Business Challenges
A prominent Texas credit union faced significant challenges as it transformed its outdated MPLS network into a modern, flexible SD-WAN/SASE architecture. The existing MPLS network struggled to meet the credit union’s growing demands, particularly in terms of scalability and integrating new cloud-based services. Although the networking team strongly preferred continuing with their existing Palo Alto Networks hardware, they needed an unbiased evaluation of all potential SD-WAN/SASE solutions to ensure they were making the best choice for the future. Additionally, the credit union’s senior leadership required thorough due diligence to ensure any selected solution was cost-effective and aligned with their long-term strategic objectives.
Legacy Network Limitations: The existing MPLS network couldn’t keep up with growing operations and lacked the scalability and flexibility to support cloud services, causing bottlenecks and stifling innovation.
Infrastructure Decision Dilemma: The team had to decide whether to stick with current hardware or invest in a future-proof solution, requiring an unbiased evaluation of SD-WAN/SASE options.
Budgetary Challenges: Balancing cost-effectiveness with long-term goals was critical, requiring a careful assessment of whether to maintain the current infrastructure or invest in a new solution aligned with immediate and future needs.
The Globalgig Solution
The credit union embarked on a network transformation journey in partnership with Globalgig, aiming to modernize its infrastructure and ensure long-term growth. Leveraging its deep expertise in legacy and emerging network technologies, the Globalgig team crafted a solution that addressed the credit union’s immediate needs while laying the foundation for future expansion. This strategic partnership was essential in navigating the complexities of the transition and aligning the network with the organization’s evolving demands.
Globalgig thoroughly analyzed the credit union’s existing network and projected requirements to identify the optimal solution. The team compared leading SD-WAN vendors against 10 business strategies and 11 critical features, ultimately determining that Palo Alto’s SD-WAN/SASE solution was the best fit.
The project was not without its challenges, as construction delays and power issues at some sites caused minor setbacks. However, strong collaboration between the credit union network team and Globalgig ensured these obstacles were quickly and successfully overcome, resulting in a smooth implementation process. The implementation was successful, with the project completed on time and all key objectives achieved.
The following key components of the network transformation highlight the effectiveness of this collaboration, and the benefits realized through the project:
- High Availability SD-WAN: Designed and implemented a high-availability SD-WAN across all branches, ensuring robust performance and redundancy, including seamless cloud access and integration with third-party data centers.
- Secondary Circuit Rollout: Deployed broadband circuits to headquarters and 38 branches, complementing existing dedicated internet access and minimizing disruption as legacy services were phased out.
- Enhanced Security: Deployed Palo Alto’s Prisma Access with Autonomous Digital Experience Management, boosting security and providing better network visibility.
- Comprehensive Managed Services: Providing ongoing, top-tier managed network services, including out-of-band management, ensuring continuous, reliable support, proactive monitoring, and rapid issue resolution to keep the network running at peak performance.
- Orchestra Insight Integration: Implemented Orchestra Insight for AI-driven, actionable network intelligence, reducing alert noise and focusing on critical issues with real-time monitoring and customizable dashboards.
Results
The network transformation project equipped the credit union with a future-ready infrastructure and established a strong foundation for continued innovation. The new, scalable network supports critical digital initiatives, integrates cloud-based services, and enhances business continuity through a resilient SD-WAN design with automatic failover capabilities. Additionally, the project led to substantial cost savings by replacing legacy MPLS services with more efficient broadband solutions.
Active participation in the discovery process was instrumental in tailoring the solution to their specific needs, ensuring precise alignment with both technical and business goals. Globalgig’s platform-agnostic approach allowed for an unbiased evaluation, ultimately reinforcing the decision to continue with Palo Alto Networks. Furthermore, by adopting advanced tools like Palo Alto’s Prisma Access, the team has positioned itself as a leader in security and network management, paving the way for future technological advancements.
- The new scalable network supports digital initiatives and ensures resilience through automatic failover capabilities.
- Significant savings were realized by transitioning from legacy MPLS services to more cost-effective broadband solutions.
- Active partnership was crucial in tailoring the solution and ensuring a precise alignment of technical and business goals, laying the groundwork for ongoing network innovation.
- Early adoption of advanced security and network management tools has positioned the credit union for continued technological advancement.
Conclusion
The network transformation with Globalgig has modernized the infrastructure and empowered the credit union to pursue strategic growth initiatives confidently. The partnership continues to evolve, with Globalgig providing ongoing support to ensure the network remains agile and secure in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Additionally, the implementation of Orchestra Insight has significantly enhanced network intelligence, allowing for more informed decisions, reducing noise from unnecessary alerts, and ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly. This advanced level of network management positions the credit union for sustained success and future technological growth.
Regional Credit Union
Founded in 1955 by a group of employees aiming to support their colleagues, this Texas-based credit union has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest financial institutions in its region. The organization has expanded significantly through strategic mergers and now operates 38 service locations across Texas. Staying true to its founding mission, the credit union continues to play a vital role in the communities it serves.