Replacing Legacy Switching Across a Global Oil & Gas Estate
Background
A global organisation operating across multiple geographically dispersed sites undertook a programme to refresh and modernise its network infrastructure.
Over time, parts of the estate had become increasingly difficult to manage, with ageing switching platforms, growing performance expectations, and a need for greater resilience across both core and remote locations. As a result, the organisation was looking to introduce a more consistent, stable, and forward-looking network environment.
Client Challenge
The project centred around upgrading key elements of the network while maintaining stability across live operations.
A number of practical challenges needed to be considered:
- End-of-life switching infrastructure with increasing risk of failure
- Varying levels of performance and capacity across sites
- A network design that had evolved over time, adding complexity
- Limited centralised visibility for monitoring and troubleshooting
- The need to introduce improvements without impacting day-to-day business activity
Alongside the immediate upgrade, there was a wider requirement to ensure the environment was better positioned for future change, ongoing optimisation, and long-term supportability.
Our Solution
Technimove worked closely with the client to deliver a structured network refresh, with an emphasis on careful planning and incremental improvement rather than large-scale disruption.
Structured implementation approach
A phased delivery model was adopted to minimise risk and maintain control over changes.
This included:
- Clearly defined implementation stages aligned to site priorities
- Built-in testing and validation at each step
- Rollback planning to support safe execution
- Coordination with operational teams to avoid critical business windows
This approach helped ensure upgrades could be introduced gradually and predictably, with minimal impact on users.
Switch replacement and standardisation
Legacy switches were replaced with modern, enterprise-grade platforms suited to current usage and expected future demands.
Alongside the hardware upgrade, the environment was streamlined by:
- Improving consistency across configurations
- Aligning infrastructure more closely with actual site requirements
- Reducing unnecessary variation in deployment
This provided a more stable and manageable baseline for ongoing operations.
Refinement of network design
Rather than introducing unnecessary complexity, the focus was on simplifying key areas of the network where possible.
This included:
- Rationalising elements of the existing architecture
- Removing redundant or underutilised layers
- Improving clarity in how traffic flows across the network
These changes helped make the network easier to understand, operate, and support on a day-to-day basis.
Resilience and performance improvements
Targeted enhancements were introduced to improve both reliability and user experience, including:
- Increased bandwidth across critical links
- Improvements to failover and redundancy in key areas
- More consistent performance across different sites
- Better handling of peak demand and operational workloads
The aim was not just to upgrade hardware, but to create a network that would perform reliably under normal and stressed conditions.
Security and operational oversight
As part of the refresh, the network environment was aligned to a more structured operational model.
This covered:
- Clearer separation of traffic where appropriate
- Improved visibility for monitoring and troubleshooting
- Better alignment between network configuration and operational processes
These changes supported a more controlled and predictable operating environment.
Handover and knowledge transfer
To support long-term ownership, the engagement included:
- As-built documentation reflecting the updated environment
- Knowledge transfer sessions with internal teams
- Guidance on ongoing management and optimisation
This ensured the client was not only left with an improved network, but also the ability to manage it effectively.
Client Outcome
“Technimove took a methodical approach to a complex refresh across our sites. The phased delivery meant we could introduce improvements without impacting day-to-day operations, and we came away with a network that’s more stable, consistent, and easier to manage.” – Head of IT Infrastructure, Global Oil & Gas Operator
Following the refresh, the organisation moved to a network environment that was better aligned with both current needs and future expectations.
Key improvements included:
- Greater stability and resilience, with reduced risk from ageing infrastructure
- Improved consistency across sites, supporting predictable performance
- Simplified day-to-day management, with clearer visibility and reduced complexity
- A platform that can support future change without requiring significant redesign
Importantly, the programme was delivered in a way that maintained continuity of service throughout, avoiding disruption to critical operations.
Why Technimove
Our experience includes:
- Delivering network switch upgrades within live operational environments, with minimal disruption
- Taking a structured, phased approach to implementation, allowing change to be introduced in a controlled and predictable way
- Simplifying and standardising network design to support long-term manageability and consistency
- Supporting improvements in resilience, performance, and operational visibility through targeted enhancements
- Enabling internal teams through clear documentation and structured knowledge transfer
When upgrading critical infrastructure, a steady, well-planned approach often delivers better long-term results than large-scale change particularly where continuity and reliability are key.