We appreciate the long-standing partnership with Aveniq, a trusted SAP-certified operations partner for more than ten years, with now four SAP-certified services. In discussions with Aveniq, they shared that security will be their key focus in the coming years. We were therefore delighted to have them as a pilot partner for the launch of our new security operations certification.
Before introducing a new certification, SAP selects partners to go through the certification process as pilots to ensure that the process runs smoothly and is optimally tailored to the subject area. With its extensive SAP security knowledge, Aveniq was ideally suited to be a pilot partner for the SAP security operations certification.
In an interview with Aveniq, we learn which services they offer in the area of SAP security for SAP Cloud customers. They also explain why they have defined security as a strategic focus area for themselves and the importance of this topic for their customers. They also outline why Aveniq decided to participate as a pilot partner for the new SAP Security Operations certification and what benefits they expect to gain from this certification.
May you want to start by telling us about your company and what services Aveniq is offering for SAP security to cloud customers?
Aveniq is a leading Swiss IT service provider with around 650 employees and is primarily active in the financial services, healthcare, industrial, utilities, public sector, and education sectors. Aveniq offers its customers innovative services for a modern workplace, hybrid/cloud solutions, SAP consulting and implementation, hyper-automation options, digitalization solutions as well as CAD/PLM solutions, and consulting services with a focus on IT infrastructure, IT security, and business continuity.
Aveniq offers SAP Cloud customers a wide range of security services:
The services encompass a wide range of security-focused solutions, including the management of identity and access, covering users, roles, catalogs, single sign-on (SSO), provisioning, access control, and identity and access governance. They also involve checking and monitoring the security of SAP systems, ensuring the security of the SAP Cloud Connector, and supporting both internal and external audits through preparation and implementation. Furthermore, the offerings include training and raising awareness about security topics, analyzing code vulnerabilities in SAP applications, and implementing measures to reduce the attack surface at both the application and system levels.
The services also involve data protection and security, ensuring privacy and maintaining data integrity. They also address the remediation of security findings identified through the Early Watch Alert (EWA). Additionally, consulting services are offered to support the implementation and optimization of SAP security strategies, encompassing the analysis of security requirements, the development of tailored security concepts, and assistance throughout the implementation process.
What was the deciding factor for Aveniq to focus on security? And why is the topic so important for Aveniq and its customers?
The importance of information security for long-term success and sustainability in a constantly changing, digital, and interconnected business world has increased massively. In the face of increasing cyber-attacks, a proactive, strategic approach to information security and data protection is essential. Aveniq has developed an end-to-end security strategy based on market needs and modern principles, encompassing both physical and digital security, management security, and operational security.
The topic of security is particularly important for several reasons:
Holistic approach: Aveniq emphasizes the importance of making no distinction between IT and OT, and taking a comprehensive approach that implements security, privacy, and protection across all levels according to the principle of “Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability” as per NIST CSF 2.0 and ZeroTrust. This includes systems, processes, products, information/data, people, and suppliers, i.e. the protection of company assets.
Improved security: Comprehensive, preventive security measures ensure a high level of protection that covers all attack vectors. This is supported by continuous monitoring and rapid response measures (response, recovery), which are ensured by our Security Operations Center (SOC).
Building trust: Compliance with international security standards and data protection principles, evidenced by various certifications such as ISO 27001, ISO 22301, and others, strengthens trust.
Adaptability: Flexibility and control in the hybrid and multi-cloud model enable specific customer needs to be met efficiently.
Increased efficiency: Consolidation of technologies and processes leads to improved infrastructure and application management and optimized costs for customers.
Customer-centric solutions: Modular and replicable services are designed to meet customers' individual requirements and business objectives, considering regulatory requirements and risk appetite.
This security orientation helps to strengthen the competitive position of customers and enables Aveniq to further expand its market position.
What factors influenced Aveniq's decision to support SAP as a pilot partner in the validation of the new certification 'SAP security operations'?
Since its initial certification as an SAP operations partner in 2011, Aveniq has continued to develop and adapt to changing customer needs and SAP's strategic direction. With a broad range of services - from SAP HANA operations services and various operating models such as RISE with SAP services to SAP remote support and SAP hosting in the Aveniq Cloud and via hyperscalers - we have been able to establish ourselves in the Swiss market with around 100 internal SAP specialists.
In 2018, we were one of the first partners in Switzerland to demonstrate our expertise in SAP S/4HANA solutions operations with a certification. Our certification for SAP BTP operations in 2024 illustrates our ongoing innovation and commitment to providing customers with advanced and secure SAP solutions. Our comprehensive knowledge of SAP security enables us to make a decisive contribution to the security and efficiency of our customers' SAP systems. Certification for SAP security operations was therefore the next logical step to put our expertise in this area to the test.
The fact that SAP has chosen us as a pilot partner for the new certification fills us with pride and gratitude. The joint pursuit of excellence is the cornerstone of our long-standing partnership as equals. We are delighted that the auditors were impressed by the quality of our SAP security services.
What benefits do you anticipate from being SAP-certified in SAP security operations for SAP cloud solutions?
We see several advantages in SAP certification for SAP security operations for SAP cloud solutions.
The certification strengthens the customers’ confidence in Aveniq's security expertise and underlines the company's credibility as a trusted partner for SAP security solutions. It ensures that Aveniq's SAP security operation services meet the highest standards and are continuously improved. This allows Aveniq to provide its customers with a higher level of protection and improved service quality, leading to increased customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the certification strengthens the long-standing partnership between SAP and Aveniq, fostering mutual benefits for both parties.
In summary, SAP certification not only strengthens a company's trust and credibility but also helps to optimize internal processes and open up new markets. It provides clear proof of compliance with standards and quality requirements, which is of great value to existing and potential customers as well as to the manufacturer itself.
Information on the certification program for operations partners and an overview of all certified partners can be found in the SAP Operations Partner Guide.
Visit OPC at SAP.com
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