Download PDF

Zscaler > Case Studies > Cenitex Enhances User Experience and Security with Zscaler

Cenitex Enhances User Experience and Security with Zscaler

Technology Category

Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Event-Driven Application
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Public Cloud

Applicable Industries

National Security & Defense
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Maintenance

Use Cases

Inventory Management
Tamper Detection

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services

The Challenge

Cenitex, a Victorian public-sector organization providing IT support and advice to various state government agencies, faced a significant challenge in its service delivery. The senior management team realized that their existing operating methods were no longer effective and couldn't meet the organization's changing requirements. They needed to increase their use of cloud-based resources to meet the demand for improved flexibility. The need to support Office 365, which caused network load performance issues as it came online for Cenitex’s customers, was a significant part of this challenge. The organization was also suffering from reliability issues within its ageing data centre infrastructure. Additionally, the centralised model Cenitex used to route data traffic from some 450 customer sites across Victoria was causing performance issues and meant there was a single point of failure that could cause service disruptions.

About The Customer

Cenitex is a Victorian public-sector organization that provides centralized information technology support and advice to a range of state government agencies spanning health, justice, environmental, and economic development. Established as a state-owned enterprise in 2008, Cenitex has more than 36,000 users across 450 sites, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. In its 2018 financial year, Cenitex achieved annual revenue of $173 million.

The Solution

Cenitex decided to adopt Zscaler cloud-delivered security for all users in all locations after a comprehensive review of a range of security options. The deployment of the service began in March 2019 and was fully operational within 16 weeks. Zscaler provided the needed security protection for users throughout Victoria, and those protections were consistent no matter where users connect. Zscaler also allowed Cenitex to transform its legacy network infrastructure to a more modern, cloud-based environment. The use of Zscaler meant Cenitex could seamlessly scale to meet user needs. With security provided in the cloud by Zscaler, there was less requirement for centralised management of firewalls and other complex security tools. Staff time could now be redirected to activities that provide additional value to the organization.

Operational Impact

The adoption of Zscaler has significantly improved application performance for Cenitex. User traffic no longer has to be routed through the Cenitex data centre, leading to significant improvements in access performance time. The increased use of cloud resources, aided by Zscaler, has allowed the agency to move from using a CapEx to an OpEx funding model. Infrequent, large capital outlays have been replaced with a more consistent, manageable investment path. The use of Zscaler has also reduced the requirement for centralised management of firewalls and other complex security tools, freeing up staff time for activities that provide additional value to the organization.

Quantitative Benefit

Access improvements for Office 365 users of more than 25 percent in terms of access performance time
The service was fully operational within 16 weeks
Cenitex has more than 36,000 users across 450 sites