Colt provides SD WAN and Secure Network Gateway to Huisman, in partnership with Zscaler
Implementing Colt SD WAN for corporate networking with dual MPLS and dual IP Access connections at each site.
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Huisman chose Colt for its unique proposition integrating SD WAN and Secure Network Gateway based on Zscaler
The solution
Managed Colt SD WAN for corporate networking with dual MPLS and dual IP Access connections at each site. The solution integrates Colt Secure Network Gateway, a cloud-native security service edge (SSE) platform for endpoint security, delivered in partnership with Zscaler.
Business drivers – Why SD WAN and Secure Network Gateway?
Huisman needed a stable, reliable network that could support near-real-time synchronisation of its business-critical file system globally and enable seamless access to SaaS services, such as Microsoft Teams. The solution additionally needed to enable mobile employees to access up-to-date corporate resources simply and safely, from any location.
Leading global companies in the energy, civil, naval and entertainment markets trust Huisman to design, manufacture and service specialised heavy construction equipment.
Huisman previously connected its globally located manufacturing sites, data centre, and sales and service offices using a traditional MPLS network, complemented by locally procured internet breakout. But latency on the network meant that Huisman’s critical systems didn’t always sync across regions in a timely way. I.e. an engineer travelling to a client site in Singapore couldn’t rely on accessing the latest project files over the network. Instead, they had to find a workaround, such as copying files onto a USB stick.
What’s more, Huisman was experiencing network interruptions — something that couldn’t go on.
What did Huisman need from its connectivity and security solution?
Huisman wanted a solution that:
- Optimised network availability and performance through redundancy
- Enabled bandwidth increases on demand
- Offered the potential to prioritise network traffic according to various criteria
- Allowed secure and easy access to cloud and SaaS solutions
The company was also open to proposals for a new approach to endpoint security, previously managed out of Huisman’s data centre.
The Colt difference
Marvin Wigmore, IT Project manager at Huisman
“Colt came in with the right team to present the proposal and convince us they had the ideal solution for us. Integrating the Zscaler cloud security solution with SD WAN made the Colt offer unique.”
For redundancy, each Huisman site has dual MPLS and dual internet access connections. “This redundant design ensures the availability and performance required to keep our system synchronised globally,” says Marvin, noting that no-one has to carry files around on USB sticks anymore.
Reliable internet access makes it easy for everyone to access Microsoft 365 and other SaaS applications that support Huisman´s business processes. It also allows office-based users to access the cloud-based Secure Network Gateway for endpoint security; while mobile staff can use a standard internet connection. “Secure Network Gateway provides better, simpler security, especially for mobile users,” says Marvin. “It’s also easier for IT, as we can now manage all our security policies centrally.”
Beyond the solution itself, Marvin appreciates the partnership with Colt:
“The Colt team has a lot of technical knowledge and understands how to manage migrations. It’s a good relationship with a very responsive team. I would characterise my experience of working with Colt as positive on all fronts.”
COMPANY NAME
Huisman Equipment BV
INDUSTRY
Engineering
CHALLENGE
Huisman needed a stable, reliable network that could support near-real-time synchronisation of its business-critical file system globally and enable seamless access to SaaS services, such as Microsoft Teams.
COLT SOLUTION
Secure Network Gateway (in partnership with Zscaler)
For 2,500+ employees, with sites in Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Singapore, USA.
