News

It’s a long way from Sammy the Seal Stamps. Today’s credit unions need robust and secure IT infrastructure to serve their members and stay compliant with regulators and legislation. Mallow Credit Union partnered with Viatel Technology Group to implement a transformative SD-WAN and Cloud Voice solution, enhancing operational resilience, efficiency and future-proofing their services across eight branches.

About Mallow Credit Union 

Mallow Credit Union is a trusted, community-driven financial co-operative serving over 27,000 members across eight branches in North Cork and West Limerick. With a strong commitment to service excellence and innovation, the credit union offers a comprehensive range of modern financial services—from savings and loans to current accounts and mobile banking.

As part of its digital transformation strategy, Mallow Credit Union partnered with Viatel to modernise its IT infrastructure, ensuring secure, future-ready services for its growing member base.

The Requirement 

As Mallow Credit Union continued to expand, its IT team—led by Tommy Sutton, IT Manager—faced the challenge of scaling infrastructure while maintaining high standards of security and operational resilience. Tommy said:

“Upgrading our network infrastructure,  SD-WAN, and cloud voice solutions was a strategic move to enhance the performance, security and resilience of our network. Our members expect a seamless experience when visiting our branches, and the infrastructure behind the scenes plays a critical role in delivering that. Viatel took the time to understand our goals and came to us with a clear plan. Their team made the transition smooth and collaborative, and we’re already seeing the benefits in the improved service levels and reliability across our branches .”

 

Working closely with Tommy, Viatel identified two core priorities: a scalable, secure network and a modern communications platform to support collaboration across all locations. The solution was delivered in three phases:

1. SD-WAN deployment
2. Network infrastructure upgrade
3. Cloud Voice implementation

Phase 1: SD-WAN Deployment 

To support Mallow Credit Union’s growth, Viatel implemented a robust SD-WAN architecture designed for security and scalability.

Key Requirements: 

• Upgrade network infrastructure across all eight branches

• Ensure timely and reliable installations at each site

• Enhance resilience with dual connectivity at each location

• Implement alternative back up for branches without broadband availability

Key Benefits: 

• Enhanced network security and scalability

• Always-on, reliable connectivity across all locations

• Centralised dashboard for real-time visibility and control of all sites and equipment to help internal IT effectively manage multiple branches

Phase 2: Network Infrastructure Upgrade

To support the new telephony system and future-proof branch connectivity, Viatel upgraded Mallow Credit Union’s local area network with a fully managed switching solution.

Key Requirements

• Deployment of 16 managed switches, comprising both 24-port and 48-port PoE enabled models, across eight branches.
• Enable Power over Ethernet (PoE) to support IP phones, Wi-Fi access points, and other smart devices
• Implement time-based power control for energy efficiency and security
• Ensure seamless integration with the new Cloud Voice system

Key Benefits

• Enhanced network speed and reliability across all branches
• Centralised control and visibility of network performance
• Reduced hardware clutter with PoE powering multiple devices
• Improved energy efficiency through scheduled power management

Phase 3: Cloud Voice Deployment 

To modernise communications, Viatel’s voice specialists deployed a Cloud Voice solution tailored to Mallow Credit Union’s needs.

Key Requirements 

• Roll out a cloud-based telephony system for fifty users across eight branches

• Coordinate handset provisioning and setup

• Configure IVRs, business hours, and email integration for each user

• Enable mobile and desktop app access to support remote and hybrid work
• Roll out an enhanced managed switch system to boost network speed and security

Key Benefits 

• Flexible communication tools that support remote and hybrid teams.

• Streamlined setup with minimal physical handsets required

• Smooth, efficient rollout thanks to strong collaboration and a proactive IT team

The Outcome 

The three-phase transformation—spanning SD-WAN deployment, network infrastructure upgrades, and Cloud Voice rollout—has revolutionised operations at Mallow Credit Union. The new SD-WAN architecture ensures secure, resilient connectivity across all eight branches, while the fully managed switching solution delivers faster, more efficient networking with centralised control. The Cloud Voice system empowers staff with flexible, modern communication tools that support hybrid work and enhance member service. Together, these upgrades not only streamline day-to-day operations but also align with regulatory frameworks like DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) and the Central Bank’s operational resilience guidance, ensuring Mallow Credit Union is well-prepared for evolving compliance and cybersecurity demands.

In addition, the new resilience capabilities built into their SD-WAN are fully aligned with DORA and the Central Bank’s operational resilience guidance, ensuring Mallow Credit Union is well prepared for evolving cyberrisk and continuity regulations. Tommy Sutton concluded,

“The Viatel team were a pleasure to work with and really exceeded our expectations. Their engineers were highly professional and knowledgeable throughout the implementation, ensuring all phases of the project were delivered on time and with minimal disruption to our staff and members. We’re delighted to have them as a trusted technology partner.”

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to customer service. Mallow Credit Union now benefits from a future-proofed communications infrastructure, and Viatel Technology Group is proud to support their continued success as their trusted partner.

Viatel: Credit Union Partner of Choice 

Over 80 credit unions across Ireland have chosen to partner with Viatel Technology Group. We leverage over 20 years of experience and our team of 300 experts to work closely with credit unions and their key business application providers. Together, we build secure, resilient technology infrastructure to best serve credit union members and exceed regulatory standards. If you would like to speak to a member of our dedicated credit union team, get in touch today by emailing hello@viatel.com.