Interior Door Manufacturer Achieves Seamless System Migration with PicOS® and AmpCon™

A well-established manufacturer operating across the Western U.S. and Canada specializes in producing high-quality residential, architectural, and commercial interior doors. This family-owned business has grown into an industry leader, with a large manufacturing campus supporting its extensive operations. The company’s network infrastructure relied on Cumulus Linux, a network operating system (NOS), which had reached the end of its support lifecycle, creating an urgent need to migrate to a new system.

In the client's manufacturing campus network, 28 EdgeCore gigabit switches were operating on Cumulus Linux. With the support for Cumulus Linux ending, the company faced the risk of operational disruptions due to the lack of continuous support. Additionally, with a small internal IT team, the client required a solution that would be better compatible with existing equipment, simplify network management, and offer full technical support.

The company found FS through their Enterprise Professional Services (EPS) provider. Initially, the team was cautious about making changes, especially given concerns about compatibility and the learning curve associated with any new system. Aware of these needs, EPS recommended testing PicOS®, a potential alternative NOS, over alternatives like SONiC.

The initial demos of PicOS® went really well, and proved to be fully compatible with the existing architecture. Before the proof of concept (POC) phase, the client sent their current Cumulus configuration to FS for verification and necessary adjustments. FS provided a few loaner switches of the same model, pre-installed with PicOS®, allowing the company to test the new system without disrupting their existing network.

A key component of the solution was the introduction of AmpCon , a network controller designed to simplify the management of multiple switches. FS organized a kickoff call and provided detailed training on AmpCon , including how to add and effectively manage switches. Within a month, FS presented the improved configuration and addressed any issues that arose, ensuring the solution fully met their operational needs.

This solution not only addressed the immediate challenges of migrating from Cumulus Linux but also enhanced the company’s future operational efficiency. It highlighted the value of PicOS® as a replacement for the previous NOS and showcased the advantages of AmpCon™ in large campus environments.

PicOS® supports standard protocols and seamlessly integrates with the client's existing hardware, ensuring reliable and efficient operation in real-world scenarios.

AmpCon™ provided a streamlined approach to deploying and configuring enterprise switches. Its zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and automated deployment features significantly reduced the complexity of large-scale deployments and minimized human errors, saving substantial time and operational costs. The powerful graphical user interface (GUI) enhanced user-friendliness, ensuring easy management and operation.

Throughout the process, FS collaborated closely with the client, providing continuous support to ensure smooth implementation. This partnership underscored FS's commitment to customer success by delivering tailored solutions and dedicated assistance.