CASE STUDY to move to a 100Mbps connection . We knew we had to find a better solution to resolve the incompatibility issues between the traditional SIG services and the Digital Transformation Agency ’ s cloud strategies .”
A cloud-based alternative
Future plans
As the shift to home working occurred so rapidly , the CGC IT team is currently undertaking a review of the new architecture to determine whether any changes or additions might be required .
Working with a technology partner , the CGC IT team examined a range of solutions as part of a larger project that involved migrating from the existing , onpremise hardware to the Azure cloud and the adoption of Microsoft Office 365 . The team commissioned a new gigabit network link and deployed Zscaler over the top . The partnership with Microsoft enabled core applications to be migrated to Azure and all staff equipped with a subscription to Office 365 E5 cloud-based suite of productivity apps combined with advanced voice , analytics , security and compliance services . The project began in late 2019 and was completed early in 2020 .
“ Zscaler will certainly help us to achieve this and will continue to be a valuable component of the CGC IT infrastructure for many years to come . We now have in place a secure foundation that will support our activities and allow us to continue to provide our services to the Australian Government ,” said Freeman .
We asked Greg Freeman , Chief Operating Officer , CGC , further questions about the implementation .
What were the main reasons you wanted to shift to a cloud-based platform ?
“ The fact that Zscaler had achieved a successful Information Security Registered Assessors Program ( IRAP ) assessment gave us confidence that this was the right move ,” said Freeman . “ We could see this was the best way forward for the organization .”
A number of factors were in play in the CGC decision to adopt a cloud-native strategy . First up , our on-premise infrastructure was past its end of useful life and in need of replacement . In addition , a tenancy move in mid- 2022 will see us significantly downsize our floor space .
Indeed , an IRAP assessment provides government agencies with confidence in Zscaler ’ s suitability for processing , storing or communicating sensitive information , making it easier for agencies to evaluate and adopt the technology .
Business benefits
With Zscaler in place and the new cloud-based resources fully functional , the CGC quickly realized significant benefits . Staff now have the flexibility to work from any location while still enjoying the same level of security they would have when in the office .
The Commonwealth government policy is also now focused on adopting cloud-based architectures and moving to Microsoft 365 . Finally , we are constrained in our ability as a small entity , with limited resources , to internally manage the complexities of an ICT capability in today ’ s cybersecurity environment .
These factors , and a desire that staff be able to work anywhere , any time , on any device , were the key reasons for our transition .
What were your main reasons for choosing Zscaler ?
“ In hindsight , the timing of the move could not have been better as it was completed just before the COVID-19 shutdowns took place ,” said Freeman . “ We were able to shift everyone from being office based to working from home within a week which would simply not have been possible before Zscaler .
“ The concept of a centralized office has now morphed into a collaboration space where staff can meet as required , but our office is now really in the cloud .”
Freeman said there have also been benefits around cost . “ We moved to the new business grade gigabit connection and implemented Zscaler for significantly less than the amount we were quoted for the upgrade to 100 Mbps through the existing SIG ,” he said .
The CGC ’ s cloud-native strategy required us to look beyond the traditional SIG model . We needed a SIG capability that was not dependent on physical infrastructure and defined office locations .
Prior to terminating the on-premise SIG arrangement , the CGC implemented the full suite of services available under Microsoft ’ s E5 licencing . In assessing the capability gaps between a traditional SIG and what Microsoft 365 offered , the CGC looked for a solution that would mitigate the remaining risks , allowing us to achieve an ‘ engineered to protected ’ solution .
At the time , Zscaler ’ s capability stood out from other products with its market position , simplicity of deployment and their organizational vision resonating
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