Roofing Supply Group Selects New Edge Networks to Implement Nationwide MPLS T-1 /Wireless Network

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- CHANNEL PARTNERS EXPO. -- New Edge Networks, the managed services business communications unit of EarthLink, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELNK), today announced that Roofing Supply Group (RSG), one of the leading roofing supply distributors in North America, has selected New Edge Networks to install a nationwide MPLS T-1 network across its 60 locations in 23 states.

RSG distributes roofing material and related building products to roofing contractors, home builders and large retailers.  Currently, each RSG location has its own independent phone system encompassing dozens of models and utilizing more than 30 different telecommunications providers. According to RSG, the existing structure is extremely costly and cumbersome to manage.  In addition, RSG is struggling with network reliability, inconsistent service levels, lack of trouble ticket management, poor customer support and complex billing issues.

The New Edge Networks managed IP network solution will allow RSG to transform the way the company communicates.  To help RSG manage its voice communications, it chose to utilize New Edge AX Partner One Source Networks for Voice over IP (VoIP) services.  The New Edge MPLS network provides the Quality of Service (QoS) required for RSG to utilize hosted VoIP as a cost-effective alternative for its voice service.  The combined solution of New Edge and One Source Networks is expected to allow RSG to upgrade its network and subsidize the cost of its data infrastructure by significantly lowering its voice costs.

"One Source Networks' industry-leading VoIP solution combined with New Edge's cutting-edge MPLS services gives RSG the ability to truly utilize and converge its voice and data networks into a secure, flexible and scalable network infrastructure," said Dan Tyler, CTO of One Source Networks. "This partnering of best-of-breed solutions is helping to define the future of telecommunications."  

With the New Edge and One Source solution, RSG will unify all branches under a single data and voice communications platform. The New Edge MPLS T-1 network provides Class of Service (CoS) traffic management at each RSG branch location to prioritize its voice, video and data traffic, including its ERP and SaaS applications. New Edge is also installing an EVDO back-up wireless network for RSG to ensure complete redundancy.  

"Without a doubt the New Edge network solution is evolving and advancing our company's communications capabilities, and will easily accommodate our future growth plans. Beyond the managed network benefits, we have been impressed with the quality of customer service and support, trouble ticket processing, proactive network notifications, and clear and concise billing statements from New Edge," stated Delano Gordon, Chief Information Officer, Roofing Supply Group. "New Edge is doing a phenomenal job for us. No matter who you speak with, they understand the issue; know the answer and get you resolution."

A demonstration of New Edge's commitment to the RSG relationship occurred prior to the network implementation process getting underway.  One of the RSG offices was affected by flooding in the Nashville, TN area.  The branch was forced to relocate to a temporary space and data services were unavailable in the area. New Edge was able to install an EVDO wireless router, and had the temporary location up and running in one day.

"RSG is a perfect example of the importance we place on forming a true partnership with our customers," said New Edge Networks President Cardi Prinzi. "From the very beginning we have worked hard to understand their challenges. Together we are building a network solution that will not only help the existing RSG business operate more effectively, but is also highly scalable as they continue to acquire and expand into new locations."

New Edge's MyEdge network management portal was a major selling point for RSG. This management portal will be a valuable resource for RSG's IT department, providing a single gateway to manage and troubleshoot its entire network across all its locations.

About Roofing Supply Group (RSG)

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Roofing Supply Group (RSG) is one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing supplies and related materials in the United States. Through its network of 60 branches in 23 states, RSG provides one-step distribution services from the roofing product manufacturers to roofing contractors, home builders, retailers, and other end users.

About One Source Networks

One Source Networks (OSN) is a facilities based, carrier agnostic solutions provider based in San Antonio, TX. OSN gives large and medium size businesses access to leading facilities based global VoIP services on their existing private or public WAN infrastructures. The OSN network is specifically engineered to ubiquitously inter operate with the best of breed global facilities based providers. This advanced backbone design gives our Enterprise clients access to superior SIP services with an unmatched direct to on-net voice quality. OSN also delivers and manages global WAN services for many Fortune 1000 clients giving them One Source to all their Voice and Data needs.

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks provides managed IP-based based networks through a mix of private and public connections to deliver secure, managed network solutions. Connecting business sites at virtually any address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose a blend of available access technologies – from DSL to fiber-optic connections – for building secure MPLS networks with performance guarantees managed through an award-winning portal. New Edge is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc., (NASDAQ: ELNK). For more information visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.

SOURCE New Edge Networks