Channel Futures MSP 501 – Trustack 2024 Winner
Trustack Celebrates Inclusion in 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 News Publish Date: Trustack Ltd has achieved a significant milestone by being named among the world’s best-managed service providers in the prestigious 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 list. This accolade places Trustack in an elite group in the MSP industry, among other innovative and influential companies that deliver top-tier managed services to a demanding global market. Global Technology Industry Recognises Trustack as a Top Managed Service Provider A Prestigious Honour The Channel Futures MSP 501 list is one of the most respected rankings in the global technology industry, celebrating organisations that demonstrate excellence in managed services. Companies on this list are recognised for their innovative approaches, technical expertise, growth-oriented business models, and strategic partnerships with leading vendors and tech suppliers. Trustack’s inclusion in this list, at the top of the market, underscores our commitment to providing elite cybersecurity and IT services. It marks a proud moment in the company’s history. Trustack’s Impressive Ranking Trustack is honoured to be ranked at position 362 on the 2024 MSP 501 list. This achievement is a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence in the managed service provider sector. As market leaders, Trustack’s ranking is based on comprehensive metrics and performance data, which offers a clear insight into the unique strengths that set the company apart in the industry. Read our Linkedin post A Legacy of Excellence For over 17 years, Trustack has been at the forefront of technological innovation, consistently delivering high-quality services to its clients. Since 2019, the company has committed itself to excellence, building a reputation for depth of expertise and experience. Trustack’s strength lies in its ability to nurture and enhance its clients through trusted, expert advice and support. As well as provide a range of best-in-class vendor partnerships in our service model. Looking Forward As a recognised leader in the field, Trustack continues to set the standard for managed service providers worldwide. This recognition by Channel Futures not only highlights Trustack’s efforts but also motivates the company to continue striving beyond the boundaries of current service offerings in the technology sector. Our managed security services offer a wide range of technological solutions to meet different business goals. The team at Trustack expresses its gratitude to Channel Futures for this recognition. A special mention to our dedicated staff, long-standing clients, and partners who allow us to go above and Beyond. Trustack looks forward to continuing its mission of providing unparalleled managed services and maintaining its position as a trusted leader in the global technology industry. For more information about Trustack and its services, view our stack. About Trustack: Trustack Ltd is a leading provider of cybersecurity and IT services, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to meet the needs of a diverse global clientele. With over 17 years of experience, Trustack combines technical expertise with a commitment to excellence, making it a trusted partner in the technology industry. About Channel Futures MSP 501: The Channel Futures MSP 501 list is an annual ranking of the most distinguished managed service providers worldwide. Companies are evaluated based on metrics such as growth, technical proficiency, and strategic partnerships, making it a benchmark of excellence in the managed services industry. Get your business on the front foot Share the article to your socials About the Authors Connect on Linkedin Spotlighted Articles See all insights
Trustack’s experience at Housing 2024
Trustack’s experience at Housing 2024: Cybersecurity in the Housing Sector Article Publish Date: Housing 2024 draws some of the brightest minds and leading companies in the housing industry, which saw an impressive turnout this year. Trustack participated as an elite cybersecurity provider, renowned for our cutting-edge solutions and robust protection services. Our team was thrilled to be part of this vibrant event, where we had the opportunity to connect with over 80 prospective clients on the first day alone, highlighting the growing recognition of cybersecurity’s critical role in the housing sector. Cyber Security in the Housing Sector When it comes to cyber security risks in the UK, the social housing sector may not be the first thing that comes to mind for many people. However, with around 2.4 million homes in their portfolio, the 1,600 housing associations in the UK have a significant responsibility to provide shelter for many families and individuals across the country. As part of their crucial role in society, they manage a large amount of personal data digitally, which they are required to protect under the Data Protection Act 2018. This information is private and confidential to their clients, who rely on them to safeguard it as much as they rely on them to offer secure and affordable housing options. This is where Trustack aims to meet the needs of the housing sector by providing elite cyber security. As one of our four main operational sectors, Trustack has a strong understanding of the needs in the sector and how to meet them. An example of how we apply our expertise: A case study where we strengthened security and safeguarded data for a leading UK Manufacturer. At a glance – Housing 2024 Trustack’s impact on the housing sector at a glance. Elite Cyber Security: Cybersecurity Solutions Unifying Communications Infrastructure Services Cloud and Hosting Disaster Recovery Ensuring Connectivity View our stack Leading-Edge Cybersecurity Solutions Cybersecurity is at the core of Trustack’s mission, and the housing sector