Learn about some of the optimizations made
Complete name: Propato hermanos
Web site: https://propato.com.ar/
Propato quickly installed additional FortiGate firewalls, enabled for Secure SD-WAN, at its other locations in order to have a standardized network infrastructure for the entire organization and to support the implementation of the communications and security solution.
The security and connectivity platform offered by FortiGate Secure SD-WAN resolved the issues that Propato was facing.
Today, employees can connect from anywhere without any issues. The FortiGate Secure SD-WAN solution boosted information processing capacity and opened the possibility of having more simultaneous connections, both internal and external.
Furthermore, the network platform became smarter by choosing the best Internet link for the task at hand. If one of the links experiences issues, the solution automatically switches to the one with the best response and maintains connectivity for users.
The ability of the solution to prioritize critical business traffic also significantly contributed to Propato’s operations. It is now possible to configure the Secure SD-WAN solution to give priority to key applications.
Network security has also greatly improved for Propato thanks to Fortinet’s platform. The company added the FortiAnalyzer tool to optimize monitoring and reporting of security threats, achieving better processing and analysis of potential threats. They also enabled web portals with Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) using native security features of the FortiClient solution. The implementation of FortiClient VPN allowed remote workers to access corporate resources using secure remote desktops.
Complete name: Obra Social del Personal del Organismo de Control Externo (OSPOCE)
Web site: https://www.ospoce.com.ar/
After completing the administrative processes, Quick Informática’s technical team began the survey phase based on the chosen solution. Various meetings were held to plan the project and the tasks ahead for both parties. Everything was completed within 15 days.
Two 10KVA units were installed at OSPOCE’s central office, and a solution similar to the one at the central office was installed at one of the most important Imaging Diagnostic Centers.
Thanks to the implementation of APC solutions, OSPOCE was able to keep the business running smoothly. The team continues to work without worrying about power outages or low voltage, and customers can operate on the platform without interruptions, despite repeated power cuts by the provider.
“I chose APC and Quick Informática because of the know-how of their team members, the great advice they provided, and the added value they could bring to the business through the type of solutions we were going to install. Quickly, the folks at Quick Informática and APC led us to trust the brand. The service provided by Quick Informática was very meticulous, proactive, and they were always there to address absolutely everything. You can see the teamwork that exists at APC and Quick Informática during implementation and after-sales support.” – Rodrigo Valverde, Technical Support Supervisor at OSPOCE.
Complete name: Escuela Scholem Aleijem
Web site: https://www.scholem.edu.ar/
The project began with an initial phase in which Javier Carrasco, the school’s Network and Server Manager, along with Carlos Martinez, prepared the migration environments in the rack and decommissioned the previous equipment. Both of them received guidance from Quick Informática’s engineering team.
During the implementation, they passed the key network parameters to Sergio Corizzo, an engineer from Quick, who then configured the Fortinet devices and put them into operation.
The solutions they used included a high-availability Fortinet firewall cluster, which replaced the previous independent servers and routers. The goal was to consolidate all incoming and outgoing internet traffic at a single point and be able to manage internet browsing by implementing SD-WAN for intelligent bandwidth balancing. They also configured intelligent content and browsing filters that require zero maintenance from the network administrators to control the categories of websites students browse or the applications they use.
They also set up a cloud-based reporting scheme with FortiCloud to obtain usage and security statistics.
Finally, external access to services on the internal network was configured through SSL portals, maximizing security and providing an easy-to-use platform for teachers and administrative staff without exposing services directly to the internet, which poses a security risk, and without the need to configure complex VPNs.
Quick Informática utilized Fortinet solutions to consolidate the devices that control the internet connection layer, with redundancy through clustering, achieving greater control over browsing. Immediate access to network diagnostics and reports was obtained. They provided 100% enhanced security and added content controls and filters. Last but not least, they offered a simpler configuration for the school’s clients to access the network.
Complete name: Europ Assistance
Web site: https://www.europ-assistance.com.ar/
In early August 2020, surveys and migration planning began. Within a 15-day timeframe, the project startup was executed. The implementation was led by the Quick team alongside Sergio Corizzo and the IT team from Europ Assistance. It was an ambitious project since the company operated 24/7 in the assistance industry, so they couldn’t afford to stop operations. Therefore, the migration was carried out during nighttime windows and at record speed.
With the renovation, they acquired two Fortinet solutions: a FortiGate 100F cluster in HA as a Gateway for VLANs and an edge and internal Firewall. They also obtained services for Intrusion Detection, Antivirus, Web Application Filtering, FortiGate Cloud, DOS Policy, Activation Control, and Forti Sandbox Cloud. In addition, they procured FortiToken licenses for MFA processes for the 200 VPNs.
They exponentially improved the daily management and visualization of network traffic control status (with a dashboard that can be shared with the company’s management).
Secure connections.
Faster browsing speed (which they didn’t have previously and suffered from).
Peace of mind in case of contingencies.
Enhancement of the local network infrastructure (a complete architectural reengineering was carried out).
Post-sale peace of mind with Quick/Forti (one of the greatest benefits).
Complete name: Essen
Web site: https://www.essen.com.ar/home/
For this purpose, we worked on setting up a new Datacenter in parallel, preparing everything to start providing connectivity to the plant. During an entire weekend, all the equipment from the old Datacenter was moved to the new one (over 400 km away).
At Essen, the following tasks were performed to prepare the new Datacenter:
The new Datacenter includes:
4 Full Schneider Electric Racks, equipped with top interconnection trays for power, data, and cooling.
2 Schneider Electric 10 KVA UPSs, with bypass panels and additional battery banks. Remote monitoring and power status alerts via email.
Schneider Electric EPO emergency shutdown system.
Schneider ATS system for voltage line selection in case of failure.
1 Schneider Precision Central Air Conditioning unit.
4 Uniflair in-rack precision air conditioners.
Netbotz control systems for measuring temperature and humidity at multiple points in the racks.
Smart power outlets with remote control.
Schneider KVM system.
As for network infrastructure:
At the time of setup, it had a Fortinet cluster with 2 FG-200D devices.
HPE Aruba 5500 Core Switches for fiber optic interconnection with over 30 switches distributed throughout the plant.
Cisco and Aruba Access Points.
Regarding servers, it had the minimum services replicated to ensure continuity during the move.”
As for servers, it had the minimum services replicated to ensure survival during the relocation.
Then came the execution of the move, where the following infrastructure was relocated from Buenos Aires to Venado Tuerto:
◆ Cluster of 4 Dell servers and 2 Dell Storages with Hyper-v, hosting over 20 servers for internal systems and the web.
◆ 4 critical operation database servers.
◆ 3 NAP backup NAS devices, distributed across different physical locations in the plant.
◆ All VPNs from 8 branches within and outside the country were reconnected to the new DC.
◆ All web services and APIs were redirected to the new data center.
Finally, after the relocation, work was done to improve the following points.
The following improvements were made:
◆ Replaced the 2 FG-200D Fortinet cluster with 2 FG-200F in Venado Tuerto, adapting the configurations and implementing SD-WAN with 5 internet providers.
◆ Replaced the 2 FG-200D Fortinet cluster with 2 FG-100F in Buenos Aires, reconfiguring all settings to suit the new requirements.
◆ Initiated a plan to upgrade switches and access points, replacing the APs in Buenos Aires and currently those in Venado Tuerto.
The implementation allowed consolidating all on-site infrastructure, meeting higher redundancy standards, and enabling its growth.