Business Impact Story
Faces of connectivity “We needed a flexible and, above all, secure network solution.”
ekom21 was looking for a new IT architecture
The technical infrastructure and implementation of innovative network solutions for over 500 local authorities and public institutions as well as around 29,000 users from the public sector: this task is the responsibility of Arne Rüdiger, Head of IT Operations at ekom21 – KGRZ Hessen, the largest IT service provider in the federal state. And it was precisely in this role that he faced a challenge:
“We are receiving an increasing number of requests for additional software and service offerings, for example from the cloud. We cannot grant this free route to the internet with our central access because it would open the floodgates to security risks.”
Until now, ekom21 relied on a centralised network structure (MPLS) that was outdated, no longer met the security and cloud connectivity requirements of local authorities, and left little room for customised solutions. This was a real obstacle, especially for rural communities that wanted to use local fibre optic providers. “For this reason, we wanted to move away from the centralised network approach and towards decentralised Internet breakouts that allow for more freedom and flexibility,” says Rüdiger. Another good reason for a new network solution? The increasing requirements of the Online Access Act.
Future-proof network architecture with SD-WAN
Following a Europe-wide tender and an extensive design phase, ekom21 began migrating to an SD-WAN infrastructure with O2 Business in January 2024. The technology enables decentralised, cloud-based control of the network and allows local authorities to use various types of Internet access, such as fibre optics, mobile communications or leased lines. Extensive security functions are integrated, allowing even sensitive applications to be operated securely.
The cloud can also save up to 80% in time and resources: “In the past, we had to connect to routers, maintain their rules and standards, and much more,” says Rüdiger. “Thanks to the central administration of O2 Business SD-WAN, updates or similar measures can be rolled out centrally by O2.” The need for on-site hardware is also reduced, with a potential saving of up to 30%, which reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs and can thus contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions. This potential can also support the achievement of sustainability goals in the public sector.
The cloud can also save up to 80% in time and resources: “In the past, we had to connect to routers, maintain their rules and standards, and much more,” says Rüdiger. “Thanks to the central administration of O2 Business SD-WAN, updates or similar measures can be rolled out centrally by O2.” The need for on-site hardware is also reduced, with a potential saving of up to 30%, which reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs and can thus contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions. This potential can also support the achievement of sustainability goals in the public sector.
More flexibility, more security
With the SD-WAN solution, ekom21 now uses a network architecture that is designed for efficiency and future-proofing, and is intended to accelerate the digitalisation of administration in Hesse and offer local authorities greater flexibility and security. Arne Rüdiger is satisfied:
“Overall, the offer from O2 Business was the best in terms of meeting our requirements.”