increasingly recognises the need for advanced protection. Our discussions at the expo emphasised the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, such as continuous threat monitoring, incident response planning, and regular security audits. Attendees were interested in our multi-layered defence strategies, which combine the latest in artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and neutralise threats before they can cause harm. Unifying Communications for Seamless Operations One of the key benefits Trustack brings to the housing sector is our expertise in unified communications. Our solutions ensure secure, streamlined interactions in an industry where effective communication between property managers, tenants, and service providers is essential. We highlighted how our unified communications platform enhances operational efficiency and fortifies these communications against potential cyber threats. Clients were particularly impressed with our real-time monitoring and encryption features, which protect sensitive information from unauthorised access. Robust Infrastructure Services Infrastructure is the backbone of any housing operation, and Trustack’s infrastructure services are designed to keep this backbone strong and secure. We do this by providing infrastructure as a service (IaaS). We shared our comprehensive infrastructure solutions, including secure network architecture, advanced firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. These services ensure that housing providers can maintain resilient, high-performance networks capable of supporting home technologies without compromising security. Cloud and Hosting Services for Modern Housing The shift towards cloud-based solutions is transforming the housing industry, and Trustack is at the forefront of this transformation. This shift highlights the need for cloud security as well as strong cloud infrastructure. Our cloud and hosting services offer scalable, secure solutions for managing housing data and applications. This is essential as our cloud solutions offer housing providers the ability to expand and modify their IT framework to meet their individual needs while also ensuring data security and compliance with regulatory standards. Disaster Management & Recovery In a time where cyber-attacks can disrupt operations at any moment, having a strong disaster management plan is crucial. Trustack’s disaster management solutions ensure that housing providers can quickly recover from any incident with minimal downtime. Our team at the expo shared insights into our comprehensive disaster recovery plans, which include data backup, failover systems, and rapid response protocols. These solutions were well-received by clients who understand the value of preparedness in maintaining business continuation and protecting sensitive data. Ensuring Reliable Connectivity Reliable connectivity is essential for the modern housing sector, enabling everything from smart home technologies to tenant communications. Trustack provides connectivity solutions that ensure fast, secure, and reliable internet access across housing properties. We do so by securing Wi-Fi networks, and VPNs for remote management, and providing high-speed internet access for all users. Our connectivity solutions are designed to support the growing demand for smart, connected living environments. Our experience at the 2024 Housing Expo Our experience at Housing 2024 was incredibly rewarding, offering a unique platform to engage with industry leaders and highlighting how Trustack’s wide range of cybersecurity solutions can transform the housing sector. The warm responses from participants underscored the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in this rapidly evolving industry. Trustack remains committed to partnering with housing providers to ensure that their operations are not only efficient and innovative but also secure against the growing landscape of cyber threats. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building strong, secure futures for housing providers and their communities. Together, we can create a housing sector that is as safe as it is smart. Get your business on the front foot Share the article to your socials
Mitigating phishing attacks for an architecture practice
CASE STUDY Mitigating phishing attacks for an architecture practice All information is factual but organisational identities have been removed due to client confidentiality Challenges faced A prominent architectural practice sought to strengthen its security posture and address the challenges it faced in terms of phishing attacks and data log monitoring. The company has a workforce of over 350 users and operates across seven active locations, with the growing concern for security and the desire to expand its IT department with security consultants, the company looked to their security led partner Trustack for a solution. The primary need of the architecture company was to strengthen its security posture. With an increasing number of phishing emails and no existing solution in place to monitor data logs, the company recognised the urgency to enhance its security measures. Additionally, the company aimed to improve its overall security awareness and protect its sensitive data from potential threats. Several challenges were faced that prompted its decision to engage with Trustack. Firstly, there was a high volume of phishing emails targeting the company’s employees, posing a significant security risk. Secondly, the company lacked a robust system to monitor data logs, leaving them vulnerable to potential breaches. Lastly, the company desired to expand its IT department with security consultants to ensure a more comprehensive security strategy. Challenges Constant phishing attacks Data log monitoring Staff security awareness Benefits Elevated security posture 24/7 monitoring of data logs Regular staff security