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Transforming Network Infrastructure for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

With over 70 locations across the U.S. and Canada, LLS faced significant challenges with aging technology. The network infrastructure, critical to supporting digital transformation, was over 10 years old and struggling to meet the demands of remote and on-site staff. Issues with network speed, stability, and functionality impacted productivity and hindered effective video conferencing and other essential tasks, particularly as the organization grew more reliant on SaaS applications.
"Our network was seriously underperforming. Volunteers and staff couldn’t collaborate effectively, and even basic tasks took too long," explained Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at LLS.

Medical

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a leading global nonprofit dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, while enhancing the quality of life for patients and families. Since 1949, LLS has pioneered blood cancer research, investing over $1.3 billion in innovative solutions.

Cancer Patient

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a leading global nonprofit dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, while enhancing the quality of life for patients and families. Since 1949, LLS has pioneered blood cancer research, investing over $1.3 billion in innovative solutions.

The BlueAlly Solution

BlueAlly stepped in to provide a comprehensive network solution, beginning with an in-depth analysis of LLS’s existing infrastructure. The analysis identified key performance areas, offering a roadmap to improve network management, security, and stability. Based on this evaluation, BlueAlly recommended a multi-phased plan, incorporating Cisco Meraki’s cloud-based technology for centralized, seamless network management across all locations.

Gardner noted, “BlueAlly’s team demonstrated technical depth and a clear understanding of our needs, providing us with a roadmap that would secure reliable connectivity and a stronger foundation for future growth.”

The solution included:

  • Network Analysis for pinpointing areas of improvement
  • Ethernet Switching and Advanced Security Solutions for stable connectivity
  • Cisco Phone Upgrades and Security Tools such as Umbrella, Duo, and Firepower
  • Equipment Acquisition and Warehousing to streamline deployment

Results

Upon completion, LLS experienced immediate enhancements in productivity and collaboration. With Meraki’s robust wireless capabilities, employees gained unprecedented mobility within the workspace. The centralized network management offered LLS’s IT team a “single pane of glass” for real-time monitoring, configuration, and reporting—critical for an organization with limited on-site IT support.

Andrew Struzik, Senior Director of IT Operations & Cybersecurity at LLS, shared, “BlueAlly’s team went above and beyond. Completing a project of this scale ahead of schedule, with zero downtime, speaks volumes about their dedication and technical expertise.”

Performance

Enhanced Network Performance

BlueAlly’s solution significantly improved LLS’s network speed and stability across 70 locations, enabling faster communication, efficient data access, and reliable connectivity that enhanced productivity for both employees and volunteers nationwide.

Collaboration

Increased Collaboration Capabilities

With the deployment of Meraki wireless and Cisco infrastructure, LLS achieved seamless mobility and true wireless capabilities. Teams could now collaborate effortlessly, optimizing workspace interactions and enabling productive, real-time discussions across sites.

Efficiency

Centralized Management Efficiency

Meraki’s cloud-based management enabled LLS to oversee its entire network infrastructure through a single dashboard, streamlining monitoring, reporting, and configuration for over 70 locations, even where on-site IT staff was unavailable.

Lower Downtime

Zero-Downtime Implementation

Despite the project’s scale, BlueAlly delivered ahead of schedule with zero downtime. This ensured LLS’s operations continued uninterrupted, allowing the organization to serve its mission without technical disruptions during the upgrade.