INDUSTRY WATCH very clearly . They also made a compelling case for how their additional services and solutions could add further value to the business in the future .”
Security Operations Centre ( SOC ) Managed Service
With the initial phase of the SD-WAN rollout completed , Hopkins and her team turned their attention to sourcing and implementing a managed threat and detect service . “ Node4 was our incumbent network and data centre provider by this stage , so partnering with it to deliver further security-related services enabled a much more responsive proposition . However , to ensure best value , we approached several other potential providers during the procurement process .
“ Ultimately , we chose Threat Detect , Node4 ’ s Security Operations Centre service – or SOC . We were particularly impressed by the solution ’ s use of the latest AI technology and third-party intelligence sources . But the real added value for us came from the fact that our network would be monitored round the clock by Node4 ’ s team of expert security analysts – which removed the need for us to hire an Information Security team .”
The results
An IT network that delivers on its promises
Today , Node4 ’ s Secure SD-WAN forms the backbone of ArrowXL ’ s network technology . Its centralised provisioning , consistent performance , network traffic visibility and ease of deployment have played a pivotal role in ensuring that deliveries happen on time and with minimal stress for customers , warehouse personnel and drivers . No matter where and when there are spikes in usage , Node4 ’ s SD-WAN can adapt and maintain network speeds – ensuring the system is not overloaded and does not crash . The solution also features a nextgeneration firewall at each location to protect users from internal and external cyberthreats .
“ Node4 ’ s Secure SD-WAN provides us with a faster , more robust IT network that , to date , hasn ’ t experienced any significant outages ,” explained Hopkins . “ There ’ s no doubt that this leading-edge technology has delivered significant benefits to our business . We now have a resilient network that spans all our main locations , with plans to roll it out to all our outbases .
“ We expect to see further longer-term benefits as ArrowXL continues to evolve and grow . Node4 ’ s SD- WAN will enable us to manage that change , allowing us to add or remove sites as necessary . It means we can be more flexible , adaptable and agile in our approach .”
Enhanced IT security
Within two weeks of mobilisation , the SOC had already demonstrated its worth – identifying and isolating several accounts targeted by cybercriminals . It confirmed Hopkins ’ belief that taking a Managed Service approach to security was the correct choice . To hire a suitably qualified manager plus several analysts to provide the 24-hour coverage required would cost significantly more than using the Node4 managed threat and detect service and wouldn ’ t deliver an equivalent service .
“ Our sector has suffered an increasing number of cyberattacks in recent months , so it ’ s an incredible relief to know we have that skill on tap to neutralise these threats when they present themselves ,” said Hopkins .
“ With Node4 ’ s SOC solution in place , it ’ s really brought home just how little sense it would have made for an organisation of our size to try and deliver its own 24 / 7 capability – particularly in the context of having to attract and retain a team with these highly sought after skills – and why it was such a sensible choice to take a Managed Services approach ,” she continued .
A trusted , long-term IT partner
Taking stock , Hopkins explained that Node4 has made a substantial contribution to ArrowXL ’ s IT infrastructure and information security – and that , today , the company also plays a vital role in providing advice and consultancy on future projects . “ Our partnership with Node4 is so important because we have a relatively small in-house IT team . They supplement our skills , knowledge and expertise in specialisms we ’ d be unable to attract and retain .”
“ They ’ re not afraid to talk about new technology and help us drive innovation – just as they did when proposing the SD-WAN and the managed service security offering . That ’ s why I see Node4 as an extension of my team – and much , much more than a service provider . It ’ s a partnership that will only strengthen as we embark on more IT infrastructure improvements over the coming months and years ,” she concluded .
Rachel Hopkins , Chief Information Officer at ArrowXL , expands on the organisation ’ s work with Node4 and sheds light on why this collaboration has been so beneficial .
Rachel Hopkins , Chief Information Officer at ArrowXL
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