In the US, 7-Eleven operates a network of over 13500 convenience stores known for its 24/7/365 operations, providing customers with round-the-clock access to a diverse array of products. Known for its convenience and accessibility, 7-Eleven stores offer a mix of everyday essentials, snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat foods. The company is recognized for pioneering the convenience retail model and has adapted to consumer needs by incorporating technologies like mobile payments and loyalty programs. With a focus on convenience, 7-Eleven strives to meet the immediate needs of customers, offering a one-stop-shop for a variety of products and services.

Barry Carter is Vice President of IT Infrastructure Services and Operations for 7-Eleven US. In this position, he is responsible for overall management of Technology Field Support, End User Support, Network, and Infrastructure Hosting (including multiple Cloud providers) sectors of the company.

Prior to 7-Eleven Barry served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Senior Vice President for RealPage. While at RealPage, Barry lead IT, Engineering, Support, Implementations and BPO Operations. He was an instrumental executive team member that help drive the growth of RealPage to be over a $1B company prior to the sale to private equity giant ThomaBravo. Prior to RealPage, Barry was CFO and COO for EFG Companies, a specialty insurance company. Under Barry’s leadership the business transitioned to full digital sales and service. His call centers won multiple industry awards. Barry held additional IT Leadership roles at Fujitsu America, Alliance Data, Capital One, AirTran Airways and American Airlines.

In the dynamic realm of IT infrastructure, the decision to migrate to a Managed Network as a Service (NaaS) is not merely a technological shift; it's a strategic leap into the future of connectivity. Drawing from my experiences in overseeing such transitions, I will share insights into the challenges, triumphs, and the profound impact this migration has on businesses.

The journey begins with the realization that the traditional model of managing an in-house network may not align with the agility demanded by today's digital landscape. The need for scalability, flexibility, and a robust security posture led us to explore the potential of NaaS. This shift is not just about outsourcing network management; it's an embrace of a serviceoriented paradigm that promises to unshackle businesses from the constraints of traditional infrastructure.

The 7-Eleven journey began with a desire to modernize the store network infrastructure and transport. The initial thinking was that when we deploy internet broadband connectivity and AT&T managed network solution (Store Network Transformation, SNT program) then we will:

•Reduce network operating costs by several million dollars annually upon project completion.

•Standardize network infrastructure, speeds and support across 7-Eleven and Speedway stores to support rollouts of new technology including our new proprietary cloud-based POS.

•maintain compliance standards by leveraging current technology for the network infrastructure in the stores. Our SNT Program is divided into 6 major workstreams:

•Existing transport replacement with high-speed broadband (wired and wireless)

•DNS/DHCP – Migrate existing store DNS/DHCP to eliminate the need for a back-office computer.

•Replace store network equipment with managed service provided equipment.

•VoIP – Replace current voice lines with VoIP (voice over broadband).

•Integrate the SNT solution with the new SASE solution.

•An interim mixed architecture to transform Speedway branded stores to seamlessly leverage core 7-Eleven proprietary system in advance of migration to full converged network.

One of the standout advantages that emerged during our migration was the newfound agility. Managed NaaS provides a level of flexibility that is unparalleled. Scaling up or down, adjusting bandwidth on-the-fly, and quickly adapting to emerging business needs became not just possible but remarkably seamless. This newfound agility empowers businesses to respond to market dynamics with unprecedented speed.

Security, a paramount concern in the digital age, takes center stage during the migration to Managed NaaS. The transition allowed us to leverage the expertise of both 7-eleven and Vendor provided dedicated security professionals, ensuring that our network remained resilient against ever-evolving threats. The consolidation of security measures into the NaaS framework not only enhanced protection but will also streamline compliance, providing a comprehensive and auditable security posture.

The maintenance and support reduction is another big win of the program. Shifting the responsibility of routine network tasks to a single service provider will dramatically reduce our ongoing support costs. This redistribution of resources not only optimized operational costs but also allowed our in-house and third-party experts to concentrate on innovations that propel our business forward.

Crucially, our journey to Managed NaaS showcases the importance of a robust service provider partnership. Choosing a provider aligned with our organizational goals and possessing a proven track record ensured a smooth transition. The collaboration will extend beyond the migration phase, evolving into an ongoing relationship where continuous improvement and innovation are shared objectives.

Looking forward, the trajectory of Managed NaaS appears set for further innovation. The integration of artificial intelligence for predictive analysis, the advent of 5G connectivity, and the continuous evolution of cybersecurity measures all contribute to a landscape where NaaS not only meets current demands but anticipates future challenges.

7-Eleven’s journey to a full migration is currently in flight with progress made on in all work streams, We have migrated over 4000 stores to broadband solutions, developed and tested multiple configurations for the new routers and piloted the solution at both fuel and non-fuel stores. During the migration to broadband, we achieved over 60 store conversions a day for consecutive months. Our logistic planning was outstanding with less than a 2% failure rate to install on the planned day.

In conclusion, the migration to Managed NaaS is more than a technological upgrade; it's a strategic move that reshapes the very foundation of how businesses approach networking. It's a journey that requires careful planning, commitment, and a keen eye for the transformative potential that lies ahead. As businesses continue to navigate the future, the insights gained from our experience underscore that Managed NaaS is not just a destination; it's a dynamic pathway to sustained success in the digital era.