Nebulas Security gives e.surv peace of mind

We were very impressed with Nebulas Security the set up, support and service we received in securing our business operations was fantastic. We have peace of mind, which means we can confidently give our customers the same. This was achieved with minimal disruption to our day to day operations. Our ongoing support agreement with Nebulas Security means we can focus on our core business objectives knowing that our systems are secure. Nigel Adams, National IT Manager, e.surv

e.surv, one of the leading firms of Chartered Surveyors and the largest distributor of mortgage valuations in the UK, offers a range of predominantly residential survey and valuation services mainly to the institutional lending market but also to both private sellers and buyers.

e.surv employs over 250 professionally qualified surveyors operating from over 120 locations throughout the UK, with the office network linked by a sophisticated computer network controlled from the National Operations Centre in Kettering.

The Challenge
Following a successful management buy-out in 2004, e.surv had to migrate its internet access and email away from its existing systems as it established its own IT infrastructure. As a greenfields site, e.surv required security specifically firewall protection for its newly created network. The company conducted research into the plethora of available security solutions, but without extensive in-house security expertise, the job was daunting.

We looked at a range of offerings, including some of the industrys biggest brand names. We needed a reputable brand with new, up-to-date products that could provide us with robust security and the scalability to grow with us, explained Max Ashton, Computer Services Advisor, e.surv. Critically, we also needed someone to help us create a solution, implement it, and provide ongoing support.

The Solution
e.surv required a robust and scalable solution which was both easy to manage and administer on a day-to-day basis whilst delivering maximum security features and the flexibility to cope with the upcoming business demands and changes to their Network topology.

The Nebulas Security team assessed these requirements and proposed Check Point Express VPN-1/Firewall-1 in conjunction with a Nokia Security appliance as a complete solution.

Utilising the rich features within the Check Point / Nokia product set, Nebulas Security was able to offer a tailored security package that encompassed all of e.survs requirements, including additional benefits such as full system redundancy, enhanced threat protection, blocking and preventing attacks at the gateway, ensuring maximum network uptime and peace of mind around the clock.
Nebulas Security has provided accredited training on the new solutions for e.surv IT staff to boost their security expertise, while supplying 24x7 Level support to ensure the integrity of the solution.

The Future
e.surv is growing rapidly and has committed to invest more than 5 million in IT development over the next 18 months. An example of this investment is a new broadband network installed mid-2004 in around 200 locations across England and Northern Ireland.

The network introduces added flexibility for its mortgage valuers who are now able to access records and dictate and sign off reports electronically from any location, be it at home, in the car, the office or on site. This will enable turn around times to get even faster hours as opposed to days. This places increased pressure on the security solution and raises the need for secure remote access, an area Nebulas Security will be looking at going forward.