#Norway #Oslo #Cato Networks #SASE Cloud #Elkjøp

Elkjøp's Transformation with Cato SASE Cloud Platform

Elkjøp, recognized as the largest electronics retailer in the Nordic countries, has recently made a pivotal shift in its IT infrastructure by integrating the Cato SASE Cloud Platform. This move comes in anticipation of their busiest retail period marked by Black Friday. The adoption of this cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the security and connectivity among its 420 stores and 10,000 employees across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

Simplifying Pre-Season Preparations

Prior to the rollout of the Cato platform, Elkjøp faced daunting challenges with its traditional IT systems, which included a multitude of security appliances that needed management from various vendors. The company’s Infrastructure Manager, Reno Dokken, expressed satisfaction with the new system, noting a marked decrease in the complexity surrounding pre-season readiness. "With the Cato SASE Cloud Platform, we eliminated the need for half of our pre-season readiness checks and removed emergency IT trips to store locations. This allowed us more time to focus on our broader IT strategy," he stated.

Breaking Free from Legacy Limitations

Elkjøp's journey towards modernization began six years ago with an effort to upgrade its point-of-sale systems to a cloud infrastructure. This transition was hampered by their outdated MPLS network and a fragmented security setup which made implementing necessary security policies laborious. With the partnership of Cato Networks, Elkjøp not only overcame these legacy obstacles but also unlocked an array of benefits:

• - Improved Agility: The company was able to onboard over 420 stores onto the Cato platform in a matter of months, thanks to automated provisioning and centralized management. Previously, a simple network change could take up to six weeks, while now it takes just seconds.
• - Enhanced Security: By merging networking and security functions into a singular cloud environment, Elkjøp successfully replaced over 860 firewalls, proxy servers, and various services, leading to streamlined operations and improved visibility and protection through advanced features like TLS Inspection and Intrusion Prevention Systems.
• - Boost in Productivity: The new system allows for a seamless and secure experience for remote workers, with feedback from developers highlighting that "it just works smoothly" with Cato.

Resilience During Peak Retail Season

During its first holiday season fully utilizing the Cato platform, Elkjøp experienced significant improvements in operational effectiveness. The automated failover capabilities of Cato ensured that all stores maintained uninterrupted services, alleviating the need for costly on-call vendor coordination and emergency travel to stores. "With Cato, I felt at ease during the peak season, allowing me to focus on strategic initiatives instead of operational crises," Dokken remarked.

In conclusion, the strategic partnership between Elkjøp and Cato Networks has been a game-changer not only for Black Friday but for the company's overall IT framework. Elkjøp's commitment to modern technology reflects an industry trend where retail giants are increasingly recognizing the importance of adaptive, scalable, and secure infrastructures. As Elkjøp continues to thrive in a competitive market, its use of innovative solutions like the Cato SASE Cloud Platform positions it as a forward-thinking leader in retail technology.

For more insights into how Elkjøp improved its operations, check out the case study from Cato Networks.

About Cato Networks

Cato Networks is renowned for revolutionizing enterprise security and networking through its unique cloud platform. As a leader in SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), Cato provides a streamlined approach that enhances threat prevention, data protection, and rapid response to incidents, enabling organizations to replace outdated infrastructures with more flexible and effective solutions. For additional details, visit Cato Networks' website.