Vectra Group Ltd is an independent supplier of risk consulting and specialist engineering services to highly regulated industries to both the public and private sector worldwide.
The Challenge
The company recently decided to install a new web based business information system containing essential business critical project data on their server. To ensure user confidence in this vital system it would need to deliver 100% uptime and guaranteed availability. The server was currently being hosted in-house but Vectra were looking to outsource this as a resilient connection would be dependent on the right environment and physical protection of the server. Bandwidth would also prove a concern as Vectra would have to use the office ADSL connectivity which already hosted the company mail system and all of the office Internet access.
A firewall was currently in place protecting this server, but Vectra needed a more robust model that could offer Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP). They required this security feature as many network attacks are now application based. The company also needed a device with built-in VPN termination to cut out the need to purchase a separate device for this.
Vectra had identified the problems they would face, and now needed a company to provide the solution.
The Solution
Zen offered a consultative pre-sales approach to Vectra which opened up the possibility of a co-located hosting service. Zen Co-location offers rack space in a secure and resilient hosting environment with flexible bandwidth options.
As well as the physical security that the co-location provided, Vectra also opted for a managed Fortinet UTM (Unified Threat Management) device to secure their computer network. With over 5 years network security experience Zen were well positioned to deliver this solution and once installed it provided Vectra with protection from network intrusions, spam, spyware, viruses and malicious Web content whilst at the same time enabled secure VPN termination.
The Benefits
Co-location provides guaranteed connectivity through Zen’s high performance network, ensuring that Vectra’s online system is available 24/7 with fast access for all employees, without sharing bandwidth for other office functions. The company’s server is now protected and secured in the resilient hosting environment at TeleCity Manchester, where physical protection of the server is ensured through CCTV and alarm systems, 24/7 manned security and stringent access controls. A disaster management system is also in place offering features including UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and fire detection systems. Vital ongoing support and engineer cover is available whenever the company needs assistance from Zen’s specialist support team.
An added bonus for Vectra was the flexible bandwidth pricing options and contract terms on the Co-location service which suits any changing business needs they may have.
Vectra’s main security concern involved intrusion and security threats and the fully managed FortiGate 100A offers real-time network protection from content based threats without reducing network performance. Among other security policies on this device, IDP is used to scan traffic for known attacks from an automatically updated signature database.
The FortiGate also provides access to the hosted devices through a managed VPN tunnel to the Vectra HQ. This ensures that all access is authenticated and data transfer secure. It allows Vectra staff to seamlessly and securely access data and applications, and to remotely manage the hosted servers.
Jason Stobbs, Vectra Group Limited, commented:
“With the introduction of the new Co-location site to Vectra Group's infrastructure Zen Internet has demonstrated their responsive and flexible approach. It is important to us that our key business systems located at the Co-location site are secured and this was delivered and supported by Zen with the implementation of a FortiGate Firewall/VPN.
Zen provides clear reports which allow us to monitor and support any future upgrades on the Co-location site and we feel very much that Zen is an extension to the IT team offering truly excellent services whilst actively listening to our evolving company requirements.”