awareness training Solution Trustack proposed a tailored solution to address the architecture company’s security concerns. The initial solution stack included email security, anti-virus and cloud application security, along with Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed Risk services. The involvement of key stakeholders ensured a comprehensive decision-making process. These individuals collaborated closely with Trustack to identify the most appropriate security solutions for the architecture company. Benefits and outcomes By implementing the recommended solutions, the architecture company achieved significant improvements in its security posture. The integration of email security, anti-virus and cloud application security enhanced the company’s overall security infrastructure, providing advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities. Additionally, the adoption of Arctic Wolf MDR and Managed Risk services ensured 24/7 monitoring of data logs, promptly identifying and mitigating potential security incidents. The architecture company now enjoys a heightened level of security awareness, with a robust system in place to combat phishing attacks. The collaboration with Trustack has not only strengthened the company’s security framework but also empowered its IT department with the necessary expertise to address future security challenges effectively. Through Trustack’s guidance and expertise, the architecture company successfully improved its security posture and mitigated the risks associated with phishing attacks and data log monitoring. The implemented solutions provided a comprehensive approach to security, safeguarding the company’s sensitive data and ensuring a secure working environment for its employees. With a more robust security foundation in place, the architecture company can confidently pursue its business objectives while minimising potential security threats. “I see no reason why we wouldn’t use Trustack going forward for a long time. It’s great to know that we have that pool of knowledge there that we can kind of tap into and they’ll work their hardest to get us the right solution.” Prominent Architecture Practice Get your business on the front foot
Non-profit social housing provider – 24/7 threat visibility
CASE STUDY Non-profit social housing provider has peace of mind with 24/7 threat visibility All information is factual but organisational identities have been removed due to client confidentiality Challenges faced With limited IT resources and the increasing threat landscape, a non-profit social housing provider recognised the need for external support to ensure the safety of their critical data. By working with long term, security focused partner Trustack and leveraging Arctic Wolf’s expertise and comprehensive tech stack, they aimed to enhance their security posture and achieve peace of mind. Like many social housing associations, the non-profit social housing provider became a prime target for cybercriminals due to the valuable personally identifiable information (PII) they possessed. With names, addresses, dates of birth, and bank details of both colleagues and customers at stake they understood the urgency to improve their security measures. They struggled to stay ahead of new threats, lacked a formalised system and process, and faced difficulties in adequately training their colleagues on cybersecurity risks. Challenges Internal resource constraints Employees at risk of constant phishing attempts Dissatisfaction of current security posture Benefits Easily mitigate threats and create a proactive strategy Regular employee security awareness Dedicated Concierge Security team for 24×7 monitoring Solution As a security led partner with integral knowledge of the social housing provider’s infrastructure, Trustack understood that moving away from a point solution to a full platform would elevate their security posture. This in turn with the partnership with Arctic Wolf proved to be a strategic move. While considering various options, the key factor that set Arctic Wolf apart was the human element as they required dedicated support that other solutions did not offer. Arctic Wolf’s dedicated Cybersecurity Specialist Team (CST) became an invaluable resource, providing expertise, answering questions, alerting to threats, and assisting in developing roadmaps and security plans. This human-led support became a crucial decision factor for them. They leveraged Arctic Wolf’s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed Risk services to continuously monitor the network for potential threats and vulnerabilities. MDR scanned the network 24×7, using machine learning and broad visibility to detect unusual behaviour and possible incidents. Managed Risk enabled identification, assessment, and the securing of their digital environment and attack surface. With these tools, they gained peace of mind knowing that their system had constant surveillance and could proactively respond to emerging threats. To bolster staff knowledge, they implemented Arctic Wolf’s Managed Security Awareness program, which utilised microlearning to provide relevant and easy to understand lessons on cybersecurity. This initiative resulted in a significant reduction in the number of colleagues clicking on phishing emails. By increasing security awareness among their staff, colleagues were held accountable for maintaining a secure environment. Benefits and outcomes By partnering with Trustack and Arctic Wolf, the non-profit social housing provider successfully addressed their cybersecurity challenges and improved their security posture. The human-led external support, combined with the comprehensive tech stack, enabled them to proactively mitigate risks, detect threats, and enhance their security awareness. The seamless partnership provided peace of mind and confidence in the ability to protect their critical data. “Everything is always evolving, so we must evolve and be ready for what’s next.” Non-Profit Social Housing Provider Get your business on the front foot
