Case Study: Check Point at Cap Gemini
Cap Gemini is Europe's largest systems integration and consulting company,
and its expertise in delivering innovative business solutions is world-renowned.
The firm's fast, steady growth in the United States and the need for the
stateside consultants to stay tapped into the Cap Gemini global knowledge
network has resulted in Cap Gemini America replacing a proprietary dial-in
network with a secure, Internet-based virtual private network, VPiNet. VPiNet
is based on the VPN-1 product family from Check Point Software Technologies
Ltd.
"This change has enabled Cap Gemini America LLC to realise cost
reductions of up to approximately 60%", said Steve Barnett [Photo],
Managing Director of Check Point Software Technologies. "Some of Cap
Gemini's consultants were using the dial-in network's 800 number for up
to 10 hours a day during peak project periods. Cap Gemini were billed for
the 800 number by the minute as well as the use of a frame relay network.
At one point they were spending $97,000 per month". By moving to an
Internet-based network, Cap Gemini were able to move from 'pay-as-you-go'
to a flat monthly fee per user.
At the heart of VPiNet are Check Point's VPN-1 software and VPN-1 SecuRemote.
"SecuRemote lets our users in the US and all over the world securely
and transparently access the Cap Gemini America Network from their laptop
computers", explained Maxence Tilliette, Senior Consultant and Network
Services Project Manager at Cap Gemini America's Dallas, Texas office. "VPN-1's
integrated encryption and centralised management capabilities also make
it possible for our outsourcing unit to connect our own network securely
with customers' networks and business partners, and make it possible for
us to remotely manage clients' networks from ours. This is a particularly
strong benefit for us."
Check Point use an OPSEC (Open Platform for Secure Enterprise Connectivity)
framework. OPSEC is an alliance that delivers the industries' first enterprise-wide
security framework. It uses a combination of published Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs), industry standard protocols and high-level scripting
languages to provide a single framework. With OPSEC, customers can easily
and seamlessly integrate a full spectrum of security and network management
applications. Said Tilliette: "The OPSEC approach is better than a
predetermined suite. I want the freedom to choose and change my virus scanner
package to make sure I have the best available product that meets my company's
specific needs and works well with our existing IT environment."
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