Accelerating network security transformation through secure SD-WAN
A market-leading energy company and developer of synthetic fuel technologies embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation journey to modernize its global network infrastructure. Operating across 18 countries with multiple sites, the organization recognized the critical need to evolve from traditional MPLS architecture to a flexible, secure SD-WAN model. The company's strategic vision focused on enhanced security, operational agility and the ability to leverage next-generation technologies.
The Challenge
The energy company's traditional WAN network, built on MPLS architecture, created significant operational constraints and hindered digital innovation across its global operations. While MPLS provided isolation from the open internet, it lacked the flexibility required for secure cloud access and imposed higher latency due to centralized traffic routing.
To accelerate digital transformation and maintain competitive advantage, there was an urgent need to:
- Eliminate network bottlenecks resulting from MPLS backhauling through a central hub.
- Replace time- and cost-intensive manual service provisioning processes.
- Gain comprehensive visibility and control over endpoints across distributed sites.
- Enable adoption of next-generation security and automation technologies, including AI.
The client sought to transform their network infrastructure by partnering with HCLTech to implement advanced SD-WAN technology that would deliver enhanced security, orchestration and observability. The primary objective was to modernize the aging infrastructure while laying the groundwork for future technologies.
The Solution
The organization selected HCLTech to deploy a Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solution across its worldwide locations, transforming the legacy infrastructure into a modernized network architecture. The solution was tailored to deliver multilayered security while providing the flexibility and agility required for modern business operations. An expert deployment approach ensured seamless transformation across all 18 countries.
The solution included:
- Fortinet Secure SD-WAN deployment across all global sites, replacing legacy MPLS architecture.
- Centralized management plane controls simplifying orchestration tasks, including onboarding, monitoring, threat response and incident investigation.
- Enhanced network security, safeguarding networks and endpoints against malware.
- Integrated intelligence enabling automated threat detection and response.
- Future-ready architecture providing a foundation for SASE, AI and other emerging technologies.
The implementation was designed to deliver immediate operational improvements while positioning the organization for long-term digital innovation and competitive advantage.
The Impact
- Enhanced network flexibility enabling secure access to cloud-hosted services and applications.
- Reduced operational overhead through automated service provisioning and centralized management.
- Comprehensive visibility and control over IT and OT networks across all distributed sites.
- Greater network agility through integrated intelligence and simplified orchestration.
- Strong foundation for innovation, enabling quick adoption of competitive solutions, including SASE and AI.
Through this successful transformation, HCLTech expertly deployed Fortinet solutions to bring the energy customer up to speed with advanced, multilayered network security. The modernized network now delivers the flexibility, reduced overhead and robust foundation needed to adopt emerging technologies, reasserting the organization's role as a market leader in the energy sector.
For more information, visit the Fortinet and HCLTech partnership page.