Strengthening Security & Data for Leading UK Manufacturer
CASE STUDY Strengthening Security & Data for Leading UK Manufacturer All information is factual but organisational identities have been removed due to client confidentiality Challenges faced The UK manufacturer, a prominent player in the industry with 250 users across its head office and two factory locations, has been operating successfully for a considerable period. Their expertise lies in delivering construction projects across various sectors. With their size and reputation, they hold a significant position within the industry. They recognised the need to enhance its security posture, protect internal property, and address concerns about data leakage. They were particularly concerned about the potential consequences of data leaving the company and sought a comprehensive solution to address these challenges. This led them to engage with Trustack to provide specialist IT support for manufacturing to find a unique solution that would mitigate security risks and support their business objectives. The company faced several challenges that prompted their collaboration with Trustack. Firstly, they aspired to differentiate themselves in the market by offering a unique solution while safeguarding their sensitive data. Secondly, security concerns were paramount, and the company lacked a robust system for continuous log monitoring. Additionally, they wanted to expand their IT department with security consultants to ensure a proactive security strategy Challenges Data log monitoring Limited internal IT resource Benefits 24/7 monitoring of data logs Multi Layered Security Solutions Trustack advised the manufacturing company to implement multiple solutions, tailored to their specific needs. The initial solution stackincluded Antivirus with Extended Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Managed Risk (MR),conditional access Multifactor Authentication, and backup for Office 365. The integration of Arctic Wolf MDR and MR services provided 24/7 monitoring capabilities and the ability to isolate compromises. Numerous key stakeholders were involved in the decision-making process. Benefits & outcomes Through Trustack’s expertise, the construction company successfully strengthened its security posture and mitigated the risks associatedwith data leakage. The implemented solutions provided continuous monitoring, enhanced authentication measures, and ensured robust data backup. The customer’s evolving understanding of the importance of comprehensive security measures has led them to continue investing in their roadmap, aligning with their existing solutions to create a layered security approach. Testimonial “On the various projects that we have used Trustack for, they have always been excellent and on-hand whenever we needed them. Their support has been outstanding which takes the worry away if anything should go wrong. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Trustack for future projects.” Leading Manufacturer Get your business on the front foot Share the article to your socials About the Authors Connect on Linkedin
Leading Commercial Law Firm now has threat visibility
CASE STUDY Leading Commercial Law Firm now has threat visibility All information is factual but organisational identities have been removed due to client confidentiality Challenges faced A leading commercial law firm recognised the need to enhance its cybersecurity measures in the face of an ever-growing threat landscape. Having partnered with trusted Managed Service Provider Trustack for over 10 years, they worked together to implement Arctic Wolf as part of their security operations centre (SOC) solution. The leading commercial law firm understood the escalating security threats and the need for robust measures to protect their sensitive data. Initially, they contemplated expanding their in-house IT team to bolster their security expertise. However, they realised the limitations of relying solely on internal resources so they sought a trusted partner who could provide an extra layer of security and act as an extension of their team. Their aim was to consolidate and analyse telemetry data from various sources, including firewalls, Office 365, and MIMECAST. They needed a solution that could efficiently process vast amounts of data and identify meaningful patterns to ensure proactive threat detection. Challenges Escalating Security Threats Limited Inhouse Security Expertise Protecting Multiple Data End-Points Benefits Multi-Layered Security Real-Time Threat Visibility Tailored Incident Response Playbook 24/7 Named Security Concierge Solutions After extensive evaluation, together with Trustack, the leading commercial law firm chose Arctic Wolf as their SOC solution. Arctic Wolf’s capabilities aligned perfectly with their requirements. The solution offered advanced threat detection by leveraging intelligent analytics and machine learning algorithms to identify potential threats in real-time. By consolidating and analysing data from multiple sources, Arctic Wolf provided a comprehensive view of the law firm’s security posture. This allowed them to identify vulnerabilities and implement proactive measures to mitigate risks effectively. The collaboration with Trustack ensured seamless integration and customisation of Arctic Wolf to meet the law firm’s specific needs. Benefits & outcomes The adoption of Arctic Wolf and the collaboration with Trustack resulted in several key benefits for the leading law firm. Firstly, the solution provided an additional layer of security, augmenting their multi-layered approach. By leveraging Arctic Wolf’s advanced analytics and threat detection capabilities, the law firm gained real-time visibility into potential threats, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively. This proactive approach reduced the risk of security incidents and ensured business continuity. Additionally, the engagement with Trustack and our IT support for lawyers provided the law firm with a tailored playbook for incident response, ensuring a coordinated and efficient remediation process. Testimonial “The expertise and support provided by Trustack have been in valuable. Their deep understanding of our infrastructure and their ability to assist in immediate remediation when flagged by Arctic Wolf gives us peace of mind.” IT Director Leading Commercial Law Firm Get your business on the front foot Share the article to your socials About the Authors Connect on Linkedin
