Skybox Deployment with a large Telco in South Africa: A Seamless Integration Thanks to Exceptional Collaboration with Performanta, and Solid8 Technologies

The deployment of Skybox Security at a large international Telco in South Africa has been an exemplary model of seamless integration and effective collaboration in partnership with Performanta, and Solid8. According to Deon Pieterse, Senior Technical Manager at Solid8 Technologies, who spearheaded the deployment process, the project was marked by efficiency and a smooth transition from initial onboarding to full-scale utilisation of the tool.

When the client acquired Skybox, the deployment process began in earnest. Pieterse and his team were introduced to a highly skilled client technical resource, who played a pivotal role in the deployment's success. "Our point of contact has been an exceptional technical resource," Pieterse noted. "From day one, the client took on the majority of the work, ensuring that everything we requested was promptly and accurately completed."

The proactive approach was particularly noteworthy. “They didn't merely follow instructions but took the initiative to implement Skybox features, often completing tasks before the team could even arrive to assist. This level of dedication not only accelerated the deployment process but also minimised potential delays.”

As the deployment phase concluded, the focus shifted to optimising the product's functionality. "We’re now at the stage where we’re utilising the tool and working on maturing it," Pieterse explained. The team’s quick and efficient deployment was largely attributed to the client’s competence and the smooth communication established with management.

The positive experience extended beyond technical aspects, fostering a robust relationship between the two teams. "We have a very good relationship with both the technical staff and management," Pieterse said. "The open lines of communication have made it easy to address any needs or questions they have."

Looking ahead

The next phase involves refining the product to align more closely with the Telco’s specific policies and requirements. "Every customer is unique, and so the next step is to tailor Skybox to reflect the customer’s own policies," Pieterse noted. This involves customising the tool to ensure that its reporting and compliance features are tailored to the internal standards rather than relying on generic defaults.

Skybox offers a range of customisable modules, including Firewall Assurance and Network Assurance, which this Telco has purchased. With these modules, use case features such as Configuration Compliance and Access Compliance, require further customisation to meet the specific needs. Pieterse highlighted the complexity of such a vast customer network, noting that a comprehensive set of custom access compliance policies and network zones had to be created to accurately represent their environment.

The ongoing work involves setting up policies across these newly established network zones to ensure precise and effective reporting. "We’ve built out a whole set of network zones within Skybox for their organization, but we’re still in the process of specifying the policies between these zones," Pieterse explained.

“We are eager to move on to the new phase, pending license expansion, to include automated rule risk implementation on Change Manager.”

With such exceptional internal customer support and a strong working relationship between teams, the project will deliver rapid ROI and immense value to addressing their business and technical needs.

If you want to learn more about what Skybox Security can do for you, contact us at info@solid8.co.za