GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–CU*Answers Network Services (CNS) announced it will maintain Dell Premier Partner status through 2016. Dell Premier is the highest partnership level attainable through the partner reseller program, the company noted.
“As a CUSO, we’re always trying to drive cost reduction through to our clients and owners,” explains Matt Sawtell, AVP of Managed Technology Services. “This partnership level allows us to pass on the deepest discounts on equipment and services across the Dell line.”
“Being a Premier Partner also allows us to leverage technical and business support resources at Dell that further drive costs down…In addition to that, we have access to training and education for our team. All in all, this in a better integration with Dell to the benefit of our clients.
CU*Answers Network Services offers Dell products and services including SonicWALL Security solutions, Dell servers, storage, workstations and peripherals.
In addition, CU*Answers Network Services announced it would perform firewall configuration reviews for free for customers of their managed firewall service. The review is geared towards meeting increasing regulatory scrutiny of credit union cybersecurity and firewall management processes, the company said, noting that during the interactive review session an engineer will review specific firewall configurations with the client and highlight any configurations that may be outdated or in need of removal.
“Networks are dynamic organizations that need regular review,” said Sawtell. “Phone systems get upgraded, ATMs get added or swapped out, and other changes happen throughout the year. Often these changes leave unnecessary artifacts behind. This process is a great way to identify those stale configurations and fix them.”
The review process and any subsequent changes are documented and suitable for use as evidence of the credit union’s firewall management plan and due diligence on cybersecurity matters.
Up to one free annual review and consultation is available per customer of the Network Services Managed Firewall Service or Complete Care Service.
For more information or to schedule a review, contact the CNS Team (netserv@cuanswers.com or ext. 266).
Finally, CU*Answers said it worked as a true co-op this holiday season participating in the season of giving by hosting a drop-off donation site for Toys for Tots. CU*Answers also hosted a drop-off donation site for the collection of new or gently used coats, blankets, and gloves for the homeless. This venture was organized by eight year old Addy Robinson, who has relatives that work at CU*Answers. Collection barrels were placed at the CUSO’s main Grand Rapids location. Addy’s Warm Heart Donation Drive was featured on FOX 17 news channel.
Each December, CU*Answers also hosts a companywide staff breakfast to celebrate the holiday season. After this year’s celebration with a large amount of leftovers, staff decided to take them to local soup kitchens in hopes to donate the food. However, due to laws prohibiting kitchens from serving pre-cooked meals, CU*Answers staff decided to hit the streets. More than 40 meals were handed out to those standing in the cold near Grand Rapids’ Heartside district. “Credit unions and their cooperative CUSO partners were formed when people saw a need and an opportunity to gather with others and help each other,” Stephanie Hufford, Manager of Administration at CU*Answers said, We’re trying to keep that legacy of helping others through collaboration going and hope more join us in this mission.”