How Scalair supported the network modernization of the Osartis-Marquion Community of Municipalities
The Osartis-Marquion Community of Municipalities (49 municipalities, 45,000 inhabitants) has embarked on a strategic project:replacing its MPLS with a secure SASE solution that is easier to administer.
To carry out this network transformation, the local authority chose to rely onScalair, an expert in cybersecurity and Cato Networks integrator.
MPLS no longer suited to today's challenges
Like many local authorities, the infrastructure was based on an MPLS network.
However, several limitations hindered progress:
- Administrative complexity
- Operator dependency
- Lack of visibility on flows
- Risks in the event of a network incident
Jonathan Jasniak, Information Systems Manager, explains:
"We must ensure continuity of public service. At the Aquatis pool, for example, we have card readers and turnstiles. When there is a network issue, it's very complicated."
A network and cybersecurity audit confirmed the need to review the existing architecture, particularly the hardening of the network.
Why switch from MPLS to SASE rather than SD-WAN?
An SD-WAN solution was initially considered.
However, given the growing cybersecurity challenges in the public sector, Scalair recommended a more comprehensive approach: SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).
Objectives:
- Converging network and security
- Centralize administration
- Securing remote access
- Gain visibility
The choice of Cato Networks
The solution chosen is Cato Networks, a leader and pioneer in the SASE model.
What convinced the community:
- A cloud-native solution
- A single console
- Unified WAN + Firewall + Security
- Complete visibility of users, including those working remotely
Jonathan Jasniak emphasizes:
"Everything is in a single, unified interface. It includes WAN, firewall, user security, and more. It's very easy to use."
Market analysts' recognition of Cato Networks also reinforced this strategic choice.
Scalair support: a key factor for success
Scalair was involved at every stage:
- Audit and scoping: Analysis of the existing MPLS environment and definition of a target architecture adapted to the constraints of a local authority.
- POC (Proof of Concept): Full-scale test to validate feasibility and anticipate impacts.
- Gradual deployment: Migration site by site to avoid any service interruption.
"We took it step by step, site by site, so as not to impact users."
The project will take place over the course of nearly a year, ensuring a controlled transition.
User adoption: a seamless transition
The main challenge concerned the deployment of the SDP (Software Defined Perimeter).
This involved a change in the authentication method, but the impact remained minimal:
"For users, nothing changes. It's just another authentication method."
The benefits of migrating from MPLS to SASE
Today, the community benefits from:
- A significant strengthening of cybersecurity
- With a modernized network architecture
- From a centralized administration console
- Complete visibility of flows
- Time savings for the IT department
Jonathan Jasniak concludes:
"Excellent support, both commercial and technical. I didn't expect it to be so easy to use."
To view video testimonials from the Osartis-Marquion Community of Municipalities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdKayUUXrHs
Are you considering migrating from MPLS to SASE?
Local authorities are now prime targets for cyberattacks.
Replacing MPLS with a cloud-native SASE solution combines performance, security, and simplification.
👉 Contact the experts at Scalair to discuss your MPLS to SASE migration project.
