Customer Snapshot
A rural cooperative provider of electricity with a small IT staff serving over 4,295 members across the Pacific Northwest.
The Challenge
The infrastructure was aging and hindered visibility, which delivered inadequate response times and posed security risks.
The Solution
A well-executed technology upgrade to transform their network security without compromising the user experience or bottom line.
Strengthening Network Security for a Rural Electric Cooperative
A vital cooperative provider of electricity serving over 4,295 members across the Pacific Northwest faced critical network security challenges. Despite budget constraints and reliance on a lean IT team, they recognized the need to upgrade their aging firewall infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted power flow and member satisfaction.
The customer sought to enhance their firewall security while considering the following:
- Budget Constraints: The solution needed to be cost-effective.
- IT Resource Limitations: The solution should be manageable by a small IT team.
- Security Gaps: The existing firewalls presented security vulnerabilities.
The Challenge:
The cooperative managed a network infrastructure that served as the backbone of its operations. At the main office, decisions with far-reaching impacts were made, encompassing energy distribution, member services, and critical infrastructure. This hub was the heart of their organization, where the community’s needs converged.
A remote location operated as a satellite office, ensuring localized support and reliable services extended even to the most remote areas. Strategically scattered across the region, multiple substations played a pivotal role in transforming high-voltage electricity into a form suitable for local distribution, maintaining seamless power delivery to homes, schools, and businesses.
However, their reliance on existing SonicWALL firewalls exposed several vulnerabilities. The lack of redundancy created a single point of failure, jeopardizing network uptime during storms or disruptions—imagine a fallen tree cutting power to homes and businesses until repairs were completed. Poor logging and troubleshooting capabilities hindered visibility and response times, especially critical in the Pacific Northwest’s dynamic weather conditions. The inadequate security features also left sensitive member data and grid integrity at risk, falling short of enterprise-grade standards necessary for safeguarding their operations.
The Solution:
A Collaborative Approach
When faced with critical decisions, collaboration often leads to optimal outcomes. Structured stepped in as a trusted advisor, working closely with the customer to navigate the complex landscape of firewall solutions. The focus was on Fortinet. Critical evaluation criteria included:
Choosing Fortinet: A Tailored Solution
Structured’s role extended beyond technical evaluations. We listened, understood, and translated requirements into actionable insights. Together, we embarked on a quest for the optimal solution that would fortify their network, protect their members, and illuminate their path forward. Following a thorough evaluation, the customer selected the Fortinet solution for several compelling reasons.
Technology & Services at a Glance
Services:
Scoping—providing a tailored approach to their individual needs
Design—selecting the right Fortinet products
Facilitation—professional management from start to finish
Deployment—successfully building out the architecture and rolling out the upgrade
Technology:
FortiGate 400F (redundant pair)—ensuring continuous operation for critical business activities.
FortiGate 100F (redundant pair) provides reliable security for smaller offices.
Ruggedized FortiGate 40Fs—cost-effective firewalls with central management capabilities.
Partners:
Fortinet
“A Game-Changer for Our Security”
“Prior to implementing the Fortinet solution, our IT team was overwhelmed with managing our aging firewall infrastructure,” said the IT Director at the electric cooperative. “The Fortinet solution has been a game-changer. It’s not only more secure, but it’s also much easier to manage. Our team can now focus on more strategic initiatives, knowing that our network is protected.”
Conclusion:
A Secure and Efficient Network Foundation
The customer’s successful implementation of the Fortinet firewall solution, facilitated by Structured, underscores the value of partnering with an experienced IT solutions provider.
“As a critical infrastructure provider, security is paramount,” says the CEO of the electric cooperative. “The Fortinet solution has provided us with the peace of mind we need to protect our operations and serve our customers. It’s a reliable, cost-effective solution that has exceeded our expectations.”
This project initiative highlights how a well-executed technology upgrade can transform network security, empower organizations, and ensure a resilient foundation for future growth.
Ready to Strengthen Your Network Security?
Take Action Today
If your organization faces similar challenges or seeks to enhance its security posture, reach out to Structured, today. Our team of experts is here to guide you toward the right solution. Let’s build a secure future together!
Contact your Structured Account Manager or email info@structured.com.