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Signpost Deploys Network-as-a-Service to Save $100K in VPN Costs
Technology Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy - Network Security
Applicable Industries
- Software
- Professional Service
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Facility Management
Use Cases
- Remote Asset Management
- Cybersecurity
- Remote Control
Services
- Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
- Cybersecurity Services
The Challenge
When many technology startups first launched in the 2010s, they bought all of the greatest and latest equipment for building their on-premises network. The problem is that in five, six, or seven years, a lot of equipment begins to approach its end-of-life, and then it all needs to be suddenly replaced at once. Signpost had reached an inflection point in the life of their corporate network. Most of their employees were working from home due to Covid, and their networking equipment was end-of-life. All of the company’s VPN connections were through the NY headquarters. The connection speeds were limited by available bandwidth and latency issues, but upgrading the network seemed like a bit of luxury in a period of uncertainty. The performance wasn’t great before Covid, but once the whole company was working from home, the VPN became painfully slow. They had initially delayed the investment, but as their business started to grow again, they realized that they could no longer delay the inevitable.
About The Customer
Signpost is a leading provider of cloud-based CRM and marketing automation solutions tailored for home service businesses such as contractors, electricians, and plumbers. The company offers a comprehensive platform that integrates customer communications across various channels, including text, live chat, email, and social media. Signpost's solutions are designed to enhance customer engagement, drive revenue, and encourage satisfied customers to share positive reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook. Founded in 2010, Signpost has grown to employ 130 people across New York, Texas, and Colorado. The company operates entirely in the cloud, with a workforce that is 100% remote, reflecting its commitment to leveraging modern technology to support its operations. Signpost's focus on AI-based marketing automation and lead generation positions it as a key player in the SaaS industry, particularly for businesses in the home services sector.
The Solution
Signpost adopted Perimeter 81's cloud-based VPN solution to address their networking challenges. The decision was made after a successful demo of Perimeter 81, which coincided with the sudden failure of their existing VPN system. Perimeter 81's solution provided Signpost with a high-performance, secure network that could be deployed rapidly, allowing the company to transition to a fully remote workforce. The solution included 60 licenses on Perimeter 81’s Enterprise Plan, offering unlimited policies for Firewall as a Service and high-performance 1000 Mbps gateways. This setup enabled seamless access to Signpost's SaaS solutions and internal software hosted on Amazon AWS. The cloud-based nature of Perimeter 81's solution eliminated the need for costly hardware upgrades and provided 24x7 support at no additional cost. The implementation of Perimeter 81's solution allowed Signpost to overcome bandwidth and latency issues, providing each employee with a unique connection rather than sharing a single VPN connection. This transition not only improved network performance but also offered significant cost savings, enabling Signpost to become a fully remote company and save millions in rent by not relocating their headquarters.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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