Provider-1/SiteManager-1 - Check Point

FIGURE 1-1Example of an MSP environmentService providers need a management tool designed to specifically address the uniquechallenges of large-scale private-customer management. These different andunconnected customers’ systems must be centrally managed, yet the MSP must alsomaintain the privacy and integrity of each customer’s system.Further, the MSP must be able to flexibly manage security policies. Customers cannotall be assigned one security policy. It may be that specialized security policies suit a setof clients with similar needs (for example, supermarkets with many branches), whereasindividualized policies better suit other customers (such as independent tax accountantsand dentists). Repetitive policy changes and time-intensive end-user management are acommon problem if policies cannot be managed adroitly.The MSP must also handle communication and activity logging for networktroubleshooting and reporting purposes. Comprehensive logging for many differentcustomers and disparate systems can be process- and space intensive, draining systemresources if not handled carefully. This creates both administration issues and uniquesecurity policy requirements.Chapter 1 Introduction 11