The Threat Landscape is Evolving
The threat landscape is evolving – are you? Article Publish Date: As we continue through 2024 and beyond, the legal sector, like all businesses faces an increasingly complex landscape of security challenges. Unlike some businesses, law firms are custodians of highly sensitive client data. They must ensure their security policies and controls address the challenges of 2024 and beyond while adapting to significant changes in working practices. With a dispersed global workforce consuming data in various ways, robust security measures are essential. Two main changes Many business networks are now borderless, employees work from home, holiday homes, foreign countries or whilst travelling. The devices they use may be company-issued or they may be personally provided. Legacy security techniques such as corporate firewalls in offices or AV on the endpoint do not deliver the data protection businesses now need. Combine this with the fact that most companies now operate a multi-cloud vendor model for services like case management systems, payroll, and Microsoft 365. Data locations are more disparate than ever, yet all need to be secured. Key security challenges The usual security challenges remain prevalent: ransomware, phishing and social engineering, insider threats (both intentional and unintentional), and third-party supply chain risks. These threats still need to be combated as the methods around these exploits mature to be more sophisticated. Additionally new technology threats now also require defending against, such as API vulnerabilities, secrets management for app-to-app security, IoT exploits and obviously AI technologies designed to automate and streamline business processes, which bring a plethora of their own security challenges. Often legacy security technology vendors cannot adapt existing products or develop new solutions quickly enough to comprehensively defend against these new threats or products against the new techniques used to exploit the more legacy type of threats. Businesses need to adapt and mature their security policies, user education, and security controls. New generation vendors offering market-leading Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platforms, developed in the cloud to protect the hybrid cloud, provide the best protection to businesses in today’s multi-cloud vendor world. Information security and acceptable use policies from only a few years ago likely do not cover your business’s new working practices and will need to be updated and recommunicated. User cyber security education is essential. Employees now must be aware of social engineering scams and advanced phishing attacks, ensure their machines are rebooted to apply security patches preventing CVE exploits and remain productive in their daily tasks. A little education can go a long way. Despite the new challenges, legacy controls still play a crucial role in protecting on-premises systems. The guardians who manage all of this for your business are constantly under pressure to prevent exploits. The reality is that breaches will occur at some point; the focus should be on limiting their impact, containing their spread, and responding quickly. Key tools to assist: Market leading: Manage Detection & Response (MDR) services Play a huge role in helping the security teams within your business spot the “needle in the haystack” quickly. This either prevents an exploit or allows you to react to it in real time limiting its impact. Learn more on our Arctic Wolf page. Next-Generation Antivirus and threat prevention solutions (NGAV) Leverage AI and latest techniques to prevent new forms of attacks. Some businesses might need to change their current antivirus vendor to find a product that offers true next-generation protection, but this technology will be fairly familiar to most businesses. SASE solutions integrate key modern security controls Such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Next-Gen Firewalls/Web Application Firewalls, and SD-WAN into a single management platform, offering granular policy controls across all aspects of the solution. This is a newer aspect of security control for most businesses, but it is now necessary to secure business data based on the access methods and locations employees use. For instance, can you control how and where employees use cloud storage? For example, can you restrict downloads from a corporate OneDrive account to non-company devices whilst allowing them on company devices, as long as they are in the UK? Another crucial protective solution: Secrets and password management is another crucial protective solution many businesses are considering enhancing application-to-application integrated security. As you can see, usage, threats, and protection techniques have evolved. We all have a responsibility to adapt in order to safeguard our businesses against these new threats. For more on the current threat landscape and need for recovery plans, read more here. Get your business on the front foot Share the article to your socials About the Authors Connect on Linkedin
Beyond Housing: Unified & Agile Infrastructure
