CASE STUDY
Ossama El Samadoni , General Manager ,
GBM Dubai
Advanced URL Filtering : Enables safe access to the internet with the industry ’ s first real-time prevention of known and unknown websites .
DNS Security : Provides 40 % more DNS-attack coverage and disrupts 80 % of attacks that use DNS for command and control and data theft , without requiring any changes to infrastructure .
GBM ’ s high touch
Over the last 12 – 18 months , regional enterprises have experienced a significant shift in pain points and expectations , particularly in areas such as AI , Generative AI , large language models , data management , and workforce skills . The rapid integration of AI and Generative AI technologies has created an urgent need for scalable , secure , and efficient data infrastructures to support these innovations .
Technological progress has amplified challenges , including the complexities of managing vast amounts of data and addressing critical skill gaps within the workforce . Simultaneously , economic uncertainties and macroenvironmental pressures are driving organisations to find a balance between cost optimisation and sustained innovation .
In response , GBM is proactively addressing these evolving needs through comprehensive and tailored solutions . The company offers advanced platforms that simplify data integration , ensure governance , and enable real-time analytics , helping organisations unlock the transformative power of their data .
GBM is equipping enterprises to explore and implement LLMs and Generative AI by delivering secure , scalable infrastructure alongside expert advisory services for successful deployment . by combining its expertise in sustainability and cost-efficient technology solutions , GBM supports enterprises in navigating economic challenges while staying competitive and innovative .
GBM ’ s approach is rooted in an understanding of both regional and international environments . Comprehending local laws , compliance , and data sovereignty regulations helps GBM to consult and guide organisations in optimising cybersecurity maturity , ensuring continuous protection in an everevolving threat landscape .
Future ready
While the initial requirement of this project focused on replacing outdated legacy firewalls with Palo Alto ’ s NGFW , it also sets the stage for the adoption of futureoriented technologies like SD-WAN and Secure Access Service Edge , SASE . The deployment is designed as a pilot for consolidating SD-WAN into the same security framework , with the goal of streamlining the network architecture across GEMS schools .
By integrating SD-WAN , the solution will enable more efficient and secure connectivity between multiple campuses , improving application performance and enhancing network resilience .
“ This project further strengthens our defences against evolving cyber threats and aims to improve performance and establish a foundation for future innovations . By integrating advanced technologies , GEMS Education is building a resilient , scalable , and future-ready digital infrastructure that ensures secure connectivity and enhances the learning experience for students and educators ,” said Jason Fernandes , Vice President , Head of Tech Infra and Ops , GEMS Education .
To bridge the skills gap , GBM provides continuous training programmes and managed services , helping clients mitigate talent shortages . Furthermore ,
GBM PROVIDES CONTINUOUS TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND MANAGED SERVICES , HELPING CLIENTS MITIGATE TALENT SHORTAGES .
This move is also aligned with the transition towards a SASE architecture . As GEMS continues to expand its digital infrastructure , SASE offers a unified solution that combines wide-area networking capabilities with comprehensive security features , such as Zero Trust Network Access , and cloud-delivered security services .
This could help pave the way for a broader rollout of SASE and Security Service Edge across the GEMS network , ensuring a future-proof approach to securing cloud environments and remote learning platforms .
The long-term vision for this project is to create a scalable , flexible network security infrastructure that supports digital transformation and enhances security while simplifying management and reducing operational costs . p
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