CSG Calls in Network Defence to upgrade its Network, Protect its Assets and Encourage Business Growt

Yorkshire-based Consultant Services Group (CSG) - a leading provider of food and beverage and cleaning and environmental services - has completed a comprehensive upgrade of its network infrastructure. IT and Network Security Consultants Network Defence were called in to design and implement the complete network upgrade, restructuring and migration.

With around 4,000 staff and over 2,500 clients, CSG required a systems upgrade to cope with company growth and new business. The upgrade involved enhancing wide area network security, a systems migration to Windows 2003 and an upgrade of the existing security systems by integrating web and email content filtering and virus scanning. The upgrade has provided valuable protection for the IT system and can cope with increased business usage.

The WAN upgrade involved deploying WatchGuard X Series Firewalls to enhance security and performance. Network Defence installed the WatchGuard Firebox X2500 at the company's main office in Heckmondwike and the X500 at its regional headquarters in Gateshead.

The WatchGuard firewalls provide a secure site-to-site VPN solution between Heckmondwike and Gateshead. Users at Gateshead can now access applications and information from head office quickly and securely, ensuring greater business efficiency and the ability to handle an increased business flow both now and in the future.

All email and internet access for both offices is delivered through head office and is protected by NetIQ's Mail- and WebMarshal, also implemented as part of the upgrade. This solution enables CSG to manage and apply Internet security policies company-wide, maximising bandwidth availability and reducing security risks. CSG is working towards full accreditation from FAST, the Federation Against Software Theft, and the upgrade is an important part of meeting accreditation requirements.
Network Defence also upgraded the group's network operating systems, email server and office applications, migrating the existing systems from Windows 2000 to Windows 2003 versions.

Stuart Hansord, IT Systems Manager at CSG, said: "The system is a lot more reliable and easier to manage now allowing us to operate more effectively. The web and email content filtering and virus scanning have helped us to protect our IT system, our staff and our organisation."

"Network Defence has been our preferred partner for all IT and security consultancy work for a number of years. They continue to meet and exceed our expectations, installing and maintaining the system. The engineers have been extremely responsive and committed during installation, always on hand with support and training. They really pull out all the stops."

About Network Defence
Network Defence is a systems integrator and IT security consultancy that plans, delivers and manages high performance, secure network solutions for corporate and public sector clients throughout the UK. For more details, visit www.networkdefence.com

Network Defence Contact:
Julie Kettle 01925 272000
jkettle@networkdefence.co.uk

About Consultant Services Group
Consultant Services Group (CSG) provides leading contract management services to business, industry and education, delivering flexibility, cost efficiency and market leading technology. Fully branded catering, vending and cleaning services are delivered using a unique approach. The business has over 2,500 clients and employs in the region of 4,000 personnel.
For more details, visit www.consultant-services.co.uk

CSG Contact:
Edward Naylor: 01924 409988
Edward.Naylor@consultant-services.co.uk

Press Contact: Context
Craig Coward or Luke Ford
01625 511966
luke.ford@contextpr.co.uk