Data#3 networks Asia-Pacific law firm

Brisbane reseller Data#3 has won a deal to design and deploy Cisco networking at law firm Allens Arthur Robinson for 1600 users based around the Asia-Pacific.

Allens Arthur Robinson originally deployed Cisco identity-based networking at its offices in the Chinese city of Shanghai, but was now rolling that out across the Asia-Pacific, including to four Australian offices.

The new Cisco offering was expected to improve staff ability to securely access information, hopefully lifting productivity without compromising network security for the law firm.

Only devices that complied with Allens Arthur Robinson IT security policies would be able to access the law firm’s corporate network post deployment, Cisco said in a statement.

“Identity-based networking provides an integrated authentication and access control solution to help protect Allens Arthur Robinson network from day to day risks inherent in the firm's operations because many staff travel across the region,” the company said.

Robert Thomson, national security manager for Allens Arthur Robinson Asia Pacific, said the legal sector relied heavily on the confidentiality and integrity of IT services.

“Viruses and unauthorised data access can be a huge interruption and we are constantly seeking ways to reduce attacks while making sure that our staff and visitors are able to use the network productively,” he said.

Thomson said Data#3 had been Allens Arthur Robinson’s preferred IT services provider for several years.

“When we needed to look for a security solution to address the business issue, we went straight to Data#3,” he said.

The law firm was embarking on a “self defending” network strategy, to help the network more effectively respond to malware attacks. The company would also pilot Cisco’s Trust Agent, a tool that collected security information from multiple antivirus software clients and delivered it to the network, Thomson said.

Visiting partners and contractors would be able to connect to the LAN without compromising network security.

“For instance, a contractor visiting our office in Singapore and wanting to connect an unauthorised device to the network will now be directed to a guest network. The guest network will enable the contractor to access the internet, and perhaps a printer, without accessing the corporate network,” he said.

Brett Kullman, principal specialist for networking and security with Data#3, said Data#3 was a Cisco Gold Certified Partner with security and IP communications specialisations.

Allens Arthur Robinson boasts 11 offices in eight countries.