Assurix wins GCAT deal worth millions
Check Point VAR to replace security infrastructure for state body
Security VAR Assurix has won a multimillion-pound contract to replace the security infrastructure for the government's Department For International Development (DFID) implementation.
David Lannin, managing director of Assurix, said the VAR, which was Check Point's top-performing channel partner in 2003, had to bid for the contract through the Government Catalogue (GCAT) process.
Because the DFID specialises in humanitarian assistance, many of the countries in which it has a presence are war-torn and have minimal networking infrastructures. The aim of the tender was to provide DFID staff with secure access from home in case they were unable to reach their offices.
In partnership with Check Point, the reseller will implement intelligent security solutions in more than 70 DFID offices worldwide.
"It is a complex infrastructure, and because of the hostile environments of some countries the work has to be carried out quickly to minimise the risk to staff," Lannin said.
Included in the tailored DFID solution is Check Point's VPN-1 for site-to-site connectivity, VPN-1 SecureClient to enable remote working, and a fully meshed and routed intra-site communications system. When completed the infrastructure will be managed by the DFID from offices in London and Glasgow.
Lannin added: "We started the implementation in January, and it will be another six to eight weeks until we are finished. We have used every aspect of Check Point's technology."
Nick Lowe, regional director, UK, Ireland and South Africa at Check Point, said: "Internet security is absolutely critical for government organisations that must comply with strict standards and make sure security is up-to-date.
"Since we revamped our partner programme earlier this year Assurix has rapidly emerged as a partner with strong security skills. Its work on this contract has further demonstrated that."