Case Study

Centralizing Internet Connectivity to Restore Control at Scale

Executive Summary

  • Sourcing-led engagement designing a centralized internet connectivity operating model
  • Decentralized, location-driven procurement replaced with enterprise-wide aggregation
  • Vendor sprawl reduced and accountability centralized
  • Execution-aware sourcing ensured scalability and long-term operability
  • Engagement delivered restored control, visibility, and operational simplicity


The Challenge

Over time, the organization’s network connectivity environment became highly decentralized. Individual locations procured internet services independently, resulting in a patchwork of carriers, contracts, service levels, and support models. As the footprint expanded, this fragmentation created material operational challenges:

  • Limited visibility into active circuits and providers
  • Inconsistent service levels and outage response
  • Multiple vendors delivering similar services
  • Disconnected support and escalation processes
  • High internal effort required to manage moves, changes, and troubleshooting
 

While cost was a concern, leadership recognized the larger issue was lack of control. The organization needed a scalable connectivity operating model that simplified operations, centralized accountability, and reduced long-term risk.

The DBC Consulting Approach

Dev-Byrne & Company led a discovery-first data aggregation sourcing engagement designed to align network architecture with business and operational objectives. Rather than treating the initiative as a carrier refresh, DBC framed it as an operating model decision.

Baseline Assessment and Objective Definition

DBC assessed the existing environment to understand:

  • The number and types of internet circuits in use
  • Carrier concentration and geographic coverage
  • Contract terms, renewal timing, and vendor sprawl
  • Support workflows and ticket escalation paths
 

Working with IT, Operations, and Finance, DBC defined clear objectives for the future-state model:

  • Centralized visibility and accountability
  • Reduced vendor count
  • Consistent service levels across locations
  • Simplified support and maintenance workflows
  • A scalable architecture aligned with organizational growth
 

These objectives became the foundation for the sourcing process.

Data Aggregation Sourcing Process

DBC designed and managed a sourcing event focused on data service aggregation, evaluating providers capable of centralizing connectivity across the organization’s footprint. Evaluation criteria included:

  • Network architecture and aggregation capabilities
  • Geographic coverage and last-mile flexibility
  • SLA structure, uptime commitments, and escalation models
  • Ability to consolidate billing and reporting
  • Support model integration and ticketing workflows
  • Long-term total cost of ownership
 

Rather than comparing individual circuit pricing in isolation, DBC evaluated how each aggregation model would operate day to day and scale over time.

Execution and Governance Readiness

Throughout the sourcing process, DBC assessed downstream execution considerations, including:

  • Circuit transition and cutover sequencing
  • Coexistence strategies during migration
  • Ongoing MACD support and lifecycle governance
  • Centralized reporting and inventory management
 

This ensured the selected aggregation model would reduce complexity at deployment and remain manageable long after implementation.

The Outcome

Selection of a centralized data aggregation model for internet connectivity

  • Significant reduction in the number of internet service vendors
  • Improved visibility into network services through consolidated reporting
  • Streamlined maintenance, troubleshooting, and support ticketing
  • Clear ownership and accountability for network performance and escalation
  • Reduced internal effort required to manage decentralized connectivity
 

Cost efficiency improved through consolidation, but the primary value delivered was restored control, scalability, and operational simplicity.

What Changed

The organization transitioned from a fragmented, location-driven connectivity model to a centralized network operating framework. Internet services were governed consistently, vendor accountability improved, and internal teams spent less time coordinating outages and vendor issues. Network connectivity became an asset that supported growth rather than a source of ongoing friction.

Why It Worked

  • Sourcing focused on operating model design rather than price alone
  • Discovery-driven understanding of the existing environment
  • Evaluation of aggregation providers based on scalability and governance
  • Execution-aware decision-making that reduced long-term risk
 

DBC ensured the data aggregation decision aligned with both current operational needs and future expansion.

Client Snapshot

Industry: Enterprise

Organization Type: National multi-location organization

Technology Environment: Internet access services across dozens to hundreds of locations


Pre-Engagement Model: Decentralized, location-driven carrier procurement

Engagement Type: Technology Sourcing (Data Service Aggregation)

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Considering Your Approach

Organizations managing complex technology environments often benefit from a disciplined review of inventory accuracy, contract alignment, execution ownership, and sourcing decisions. A structured discussion can help determine whether audit, consulting, or sourcing support is appropriate for your environment. 

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