The Case of Uniqa Group AG: Enhancing Web Proxy Services Availability and Performance

Uniqa Group AG stands as one of the largest insurance groups in Central and Eastern Europe. The organization has embraced the challenge of improving web proxy service performance and availability. This article explores how Uniqa tackled the critical web proxy service issues to ensure smoother operations for its vast workforce.

Web Proxy Service Issues

The availability and performance of web proxy services are essential for any organization. Uniqa faced significant challenges in this area. Specifically, the performance of these critical services was deteriorating, especially during peak usage times. This decline negatively impacted the productivity of the company’s 21,000 employees spread across 17 countries.

Notably, five particular servers in the datacenters located in Czechia and Slovakia experienced the most issues. These servers were vital for the company’s day-to-day operations, and their unavailability created hurdles that affected employees’ work efficiency.

The Solution Implemented by Uniqa Group AG

To overcome these pressing issues, Uniqa Group AG initiated a series of focused actions aimed at enhancing their web proxy services. The company recognized the urgency of deploying an effective solution to assure service availability.

Modern Load Balancer Deployment

Jan Blažek, the IT Infrastructure Services Manager at Uniqa, identified the need for an advanced load-balancing solution. Collaborating with M-COM s.r.o., a Barracuda partner, he spearheaded the implementation of a Barracuda Load Balancer ADC.

The deployment process of this new system proved to be seamless, aided by thorough technical documentation and an easy-to-follow setup process. With this solution in place, Uniqa was well on its way to addressing performance and availability challenges.

Key Benefits of the Load Balancer

The Barracuda Load Balancer ADC delivered multiple advantages for Uniqa Group AG. These benefits played a critical role in transforming the company’s web proxy service landscape.

Improved Availability and Performance

One of the standout benefits was the enhanced availability and performance of web proxy services. The smart load-balancing technology ensured that users experienced uninterrupted service, even if one of the datacenters faced an outage. This feature guaranteed that end users could continue their operations without any noticeable disruptions.

Scalability

The load balancer allowed web proxies to function in a multi-node active-active cluster configuration. This setup effectively improved overall service reliability and performance, allowing Uniqa to scale its resources as needed.

SSL Offloading

Another notable advantage was SSL offloading, which relieved the burden on servers. By managing SSL encryption and decryption tasks, the load balancer allowed Uniqa’s servers to focus on core functionalities without being hampered by additional processing demands.

L4/L7 Load Balancing Technologies

The Barracuda Load Balancer also featured advanced L4/L7 load balancing capabilities. This allowed for efficient traffic distribution across multiple servers, ensuring optimal use of resources and minimizing bottlenecks.

Global Server Load Balancing

To further enhance service delivery, the load balancer incorporated global server load balancing. This feature intelligently directed traffic to the most appropriate server on a global scale. Such routing reduced latency and improved user experience across different regions.

Dynamic Traffic Control and Content Routing

Dynamic traffic control played an essential role in optimizing performance. The system managed network traffic in real-time, ensuring that workloads were balanced effectively according to user demand. This capability is invaluable during peak usage times.

Enhanced Security Features

In addition to performance improvements, the Barracuda Load Balancer ADC significantly bolstered security for Uniqa Group AG’s web proxy services.

Integrated Authentication and Authorization

The load balancer provided integrated authentication and authorization features. These tools enforced granular access controls and permission policies, ensuring that only authorized users could access sensitive resources.

Comprehensive Application Security

Application security was another critical enhancement. The Barracuda solution provided robust protection against DDoS attacks, OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, and other forms of cyberattacks.

Advanced Data Loss Prevention

To safeguard sensitive information, the load balancer included advanced data loss prevention features. It actively scanned outgoing traffic to prevent the unintended leakage of confidential data, fostering a secure working environment.

Positive Outcomes for Uniqa Group AG

The implementation of the Barracuda Load Balancer ADC has led to substantial improvements for Uniqa Group AG.

Reliability of Services

Since deploying the new system, Uniqa has not experienced any outages of its web proxy services. This reliability has significantly enhanced employee productivity by providing consistent access to essential resources.

Stronger Security Stance

The overall security posture of web proxy services has improved remarkably. Enhanced security measures ensure that sensitive data remains protected while maintaining operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The case of Uniqa Group AG highlights the pressing need for organizations to address web proxy service issues proactively. By implementing advanced load-balancing solutions, businesses can enhance performance, availability, and security. Through their collaboration with M-COM s.r.o. and the strategic adoption of Barracuda Load Balancer ADC, Uniqa transformed its web proxy services landscape, ensuring a more productive and secure environment for its employees across Central and Eastern Europe.

For further insights, visit these resources: Barracuda Blog on Web Proxy Services, HPE Community Discussions on Proxy Servers, and Microsoft Troubleshooting Guide for Web Application Proxy.