The fully managed end-to-end solution is powered by Palo Alto Networks to help companies maintain data security and network performance across all their locations, applications and users
Hong Kong, 18 Sep 2023 – HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a leading ICT service provider based in Hong Kong, today announce that it is launching a one-stop secure access service edge (SASE) managed service for enterprises operating across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The fully managed end-to-end solution is powered by Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE solution. Together with HGC’s cross-border network serving as the software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) backbone, the solution will help companies maintain data security and network performance across all their locations, applications and users in the GBA.
The GBA comprises the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, and the nine municipalities of Dongguan, Foshan, Huizhou, Guangzhou, Jiangmen, Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai in Guangdong Province. Enterprises operating in the GBA tend to have highly mobile users that rely on a variety of digital devices and virtual communication and collaboration tools as they work across borders to seize business opportunities. However, these hybrid working models, combined with the shift to the cloud and more complex networking architectures, make enterprises increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The one-stop SASE managed service is a unique solutions package designed to overcome these challenges and support secure digital transformation. It integrates HGC’s high-performance cross-border SD-WAN network (powered by Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN) and proven network and security management capabilities with the expertise of Palo Alto Networks as the world leader in single-vendor SASE.
The new service offering utilises HGC’s cross-border network as its SD-WAN backbone and leverages HGC’s Security Operations Centre (SOC) to monitor both the SASE cloud and customers’ devices in on-premise data centres, branch offices, and their virtual appliances in the cloud. This provides improved security, optimal stability, simplified management and scalability, better observability and reduced costs for the hybrid environment.
HGC provides direct links to the mainland via five fibre-optic cable systems from Hong Kong with three local offices in the GBA, including a GBA headquarters and Digital Service Operations Centre (DSOC) in Guangzhou. Staffed by a team of over 200, HGC provides 24×7 monitoring, management and support to help enterprises capture opportunities through innovative solutions and digital technology. HGC has proven quality of cybersecurity solution deployment experience and best practice across Hong Kong and GBA. Under the partnership with Palo Alto Networks, will also launch the first HGC & Palo Alto Networks Centre of Excellence (CoE) for the new cross-border SASE managed service in this quarter.
Alvin Wong, Chief Operating Officer – ICT Business, Solutions and Product, HGC Global Communications, said, “It is never easy for companies to navigate the complexities of mainland China’s internet and cybersecurity landscape, especially across borders where network performance and scalability and regulatory compliance could become the pain points. With HGC’s high-quality cross-border network and local resources, coupled with the localised SASE platforms provided by Palo Alto Networks on the mainland and overseas, customers across GBA will have access to the very best integrated networking and security managed services.”
Wickie Fung, Managing Director, Hong Kong & Greater Bay Area, Palo Alto Networks, said, “Cyberattacks are borderless. Enterprises operating across borders and in the GBA need a comprehensive approach to safeguard their networks while enabling employee productivity and cloud adoption across borders. By integrating our SASE solution with HGC’s network and management capabilities, enterprises can benefit from enhanced security, connectivity, ease of use and more.”
Palo Alto Networks has been named as – a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Single-Vendor SASE (August 2023)[1]. Its solution Prisma SASE is the industry’s most complete SASE solution, converging security, SD-WAN, and Autonomous Digital Experience Management into a single cloud-delivered service. The solution provides best-in-class security for hybrid workforces and automates branch management to reduce complexity and cost and achieve better security outcomes and an exceptional user experience.
[1] GARTNER and MAGIC QUADRANT are registered of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
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