CheckPoint Software > Case Studies > Miele's Journey to Streamlined Security and Cost Savings with Check Point

Miele's Journey to Streamlined Security and Cost Savings with Check Point

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Network Security
Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)

Applicable Industries

Electrical Grids
National Security & Defense

Applicable Functions

Quality Assurance
Sales & Marketing

Use Cases

Tamper Detection
Traffic Monitoring

Services

System Integration
Testing & Certification

About The Customer

Miele is a renowned home appliances manufacturer, known for its high-quality products and service. The company, founded in 1899 by the Miele family, has a global presence with 10 million dishwashers installed worldwide. Miele's product range includes vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, cook tops, ovens, laundry systems, and more. The company is still owned by the Miele family and operates under the motto, “forever better,” which has contributed to its customer satisfaction and success over the years.

The Challenge

Miele, a globally recognized home appliances manufacturer, was in need of a comprehensive and reliable security solution that would uphold the company's reputation for quality. The company wanted to ensure secure access and transmission of company information across its offices. Until 2004, Miele's Nordic sales offices were connected via a dedicated Frame Relay network, which facilitated the secure transmission of crucial data. However, the company was seeking a more advanced solution that could offer additional flexibility when integrating third-party technologies.

The Solution

Miele implemented Check Point's VPN and firewall solutions to ensure secure communications between offices via the Internet. The company chose Check Point products due to their proven value at other leading companies. In 2004, the Frame Relay network was replaced by Check Point VPN-1 Power, a virtual private network that operates via the Internet. This network is centrally managed by SmartCenter, with network traffic prioritized and optimized by FloodGate-1. Check Point SmartCenter central management tools provide a clear picture when managing advanced security policies throughout Scandinavia from Miele’s Scandinavian IT operations center. The Check Point FloodGate-1 solution is able to prioritize network traffic according to application type.

Operational Impact

Since the installation of Check Point solutions, Miele has experienced significant improvements in its security infrastructure. The company now has a VPN connection from Denmark to its headquarters in Germany, and VPN SecureClient software is installed on all home workstations. The Scandinavian sales offices are each protected by Nokia’s IPSO-based firewalls, which run Check Point security solutions. Miele has also strengthened its entire system, ensuring that its network is secure at all points. Furthermore, Miele's IT security firm, Ezenta, provides support in connection with daily operations and functions as Miele’s collaboration partner, helping to assess security threats and coming up with solution proposals to match Miele’s situation and requirements.

Quantitative Benefit

Check Point VPN solutions resulted in a 25- to 30-percent cost savings on network operations.
Miele gained a central overview of network traffic throughout Scandinavia, making it easier to locate and fix problems.
A VPN tunnel has been established to the ERP supplier now providing secure Internet-based support.