The Kelly Group implements Microsoft security solution from Faritec

The Kelly Group has implemented a Microsoft security solution from JSE-listed IT solutions and services company Faritec to provide greater protection and control over the security of its network infrastructure.

As the parent company of a group of businesses engaged in the provision of comprehensive employment services and outsource solutions, the Kelly Group's activities include outsourcing, recruitment, skills development and consulting services as well as financial and payroll solutions.

The solution implemented by Faritec for the Kelly Group includes Microsoft Forefront Client Security, Microsoft Forefront Server Security and the Microsoft Forefront Server Security Management Console.

Faritec is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and has created a Microsoft security centre of excellence providing professional services, creating security roadmaps and blueprints, and managing software licensing requirements by leveraging the available technology in Microsoft Forefront and System Centre.

Russel Thomas, Solutions Division Manager of the Kelly Group, says: “Already, the implementation is delivering a number of benefits to the Kelly Group, including savings on time and cost, smoother patch management, an integrated platform and feature-rich reporting.”

For example, administration and reporting has been centralised, freeing up the Kelly Group's Exchange and Sharepoint administrators to focus on more important tasks. System performance has also improved, as the anti-virus solution does not cause any slowdowns. Also, anti-virus and patch management can be done simultaneously in a matter of minutes.

Furthermore, Faritec integrated Microsoft Forefront Client Security into the Kelly Group's existing Microsoft-based environment to create a more secure desktop environment. This means that the Kelly Group no longer has to invest resources to manage a heterogeneous security system - instead, it can take advantage of a predictable and easy-to-use environment that provides security on the network, the server, PCs and wireless devices.

In addition, the feature-rich and purpose-designed reporting helps the Kelly Group identify and manage problems and view the health of its environment. Consequently, the Kelly Group is now able to see a high-level view of the security posture of its environment and drill down into reports to get the information needed to resolve security problems on the network.

David McMurdo, Business Unit Manager of Faritec's Microsoft Division, says: “As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Faritec is ideally positioned to meet the Kelly Group's particular needs. We have used our in-depth experience to add value to the implementation by addressing the challenges of widespread connectivity, evolving threats, fragmented solutions and operational difficulties. This has been achieved by providing the Kelly Group with a properly constituted security solution which is comprehensive, integrated, and simplified.”