Innovaro Technology Completes Firewall Upgrade at Holiday Inn Express Cambridge West – Cambourne

Background

Holiday Inn Express Cambridge West – Cambourne is a modern hotel designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers. As part of the IHG brand, the hotel is committed to maintaining high standards of service, comfort, and digital connectivity. Reliable and secure internet access is essential for guests, staff operations, and compliance with global IT and cybersecurity standards set by IHG.

Prior to the upgrade, the hotel was operating on legacy SonicWall firewall devices that had reached end-of-life. This presented a growing security risk, lacked modern threat protection features, and could no longer receive vendor support or updates. To maintain operational integrity and meet evolving cybersecurity requirements, the hotel engaged Innovaro Technology to deliver a modern replacement.

Objectives

• Modernise and future-proof the server environment.
• Improve system performance, reliability, and security.
• Minimise downtime during the transition.
• Enable scalability for future operational growth.

Solution

Innovaro Technology implemented a Cisco Meraki MX series firewall solution, known for its robust security features and cloud-based centralized management. The project involved:

1. Assessment and Planning

• Full audit of the existing network and firewall setup.
• A structured migration plan to ensure zero downtime.
• Collaboration with IHG’s central IT and compliance teams.

2. Installation and Deployment

• Activation of intrusion prevention, content filtering, and traffic prioritisation.
• Live testing during low-traffic hours to ensure stability.
• Staff briefing on system monitoring using the Meraki dashboard.

Results

• Stronger Network Security: Advanced threat detection and automated updates enhance protection.
• Simplified Management: A cloud-based dashboard allows remote control and quick troubleshooting.
• High Availability: Dual internet connections with failover ensures uninterrupted service.
• Compliance Achieved: The setup aligns with IHG’s IT governance and PCI-DSS compliance standards.

Testimonial

“Innovaro completed the upgrade smoothly and professionally, with no impact on our guests. The new Meraki system gives us greater visibility, security, and peace of mind.”

Stephen Bench – Managing Director, Lighthouse Hotel Management

Conclusion

Innovaro Technology delivered a successful firewall upgrade, replacing legacy SonicWall equipment with a modern Cisco Meraki solution. The hotel now benefits from enhanced security, streamlined network management, and a future-proofed IT infrastructure that supports both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.