Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA) - WatchGaurd Case Study

SYHA is a self-governing voluntary organisation, established in 1931, with over 30,000 current members across all age groups. As a not-for-profit body with charitable status, SYHA (www.syha.org.uk) works for the benefit of all to promote recreation within Scotland and to increase domestic and international appreciation of our country. SYHA is one of the largest accommodation providers in Scotland with 4,500 beds in more than 60 locations. Around 65% of SYHA visitors are from outside Scotland, contributing massively to Scottish tourism income each year. SYHA forms part of the world-wide Hostelling International network of youth hostels (www.Hihostels.com).

incovo’s relationship with SYHA began by securing the maintenance contract of their network security system. As a business partner with Watchguard, incovo were ideally placed to provide comprehensive support to SYHA and their series of Watchguard products installed around the country at various locations.

The quality of the support provided by incovo’s 360º department has recently led to SYHA trusting the maintenance of their voice communications in addition to the network security with our team. As of July 2004 the Avaya Index 400 switch, located at SYHA’s National Office in Stirling, will be maintained by incovo. SYHA’s Information Systems Manager, Rob Ralston, had this to say;

“Through incovo’s security solutions and support we have been able to maintain a secure and effective network for data and voice traffic across our various locations. incovo’s flexible, user-friendly approach to customer support has met our specific needs as a geographically distributed organisation with high seasonal fluctuations in business activity. Their product knowledge and ability to provide a single package solution has been invaluable. We have been very pleased with their levels of support so far and expect to see this pattern continue in the future”

In addition to the new maintenance contract incovo has also provided a revised network security solution to SYHA in the shape of an upgrade to their existing firewall. The solution provided by incovo was the Watchguard Firebox X which is the world’s first fully upgradeable, integrated security appliance that adapts and expands with organisations changing security needs.