Configuration Compliance Checks
Background
A large Communication Service Provider (CSP) was experiencing a long MTTR (Mean Time To Resolve) and as a result continually breached its customer SLA agreements due to being unable to process the required 10 million compliance checks to over 150,000 devices spanning 9 networks.
Objectives
Primary objective is to reduce the MTTR allowing the business to meet their SLAs Secondary objective would be to raise the compliance of the checks carried out, improving quality and security.
Solution
The CORTEX Solution was implemented and given access to a defined set of network elements and instructed to validate that their configuration is in line with technical standards. For example, confirming firmware version numbers, confirming base configuration such as disabling telnet, ensuring password strength parameters are correct, but also confirming service-specific configuration by comparing actual device config with that expected from the inventory systems. Where discrepancies are identified, Cortex can autonomously address them by reconfiguring the device, or can raise a Trouble Ticket or Change Request to have the change applied manually or at an appropriate time.
Outcomes
This customer achieved some significant value, and quickly rrealised how important this was likely to be in respect of TSA compliance. As such, this project delivered against all initial requirements, achieving
- 90% increase in compliance
- 4 FTE savings due to lack of manual intervention required
- MTTR reduced from 24 hours to machine speed
More importantly, they accelerated their readiness for more complex compliance. The next stage for this customer was inventory compliance, first physical then logical, as in proving this project, they identified gaps elsewhere.
Approximate Functional Block Count: 950
Time to Value: 4 months