CASE STUDY Beyond Housing: unified & agile infrastructure Background Established in 2018, Beyond Housing is one of the largest registered housing providers in the North-East and North Yorkshire. Beyond Housing has regional offices in Redcar and Scarborough. They manage over 15,000 homes and provide services to over 30,000 customers in the North-East and North Yorkshire. The organisation dedicates itself to supporting its communities and region to thrive. Beyond Housing helps communities thrive by offering great homes and helpful services from caring staff. This leads to better neighbourhoods that will continue to grow and succeed in the long run. What needed to change? Following the merger that created Beyond Housing the organisation needed to move to one unified system ‘Legacy’ systems needed replacing with more up-to-date, tailored infrastructure for the business The team at Beyond Housing wanted to implement an agile working platform to enable them to work remotely Less reliance on the in-house IT team for day-to-day support of the business How trustack helped Trustack designed and implemented a three-step project to create a unified, agile infrastructure for Beyond Housing. This included: STEP 1 A core infrastructure refresh at head office STEP 2 The IT team rolled out VMware Horizon from partial to full use across the estate. Beyond housing wanted to deliver VDI for easy access, remote and agile working. Through their partnership with VMware Trustack added value with a proof of concept. VMware DEM to provide a consistent user experience in a non-persistent desktop environment. VMware App Volumes streams applications to desktops as users log in, delivering only the needed applications and controlling licensing. VMware Unified Access Gateway to facilitate secure, authenticated connections from outside the local network. STEP 3 Dell and the business worked together to give test laptops to important people. They gave feedback on the laptops to the business after testing, Beyond housing bought 400 laptops to enable remote working for all of its colleagues. Trustack helped Beyond Housing transition to Office 365, allowing the business to easily adjust the number of users as needed. Trustack continues to provide wraparound Managed Services support for their new infrastructure. Testimonial We appreciated Trustack’s help in figuring out our needs, testing devices, and demonstrating the technology to our coworkers. This approach encouraged by-in from collegues and supported a collaborative approach to enhancing our technology offer. The Trustack team invited important people to our meetings to help us choose the right equipment to our business needs. Their experience and reference from other similiar organisations was invaluable.– Maeve Collier, Director of ICT & Change Beyond Housing Get your business on the front foot
SD-WAN Simple, Dynamic Networking
SD-WAN Simple, Dynamic Networking The pandemic has forced businesses to adapt to remote and hybrid working, putting pressure on IT teams. Those with agile networks and mobile working capabilities fared better, while others struggled to keep up. The situation remains fluid as businesses navigate the challenges of rapid change and business continuity. Make a positive move Organisations need to prioritize networking capabilities by adopting Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) to improve agility, security, and performance for cloud applications while reducing costs. What does this mean for business? SD-WAN can replace MPLS, save costs, simplify management, and improve agility by directing traffic to the most suitable connectivity option for better application performance. SD-WAN technology allows for centralised control and quick adjustments to adapt to strategic or unforeseen changes, enhancing business agility. What’s wrong with traditional SD-WAN? Traditional WANs struggle with cloud services, causing delays and poor user experience. Backhauling traffic to a hub/data center for security can be costly and inefficient. Is SD-WAN the answer? SD-WAN is a secure, software-based networking approach that offers flexibility and control over connections between multiple sites, using various types of connectivity. SD-WAN solutions offer security and intrusion protection, allowing cloud traffic to flow directly from branches to the cloud for improved performance. Real-time monitoring helps identify and fix network issues quickly. Lake District National Park Authority – a real-world example Partnered with LDNPA to update network infrastructure across 12 offices in Lake District. Selected Cisco Meraki due to outdated equipment and security concerns. A flexible solution to fit your business SD-WAN, like Cisco Meraki, simplifies IT management by integrating hardware, software, and cloud services for secure and optimised connectivity, with the option for in-house or managed service. Happy, confident customers Cisco Meraki provided a reliable SD-WAN solution for LDNPA, meeting all requirements with efficient implementation and minimal downtime, creating a secure and scalable platform. Trust Trustack to get you future-ready At Trustack, we’ve put SD-WAN in place for many different customers, and we can offer the upfront expertise and ongoing support that creates an end-to-end solution for businesses small and large. If you’d like to understand what SD-WAN could do for your business, please get in touch with us. Get your business on the front foot
The PSTN/ISDN Switch Off
