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Start simple and don’t get lost in the details

One managed firewall is not like the next. Read how the service is implemented with a good balance between standardization and individualization. And what role checklists and the ticket system play in this.

Why Managed Firewalls as an MSP?

“We have been working intensively on the topic of managed firewalls for around two and a half years. This is not just about renting firewalls, but about a comprehensive security concept. In addition to the firewall, managed WLAN and e-mail security are also part of the package. Particular attention is paid to internal standardization in order to optimize processes and minimize errors.

Standardization for efficiency and safety

Instead of rigid categories such as ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘large’, Log-In is based on the number of users to be protected: ‘We adapt the solution to the specific requirements of our customers’. This standardization makes it possible to respond quickly and efficiently to individual needs without neglecting security.

The implementation process

The process from implementation to ongoing operation is clearly structured. ‘We work with checklists and standardized procedures that cover all steps from the initial analysis to the drafting of the contract,’ explains Hendrik. After onboarding, they monitor the firewalls around the clock and respond proactively to incidents. ‘There is a follow-up ticket that remains open for about 14 days to collect any questions and issues that arise,’ he adds.

A look into the future

In the future, Login GmbH plans to expand its data center operations and increasingly rely on virtual firewalls. ‘We see great potential in the area of Managed Detection and Response (MDR),’ says Schmöle. The aim is to offer 24/7 security monitoring that is closely linked to the managed firewalls.

Advice for IT companies

Finally, Hendrik gives advice for IT companies that want to get into the managed firewall sector: ‘Just start and don’t get lost in the details. Involve manufacturers and partners at an early stage and work closely with customers.’ In his view, standardization and clear processes are the key to success. ‘Employees and customers must be involved right from the start,’ he emphasizes.

  • Highlights in 90 Seconds

'For the last firewalls that we have to convert from the classic purchase, we now prepare customers a year before their current licenses expire for the fact that something is coming and send them a sample calculation.'

MSP Journey · Managed Security Services · Sophos & Olaf Kaiser · Henrik Schmöle
Hendrik Schmöle
LOG-IN Gesellschaft für Computerintegration mbH
  • Our expert's main points
Olaf Kaiser:

Hello Henrik, good afternoon and thank you for taking the time today to talk about your and my favorite topic, the managed firewall. Before we start, please introduce yourself and your company.

Hendrik Schmöle:

Yes, hello Olaf. My name is Hendrik Schmöle, I am the technical director of Login GmbH für Computerintegration MbH. We are based in the beautiful Sauerland region, more precisely in Arnsberg-Neheim. As an IT system house, we offer a wide range of services and currently have 15 employees. I'm looking forward to our conversation today.

Olaf Kaiser:

Managed firewalls are a topic that is becoming increasingly important. When did you get into this area and what exactly do your managed firewalls offer?

Hendrik Schmöle:

We have been offering firewalls for rent for some time, but we have been working intensively with them for about two and a half years. Our approach is holistic: in addition to the firewall, we offer monitoring, license monitoring and hardware provisioning. In the event of a hardware failure, we have replacement devices ready. We also integrate managed WLAN and e-mail security into our offering.

Olaf Kaiser:

Standardization is an important topic for you. How do you go about it and what advantages does it bring for your customers?

Hendrik Schmöle:

We do not standardize according to rigid categories such as 'small', 'medium' and 'large', but instead focus on the users to be protected. Depending on the number of users and specific requirements, such as VPN tunnels or WLAN transmitters, we adapt the firewall solution. Standardization helps us to optimize processes and minimize errors.

Olaf Kaiser:

What does the process of implementing and onboarding a new customer look like?

Hendrik Schmöle:

The process is defined by checklists and standardized procedures. Everything is mapped in our ticket system, from the first measurement to the drafting of the contract. During implementation, we collect all relevant information and adapt the configuration to the customer's individual needs. After onboarding, we monitor the firewalls around the clock and respond proactively to incidents.

Olaf Kaiser:

You also rely on modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and APIs. How do you integrate these into your processes?

Hendrik Schmöle:

We are increasingly working with APIs to retrieve and process data from the systems. Artificial intelligence helps us to automate processes and make them more efficient. We are increasingly using these technologies to improve the quality of our services and minimize human error.

Olaf Kaiser:

What are your plans for the future in the area of managed security?

Hendrik Schmöle:

We are planning to expand our data center operations and make greater use of virtual firewalls. We also want to grow in the area of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) in order to offer 24/7 security monitoring. The integration of AI and API-supported solutions will play a major role in this.

Olaf Kaiser:

Finally, what advice would you give to IT companies looking to move towards managed firewalls?

Hendrik Schmöle:

Just start and don't get lost in the details. It is important to get manufacturers and partners on board at an early stage and to work closely with customers. Standardization and clear processes are the key to success. Employees and customers must be involved right from the start.

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MSP Journey · Managed Security Services · Sophos & Olaf Kaiser · Henrik Schmöle

Profile

Competence with a system. The requirements for modern IT solutions are clear: reliability, security, flexibility. LOG-IN meets these requirements with competence and high performance. In the fields of information technology, telecommunications, building automation and security technology. Individual solutions. For medium-sized businesses. IT requirements are just as individual as the company in question. And that's why LOG-IN's approaches are always tailored to your needs. Tailor-made and a perfect fit.
Hendrik Schmöle
Team leader technology
LOG-IN Gesellschaft für Computerintegration mbH
Im Ohl 4
59757 Arnsberg

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About MSP-Journey

MSP-JOURNEY is the information portal for all managers in the IT channel who want to grow and transform their business with managed security services.

The unique concept of MSP-JOURNEY is that those who successfully implement this business on a daily basis have their say and know what they are talking about: the decision-makers at IT service providers and MSPs.

As managed service and security specialists, we analyze SOPHOS and Systemhaus Coach Olaf Kaiser analyze the success factors for growth with managed security services. To give system houses and MSPs an easier and more effective way to reach their customers and their individual growth, the articles are made accessible and searchable in different categories.

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