Cisco Cisco ASA 5585-X CX Security Services Processor Data Sheet

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Challenge
Saipem, a subsidiary of the Italian industrial giant Eni, operates in the engineering 
and construction and drilling businesses, with a strong bias towards oil and gas-
related activities in remote areas and deep waters. With a reputation for taking on 
some of the industry’s toughest challenges, it has operations around the world, 
including some of the most inhospitable locations on the planet. Of a total workforce 
of around 50,000, only about 5000 are located in Italy. 
The rest are spread across some 200 sites, including locations in regions such as 
West and North Africa, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, and Central and 
Southeast Asia. Elisa Albertini, collaboration and videoconferencing solution leader at 
Saipem, says: “As the search for new oil and gas reserves extends ever further, this 
dispersion is growing, making keeping in touch difficult, particularly in places with 
poor infrastructure.”
Employees, however, must be able to communicate with reliability and clarity. First 
and foremost, communication is necessary to safeguard health and safety. On a 
day-to-day basis, staff may need to access training courses or consult with doctors 
over long distances. In emergency situations, the ability to communicate quickly and 
effectively can be a major factor in ensuring workers’ safety. Similar considerations 
apply to the company’s commercial operations. Good communication can make the 
difference between speedy progress on projects or delays that cost large sums to 
Saipem and its customers, which include Eni and other large oil and gas companies.
Solution
Historically, Saipem had used a mix-and-match of basic telecom technologies such as mobile, landline, fax, and email, delivered 
through local providers over whatever infrastructure was available. However, the company began implementing an advanced 
communications infrastructure based on Cisco® technology, in line with the Eni standard.
Today, Saipem relies on a resilient wide area network based on Cisco Catalyst® switches and Cisco Integrated Services Routers 
with in-built security. The network is further secured with Cisco ASA 5585-X Series Adaptive Security Appliances, Cisco ASA 
5500-X Series Next-Generation Firewalls, and a Cisco Secure Access Control System.
Customer Case Study
Cisco Collaboration technologies in Saipem
Customer Name: 
Saipem
Industry: 
Engineering, Construction and 
Drilling
Location: 
Italy
Number of Employees: 
50,000
Challenge
• Reduce operational costs
• Improve time to market 
• Stimulate staff loyalty
Solution
• Cisco collaboration architecture
Results
• Reduced company travel expenses 
• Increased employee satisfaction 
• Lowered IT helpdesk costs 
© 2014 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information. 
 
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