Endpoint management and information security to a new level – Kuopion Energia takes full advantage of extensive license .

Kuopion Energia is committed to securing the energy supply of its operating area in all circumstances. ICT solutions serve this goal as well. In anticipation of changes in the IT environment, the company introduced extensive Microsoft 365 E5 licensing and, with it, Enfo’s Streamline Workplace package. This made endpoint management easier, improved information security significantly and enables continuous development in a rapidly changing world.

The extensive E5 license level provides full access to Microsoft 365 features. Enfo has been an important partner for Kuopion Energia in the transition to the new model and has helped with the utilization of these services, says ICT Manager Jami Miettinen from Kuopion Energia. 

“In cloud services, the old rules do not apply and learning the new ones by yourself is not effective. We reviewed the services and functionalities carefully with Enfo and decided what we would implement. We wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities so that the total cost would be less than the sum of the individual parts. With Enfo, we get the best value on the whole.”

Lightweight processes for endpoint management

The new workstation environment is a key part of the Streamline Workplace service combination. With it, both mobile devices and workstations were brought from separate hardware pools to the same system. In the new environment, devices operate in a controlled and secure manner, regardless of location.

The goal was a better end-user experience and this was achieved. “Devices can now be deployed independently without local support or Service Desk. Application distribution is also done in one place”, Miettinen says.

The modern deployment works for all devices without the need to circulate them through an installation center. Steps that slow down the process and cause extra costs have therefore been eliminated. Workstation rotation is also smooth, as devices can be easily reset to their initial settings. This facilitates, among other things, the use of agency-hired labor. In addition, it is now possible to get a better picture of the condition of the devices and upgrade needs.

Effective protection against cyber threats

Kuopion Energia provides services critical to the functioning of society, which is why it is particularly important for the company to protect itself against cyber threats. The authorities also have strict requirements for information security in the industry. 

“New tools enable better preparation for hidden threats”, says Enfo’s Senior Consultant Matti Mikkonen. “For example, cloud information security components can evaluate risks through machine learning and automatically prevent security breaches. Anticipation improved and solutions were built so that any new vulnerabilities can be easily addressed as well.” 

Information security was not revised at the expense of end users; instead, working was even made easier. 

“We use multi-step authentication, but the checks are carried out in the background and are not really visible to the user. The verification process can be kept lighter on our own intranet and on trusted devices”, Miettinen from Kuopion Energia describes. 

Information security is also highlighted due to collaboration with an extensive network of partners, sometimes with shared resources. “We have established information security requirements for the partner network and monitor that collaboration works seamlessly in accordance with the terms set. Specification does not need to be carried out separately for each supplier.”

Aid from rapid response

The deployment of the service combination included a lot of new things, and there were also some hiccups along the way. However, solutions were found to all the challenges. “Enfo did the groundwork and investigations well and communicated things so that we understood what we were doing. The costs and schedule were kept under control and the end result is in line with the goals – we can be nothing but satisfied”, Miettinen commends. 

Streamline Workplace is now in production use, but the development work is continuing. Enfo ensures that Kuopion Energia constantly has a good and up-to-date view of what new opportunities are available.

“The idea of a static IT environment is a thing of the past: continuous development is required to be able to pick the features that are useful to you from cloud services. It must be accepted that things are always slightly on the move“, Miettinen sums up. 

Kuopion Energia is a versatile and modern energy services provider. The company provides its customers with competitive and reliable energy services while simultaneously taking responsibility for the environment and its employees. 
 

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