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We’re pleased to announce that we have achieved Fortinet’s Cloud Security Specialization as part of the Fortinet Engage Partner Programme. We’re the first Fortinet partner in South Africa to earn this level of recognition and one of the few partners in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region currently holding this particular specialization.
Fortinet’s Cloud Security Specialization is awarded only to those partners who have demonstrated the advanced knowledge and skills required to deploy and manage Fortinet’s range of cloud security solutions effectively.
“We’re thrilled with this achievement, and we’re so proud of our people,” says Donovan Vernes, BUI Service Delivery Manager (Network Operations). “Fortinet has very strict qualifying criteria, from technical expertise and experience to sales alignment, and we met every single benchmark.”
The BUI Network and Security teams are already highly certified, with credentials that span the full breadth of the Fortinet certification path, but Vernes emphasises the significance of our new Cloud Security Specialization. “It’s a validation of our cloud capabilities and an acknowledgement of our commitment to deliver the best possible cybersecurity solutions to our customers.”
Cloud adoption continues to accelerate as customers modernise and transform their operations, notes Vernes. “We’re seeing more and more business organisations with public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud environments in play. These complex systems can be challenging to secure – and even more so when there are diverse technologies involved… That’s why customers need experts they can count on to provide consistent, quality service and support. By earning the Fortinet Cloud Security Specialization, I believe BUI has distinguished itself as a trusted security advisor and guide,” he says.
The cost of cybercrime is predicted to hit $8 trillion this year – and no company is immune to the threat posed by cybercriminals. “Organisations of all sizes, across sectors and industries, are potential targets,” warns Vernes, citing statistics from Fortinet’s recent research.
“According to The 2023 Global Ransomware Report, half of enterprises fell victim to a ransomware attack in the last 12 months, and 46% were targeted by ransomware two or more times,” he says, adding that phishing, access via vulnerable ports, and remote desktop exploits were the most common tactics observed.
“Now, more than ever, enterprises should strive for unified security,” advises Vernes. “By integrating your security tools, technologies and systems, you can gather relevant, actionable data from your business sources and gain deeper insights regarding potential threats. This will allow you to close security gaps, enable faster detection and response, and minimise your attack surface.”
As a Fortinet partner, BUI offers professional consultations, reactive support, and managed services tailored for each customer’s security journey. “Our comprehensive security expertise, our advanced security solutions, and our ability to help customers improve their overall security posture sets us apart,” says Vernes.
Cybersecurity is a critical profession in this digital age, but there aren’t enough professionals to meet the global demand. “The skills shortage is a major concern for customers, who want top talent to protect their business resources,” says Vernes.
“As a Fortinet Select Partner, BUI is required to have top talent… Experienced technologists who have undergone specialised training to address the unique security challenges of hyperconnected workplaces. Customers who choose BUI are choosing a team with deep cloud and security expertise and a track record of success.”
As a Cloud Security Specialization partner, BUI has access to Fortinet’s advanced security solutions, including FortiGate Cloud (for the management and maintenance of Fortinet’s FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls), FortiCASB (Fortinet’s Cloud Access Security Broker for monitoring security risks), and FortiCWP (Fortinet’s Cloud Workload Protection solution).
“There’s a wide range of Fortinet tools available to give customers greater visibility across their cloud infrastructure and greater control over their connected systems,” explains Vernes. “Customers who choose BUI can benefit from single-pane-of-glass cloud management, streamlined network and security operations, and holistic protection with cutting-edge technology.”
To maintain business continuity in a world of evolving cyber threats, organisations must ensure the security of their cloud environments. “A clear understanding of the enterprise security posture is vital,” says Vernes.
“Customers need to know how effective their defences really are so that they can adjust their IT strategies accordingly. We can help them find the right Fortinet products to support their security goals, and ensure that the requisite network, application and platform solutions are correctly integrated and fully optimised,” he concludes.
Looking for a technology partner to enable comprehensive protection for your organisation’s users, devices, applications, and network edges?
Book a consultation with us to explore Fortinet’s cutting-edge security solutions for public, private, hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Ascent Technology and BUI today announced a strategic partnership to help their respective clients create new value with Microsoft Cloud Solutions.
Clients will benefit from the unique combination of BUI’s in-depth and Security Focused Microsoft Azure Consulting practice and Ascent’s deep domain knowledge and extensive portfolio around Microsoft Data Platform Solutions. The two partners are committed to empowering digital transformation at their clients. By selecting Microsoft Azure as the Cloud for this collaboration, both BUI and Ascent’s clients will now have access to an enterprise-grade cloud Infrastructure that benefits from billions of dollars of ongoing investment.
“Together with Ascent, we are providing our clients with the digital technology and cloud platform to allow our clients to extend, migrate and operate their systems in a secure and scalable manor,” – Ryan Roseveare, Managing Director at BUI.
“The partnership announced today, combines Ascent’s portfolio of Database and Business Intelligence (BI), Solutions and Services, together with BUI’s market leading Technology Solutions to the benefit of our joined client base and the broader market,” – Johan Lamberts, Managing Director at Ascent Technology.
Together, Ascent and BUI will accelerate digital solutions that improve clients’ Productivity with Increased Uptime, Disaster Recovery, Database Infrastructure and Data Analysis Solutions. As BUI has standardised its offerings on Microsoft Azure, and expands its leadership in this area both companies will take full advantage of Azure Services to offer clients an end-to-end solution.
BUI and Ascent have a long history of successful collaboration, and have delivered transformational end-to-end solutions across several clients in the past.
About Ascent Technology
Ascent Technology, one of Microsoft’s unique, award-winning and successful partners in the Data Platform Competency, has been delivering value added solutions to its ever-growing outsourced client base since 2003.
Furthermore, Ascent has been particularly successful at creating value for its client base through making sure that new technologies are implemented and unlocked, therefore enabling their clients to react fast and effectively to their ever-changing market conditions.
