AFP builds private and secure network using Nokia security solutions to link community pharmacies nationally
The Association of Finnish Pharmacies (AFP) has chosen Nokia IP network security appliances running Check Point Software Technologies' (NASDAQ: CHKP) market-leading VPN-1Ò-FireWall-1Ò Internet security software to provide secure access for pharmacies across Finland to AFP's professional and e-prescription management services.
The AFP and its member pharmacies require secure and reliable broadband connections to deliver e-prescriptions and other network services, as well as access to an extensive extranet for pharmacy staff.
"An important professional organisation as the AFP relying on Nokia technology to protect its data, is a clear endorsement for our products," says Ernie Jones, Nokia Internet Communications vice president of sales, Europe, Middle East & Africa. "We look forward to helping them build a growing and secure network."
The AFP chose Nokia as for its ease of use and return on investment. AFP also factored in the cost-efficiency of networking via the Internet in Finland over operator-based networking.
The installation consists of hundreds of Nokia IP120 network security appliances across individual pharmacies, which are used to secure mission-critical data passing over a national Virtual Private Network (VPN) set up by the AFP. In addition, the national network is controlled and protected by two powerful mid-range Nokia IP530 network security appliances, located at the AFP's national headquarters.
Pharmacies are connected via the Internet, with the total network reach currently consisting of between 600 and 800 nodes. The two main central network nodes are connected via duplicated 2Mbps lines to form the organisation's central backbone architecture.
"The organisation's main technical requirements were remote administration and maintenance, strong encryption, and a good price/quality ratio," says Toni Christiansen, Technical Head, AFP. "We knew Nokia would deliver."
"We also wanted to use a hardware-based system because it is easy and transparent to integrate with the existing heterogeneous pharmacy systems," continued Christiansen. "With the Nokia solution we can set up secure IPSEC VPN connections between pharmacies combined with easy remote administration from our end of the network to save on costs. The pharmacies have also reported significant ease of use benefits."
The installation of network security appliances at individual pharmacies is on-going, with the installation process outsourced to solutions provider Eterra Systems, a leading Finnish IT services company operating across Scandinavia and the Baltic region.
About AFP
The Association of Finnish Pharmacies (AFP) is a professional organisation that looks after the interests of community pharmacies and their owners. The AFP develops professional pharmacy services as part of health care and serves community pharmacies in respect of professional matters as well as matters relating to training, communication and safeguarding the interests of community pharmacies.
The AFP also supports an impressive portfolio of professional and consumer publications, and is one of the leading medical publishers in Finland. The AFP was established in 1897 and has almost 600 members.
About Eterra
Eterra designs, builds and operates innovative information and communication business solutions for organisations in the Nordic region. The most advanced technology is utilised in customer-tailored solutions.
Eterra offers ICT services, customer solutions and infrastructure deliveries, ICT services cover both centralised services such as help desk, call centre, remote management and ASP/Hosting services and on-site services, such as support and specialist services. Customer solutions include contact centre solutions, customer affairs solutions, technology integration, consulting and project management, infrastructure deliveries consist of ADP device and technology sales.
Eterra's nationwide sales and service organisation complying with standard operations models enables flexible and diversified resource management, effective processes and customer service of high quality. In Finland, Eterra have 260 employees, Eterra's offices are located in metropolitan area, Turku, Lahti, Tampere, Jyväskylä, Iisalmi, and Oulu.
About Nokia Internet Communications
Nokia Internet Communications, headquartered in Mountain View, California, provides world-class Network Security, Virtual Private Network and Internet Traffic and Content Management solutions that ensure the security and reliability of corporate enterprise and managed service provider networks. Nokia is committed to enhancing the end user experience by bringing a new level of security and reliability to the network, enabling an Internet transaction that is personal and trusted-each and every time.
Nokia Internet security and virtual private network appliances span the spectrum of price/performance points, and secure the widest range of network environments-from the smallest branch office to the largest Internet data center. The expansive product line, backed by world-class global support and services, provides customers the ability to deploy multiple solutions from a single product to secure all elements of a distributed enterprise. For more information, please visit www.nokia.com and click on Secure Network Solutions.
About Nokia
Nokia is the leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet, Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is one of the most broadly held companies in the world, with listings on six major exchanges.
For more information (Media and Industry Analysts only please):
Nokia Internet Communications:
Americas
Amy Grenier, Interactive Public Relations for Nokia Internet Communications
Tel. + 1 415 391 1106 x227
amy@ipri.com
EMEA
Claire Backhurst
Tel. +44 7788 145 460
claire.backhurst@nokia.com
APAC
Azwar Ghazali
Ogilvy
azwar.ghazali@ogilvy.com
www.nokia.com
AFP
Toni Christiansen
Tel: +358 9 228 711
E-mail: toni.Christiansen@salnet.fi
Eterra
Jari Hakola and Dimitri Doukas
Tel : +358 20 543 21
Email : jari.hakola@eterra.fi and dimitrios.doukas@eterra.fi
www.eterra.fi