Case Study: Camis

Like many businesses, Camis, a leader in outdoor recreation management software, decided to upgrade its overall cyber security efforts by migrating to Microsoft Sentinel. Working with MNP Digital, Camis made that shift, resulting in significant cost savings and optimized operations, highlighting the importance of expert collaboration during complex transitions between security platforms.

The challenge

Facing increased platform expenses and data requirements, Camis recognized the need for a comprehensive cyber security solution migration from their existing SIEM solution. Additionally, their delivery model transition from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to Platform as a Service (PaaS) within their Microsoft Azure environment was a notable shift in their data management. Camis was ready to reimagine their cyber security to not only maintain but enhance its competitiveness and operational efficiency.

After researching solutions, Camis identified Microsoft Sentinel as the best option for their needs. As part of the Microsoft cloud ecosystem already, it just made sense. To help meet tight migration timelines, they engaged MNP Digital for its knowledge in cloud-native solutions, data management, and Microsoft Azure ecosystem optimization. The bench strength of MNP Digital’s skills in both Microsoft Sentinel and PCI compliance was an asset, as log management was an in-scope system for Camis' annual PCI compliance. And MNP Digital's commitment to excellence and innovation also aligned perfectly with Camis' own values, making them the ideal partner for this critical digital initiative. The partnership fostered a collaborative approach to navigating the complexities of implementing Microsoft Sentinel as Camis’ new security information and event management (SIEM) solution. MNP provided support throughout the project lifecycle, from initial assessment to hands-on assistance during implementation.

The approach

Executing a complex solution migration on a condensed timeline requires a specialized set of knowledge, expertise, insight, and in this case, collaboration. Working together, Camis and MNP Digital leveraged their shared understanding and experience with data migrations and the Microsoft Azure ecosystem to successfully transition to the Microsoft Sentinel cloud-native SIEM solution.

Together, MNP and Camis developed a detailed migration plan and MNP Digital continued to offer hands-on assistance during the implementation phase. An important part of the transition was minimizing disruptions to daily operations during the transition to Microsoft Sentinel. Key features of the migration included support for data cleansing — reducing daily data ingestion from 100 GB to 20 GB, custom connector development, and Camis’ refinement of detection rules. MNP Digital also offered extensive training to Camis' IT staff, ensuring long-term, sustainable success for the migration.

Camis' successful solution migration required a strong working dynamic between their internal IT team and MNP Digital's experts. Every business is different and MNP Digital committed to a true understanding of Camis’ unique set of challenges and objectives, specifically when it came to reducing costs and improving overall efficiency. Routine communication with both internal and external stakeholders, including compliance officers and auditors, and collective decision-making were necessary to develop and implement tailored solutions to achieve Camis’ goals. MNP Digital worked with Camis to provide full migration guidance throughout the project lifecycle, beginning with an initial assessment of Camis' existing infrastructure.

The result

The migration to Microsoft Sentinel resulted in immediate value for Camis. In addition to immediate improvements to cyber security and privacy, the new solution positioned Camis for sustainable growth through flexibility and scalability. As the solution was implemented, the log management system was configured to meet PCI DSS requirements. And with reduced IT complexity, Camis has freed up more team members to focus on new strategic initiatives for its core business. Additionally, Camis’ reduction in SIEM expenses was one of the most significant benefits of the migration. Costs dropped from a projected $19,000 per month with their previous solution to approximately $10,000 with Microsoft Sentinel for an annual savings of nearly $120,000. Eliminating egress charges and more efficient data ingestion from 100 GB a day to 20 GB a day led to a 22% reduction in overall costs.

Camis’ aforementioned 80% reduction in daily data ingestion has streamlined data analysis, improved system performance, and reduced storage costs. The migration ultimately optimized compliance processes, expediting future audit preparation and reporting — and the implemented provided automated workflows and customized dashboards. Streamlining these processes and shifting them into routine monitoring and maintenance will provide Camis and its IT team more time to focus on critical tasks and other areas of the business.

Other benefits of their new solutions include:

• Microsoft Sentinel's advanced analytics and machine learning improved overall threat detection
• Native Microsoft Azure integration removed latency problems, for faster data processing and response times
• Real-time insights through customized dashboards allow for more proactive security management
• Enhanced visibility resulting in faster identification and resolution of potential cyber security and privacy flags

A successful migration

With the support of MNP Digital, Camis executed a successful migration to Microsoft Sentinel while improving performance and reducing costs. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of choosing the right technology partner and solution while navigating complex digital transformations that set businesses up for long-term success through scalable systems tailored to their needs.