DA Drugstores Ensure Secure and Reliable Connectivity with VPN Solution

Zyxel_May · September 19

DA Retailgroup

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"The DA shops' POS systems are now securely connected to our central data center through Zyxel Networks' equipment. It operates consistently across all locations, offering affordability and a clear view of the entire network for our franchised companies. Zyxel Networks and Friesland IT have executed this project excellently for us."

Monique Romijn Shop Automation Coordinator
DA Retailgroup

Overview

DA Retailgroup, a leading drugstore chain with 330 franchised stores, is committed to continuously enhancing its services for franchisees. A key initiative is deploying a VPN solution for the POS systems, enabling DA shops to securely and reliably connect to the central data center with minimal effort. The task was initially complicated due to the varied network infrastructures from different vendors. However, by leveraging Zyxel Networks' cybersecurity solutions, DA has successfully established reliable security connections across its retail stores, streamlining network deployment and management effortlessly.

Challenges

DA Retailgroup, the organization behind the DA drugstore chain, continuously sought to enhance its services for franchisees. One of their key initiatives was implementing a VPN solution for POS systems to ensure secure and reliable connections to the central data center with minimal effort. However, this initiative was complicated by the franchise model, as each franchised company operated its DA shop with its own network supplier. The main challenges for DA Retailgroup included creating a secure VPN connection between 330 DA stores and the central data center and providing a cost-efficient and uniform VPN solution. Additionally, they had to ensure a secure network connection for narrowcasting on POS system displays a nd enable plug-and-play installation with easy remote network management.

Solutions

DA Retailgroup turned to its IT partner, Friesland IT, to find a suitable solution for connecting its POS systems to the central data center. After careful consideration, the most affordable and user-friendly option was establishing a VPN infrastructure using Zyxel Networks' cybersecurity solution. This involved installing two USG FLEX 700 firewalls, at the Televisietoren Smilde data center, connected to DA's central IT infrastructure to facilitate VPN connections. These firewalls provide network redundancy, ensuring high availability and reliability in case of a link failure. To further support the retail stores' connectivity, 150 firewalls including USG20-VPN and USG FLEX 50 were installed in the retail stores. These firewalls allow for easy and quick deployment, with the first deployment becoming operational immediately after installation. The new VPN solution operates independently of the specific internet connection used on-site, ensuring that the POS systems are now securely and reliably connected to DA's central IT systems.

Results

DA Retailgroup has established robust VPN connections for its stores, strengthening security and reliability by incorporating system redundancy within the data center. All POS systems in DA shops communicate securely with the central IT systems, including narrowcasting capabilities. This ensures a consistently smooth and secure network experience for the POS systems, made possible by the exceptional performance of Zyxel Networks' solutions.

Centralized, secure VPN connections for POS systems and narrowcasting across 330 stores
High-performance and reliable network connectivity through network redundancy
Streamlined network management via the cloud network management

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