The deployment illustrates a growing trend among service-based companies to use secure wireless technology to improve their customer interactions and stay ahead of the competition.
In updating its network, MFSI’s goal is to build IT systems that will allow the company to become entirely connected, enabling minute-by-minute Web interaction and support connectivity beyond the fixed network for its mobile loan officers.
The introduction of secure wireless technology has created a new breed of loan officer, frequently out in the field and rarely behind a desk, said MFSI director of technology Rick Beaupre. Secure wireless connectivity is a key factor in helping our loan officers maintain high service standards.
MFSI has already established a web-based Easy Loan Finder program, an aid to matching the right loan to the customer’s needs. Loan officers frequently work with customers at their homes, using wireless satellite card-enabled laptops to access and download information.
Once the recommendation is agreed, the loan officer transmits the data to the office so that all paperwork is completed by the time the loan officer returns to the branch. The agreement with SonicWALL aims to update this system.
SonicWALL’s deep packet inspection-based Intrusion Prevention Service is installed in all the branches to protect the company from worms, Trojans, viruses and other threats, together with Gateway Anti-Virus, and Global Security Client software for remote users. MFSI also utilizes North Shore Data Services, Inc. to manage, monitor and report its security solution using SonicWALL’s Global Management System.
MFSI has also installed a secure wireless network in every branch to maintain the mobile mentality among loan officers. The SonicWALL Distributed Wireless Solution allows users to roam across large areas while maintaining their sessions and security policies and enables IT administrators to manage both the wired and wireless networks centrally from the main security gateway.