The PSTN/ISDN Switch Off What do I need to know? Article Publish Date: BT’s 2027 switch-off of PSTN and ISDN services marks a crucial shift in telecommunications. As part of BT’s digital voice changeover plan requires all to have an internet connection. Trustack is here to guide you through this transition with urgency and clarity. BT’s original projected switch-off date (2025) has been extended, with the aim to complete the move by the end of January 2027. The extension is no reason to delay as migrating from analogue to digital as quickly and effectively as possible is important In 2027 BT is switching off their Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN) services. This change will affect all residential and business customers and aligns with the Government’s promise to see 15 million premises connected to fibre by 2027. For businesses, it will not only mean that your phone services are affected but also services that run on your phone lines using the PSTN network. This will include services such as EPOS machines, alarm monitoring services, fire monitoring services, and lift emergency phones. Why is it happening? It is not only in the UK that the migration to digital is taking place. As technology evolves, phone companies around the world are adapting. The switch-off is already underway in countries like Germany, Japan, and Sweden, with Estonia and the Netherlands already having completely switched off their networks. Technology has evolved significantly and quite simply the PSTN network has become outdated and costly to maintain. What are the alternatives? Of course, the retiring of the telephone network as we know it would not be happening if there was no new technology to replace it. Over the last several years, telephone systems have been developed to use IP. This allows telephone systems to use standard Internet connections. Along with this new technology are many new terms and technologies including: VoIP: stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and allows you to make and receive phone calls over the Internet. SIP: stands for Session Initiation Protocol and rather than just sending voice data like the VoIP phone system, SIP will send and receive any multimedia data such as video calls. 4G &5G: With the development of 4G and 5G networks across the UK, another alternative is to use your mobile phone as your main point of contact rather than having a traditional landline. What are the benefits? Moving to this newer technology offers the same benefits as we see now and some new ones. Benefits Reduced costs Call statistics Mobility Greater choice of telephone hardware. You can continue to use a telephone handset as well as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PCs and Macs. Scalability Telephone systems can easily scale along with your requirements. Whether it is simply an additional user, or a brand-new office location. At its simplest form, you simply require Internet connectivity. Quick changes Changes can be implemented quicker e.g. call routing and diverts. When do I need to act and how do I prepare for the switch off? Many businesses have already adopted a digital model, moving their communications to the cloud, making calls over the internet and embracing video conferencing. If you have the supporting infrastructure, then there is no reason why an educated and planned migration to digital lines cannot be considered now. Preparing your business for the upcoming PSTN switch off in 2027 is essential to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some steps you can take to prepare: Assess your current communication infrastructure: Identify all the equipment and systems that rely on the PSTN or ISDN. This includes phones, fax machines, alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, and CCTV. Make a comprehensive list of these devices. Research alternative communication solutions: Explore alternative options that will replace the PSTN and ISDN. Look for digital solutions such as Voice over IP (VoIP) or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) that can provide voice and data services over the internet. Consider consulting with a telecommunications provider to understand the available options. Evaluate your broadband capabilities: Since the switch to a digital network may require an upgrade in broadband services, assess your current internet connection. Determine if it can handle the increased data traffic and bandwidth requirements of the new system. If necessary, contact your internet service provider to discuss possible upgrades. Plan for equipment replacement: Once you have identified the equipment that will become obsolete, create a plan for replacing or upgrading it. Contact the manufacturers or suppliers of these devices to understand their compatibility with digital networks and explore potential replacements. Consider security implications: As you transition to a digital network, consider the security implications of the new communication systems. Ensure that your new infrastructure has appropriate security measures in place to protect your data and communication channels. Develop a migration timeline: Create a detailed timeline for migrating your communication systems to the new digital network. Consider any potential disruptions or downtime during the transition and plan accordingly to minimize any negative impact on your business operations. Train your staff: Provide training and support to your employees to familiarise them with the new communication systems. Ensure they understand the changes, know how to operate the new equipment, and are aware of any new features or capabilities. Test and monitor the new system: Before the switch off date, conduct thorough testing of the new communication infrastructure to identify and resolve any issues or compatibility problems. Monitor the performance of the new system to ensure it meets your business requirements. For more solutions visit our stack pages: Cloud and Hosting and Unified Communications. Trustack’s recommendations “The 2025 PSTN Switch Off represents the biggest shake up of modern-day Telecommunications that will affect Business and Domestic Users alike. My recommendation would be to have your PSTN/ISDN to SIP migration done and dusted well before the deadline date, not only to beat the inevitable rush nearer to the Switch Off, but also to take advantage of the cost savings with SIP