IP VPN Gloria Jean's cup of tea
The network provided by business-focused telco Pacific Internet is based on modern multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) technology and will support a future move to IP telephony.
"Having a scalable and reliable IP data network with access to our central applications is integral to our streamlined franchise model and aggressive expansion plans," Gloria Jean's Australian chief executive Mike Devlin said in a statement distributed by Pacific this morning.
"We're buying the connections in bulk from Pacific Internet for every franchise, making it part of our standard data management fee," he added.
Devlin outlined "enormous efficiencies" coming from the network, including "real-time business reporting, the ability to distribute real-time marketing material to franchisees, online banking for stores and fast access to suppliers".
"The solutions will also position Gloria Jean's Coffees on a Quality of Service enabled IP platform to adopt VoIP and remote IT support in the coming year," he said.
The statement said many of the stores didn't currently have Internet access at all, with some surviving on dial-up connections and others using broadband from a wide array of providers.
Pacific's statement claimed the Gloria project would take three months to implement and would utilise a fibre-optic link to Gloria Jean's data centre, with franchisees utilising ADSL connections. A corporate antivirus, antispam and firewall solution will also be in place.
ZDNet Australia is seeking further comment from the coffee retailer as to which other providers competed in the tender process that Pacific won.