency. Tasks that once required connecting to over a hundred switches individually can now be completed in minutes with just a few clicks. This shift has freed the team from time-consuming manual work, allowing updates and policy changes to happen swiftly and outside of business hours—eliminating the need for evening and weekend maintenance windows.
The network is also designed to adapt as Wellcome’s needs evolve. Built-in assurance tools allow the IT team to monitor performance, spot trends, and make informed decisions about scaling or expanding the environment.
Ultimately, WhiteSpider’s expertise and collaborative approach were key to the project’s success. Wellcome now has a resilient, future-ready network that supports its mission, enhances operational efficiency, and provides a secure foundation for growth.