Simplify, Scale, Save: The Operational Power of Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
As cyber threats rise and IT budgets tighten, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) offers a streamlined alternative to traditional infrastructure. This managed solution replaces costly hardware and upkeep with scalable, enterprise-grade protection in a predictable monthly model. With flexible tiers and 24×7 expert support, Atomic Data’s FWaaS helps IT teams move from reactive tasks to strategic growth.
In today’s enterprise environment, IT leaders are being asked to do more with less. Between shrinking budgets, increasing cybersecurity threats, and an ongoing shortage of qualified security professionals, managing and maintaining firewall infrastructure has become a taxing challenge. That’s why more organizations are shifting from traditional capital-intensive firewall solutions to a streamlined, scalable model: FWaaS.
Why FWaaS Is an Operational Game-Changer
Firewall as a Service eliminates many of the infrastructure, staffing, and expertise burdens that weigh down IT teams. With Atomic Data’s FWaaS offering, clients get enterprise-grade protection with zero hassle. It’s a fully managed, plug-and-play solution that includes hardware, software, staffing, and 24×7 support, all packaged as a predictable monthly expense.
“You don’t have to drop all the capital resources on it. We’ll tailor it to your business, operate it, manage it, and own it. If it breaks, we swap it out and put a new one in. It’s just basically all taken care of,” explains Wade Hoffman, Security & Compliance Lead at Atomic Data.
Instead of hiring a team of security engineers—or overburdening the ones you already have—FWaaS gives you instant access to a deep bench of experts who continuously monitor and manage your perimeter. That means less time spent fighting fires and more time focused on growth, product innovation, and client success.
A Solution Built for Scale
Atomic Data’s FWaaS offering is not a one-size-fits-all product. With two service tiers—Essential Protection and Advanced Defense—organizations can choose the level of service that best matches their size and complexity.
- Tier 1 is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or branch offices, offering up to 2 Gbps throughput, 24×7 monitoring, and quarterly vulnerability assessments.
- Tier 2 provides a more robust package for larger enterprises, with support for up to 100 networks, custom rule development, assigned security analysts, and weekly performance and security reports.
Regardless of tier, both levels convert what would be significant CapEx investments into manageable operational expenses.
“Most companies would rather put capital toward market growth, new product development, or marketing,” points out Hoffman. “Anywhere they can variabilize their costs is a positive.”
The True Cost of In-House Firewall Management
Firewall management doesn’t stop at installation. There’s ongoing patching, performance monitoring, incident response, hardware refreshes, and compliance audits to worry about. That’s not to mention the high cost and complexity of recruiting and retaining certified security professionals, especially in today’s talent-starved market.
“There’s a massive shortage, not only in the U.S. but globally, for security technologists and resources,” he says. “They may be able to put one in, but the management aspect is another huge burden for them.”
FWaaS solves these problems by offloading responsibility to a trusted partner with end-to-end IT capabilities, from network ops and cloud hosting to SOC-as-a-service and help desk support. Atomic Data’s team becomes an extension of yours, offering operational continuity and strategic flexibility.
A Strategic Advantage for Mid-Market and Enterprise Clients
Atomic Data’s FWaaS is especially attractive for clients facing a costly ASA firewall replacement. Instead of upgrading legacy Cisco hardware, companies can pivot to an as-a-service model that enhances flexibility and removes CapEx pressure.
“We’re not just another networking or telco company. We offer the full IT stack—from data center to desktop—and FWaaS is just one part of that integrated support,” notes Hoffman. “This isn’t a new concept, but now you don’t have to go elsewhere for it. We already know your business, and we’re expanding our portfolio to serve you better.”
The Firewall as Inflection Point
Think of the firewall as more than a digital gatekeeper. It’s the convergence point where your broader IT security posture meets real-time operational needs. Atomic Data’s FWaaS doesn’t just defend your organization, it unlocks efficiency, clarity, and peace of mind.
“This is where everything meets at one place, and this is almost an inflection point to a degree: the firewall itself,” adds Hoffman. “As we think about all the different services and variable benefits we offer, this might be among the most important. It keeps the barbarians at the gate.”
FWaaS in Action: A Case Study
A regional healthcare services provider in the Midwest, operating across eight locations, faced mounting challenges in maintaining regulatory compliance and managing an unrelenting flow of security alerts with a limited IT team.
The implementation of a FWaaS solution delivered transformative operational benefits. Within the first quarter, security incidents dropped by 83%, significantly reducing the daily burden on IT staff. After-hours support demands virtually disappeared, with a 91% decrease in emergency calls. The organization also achieved a remarkable 373% reduction in annual security costs. Compliance audit preparation, once a three-week ordeal, was streamlined to just three days.
These improvements not only enhanced the organization’s security posture but also led to a 64% increase in employee satisfaction scores for the IT department, underscoring the positive impact of FWaaS on both operational efficiency and workplace morale.
Let’s Talk Next Steps
Atomic Data’s Firewall as a Service is offered in three- and five-year commitments, including all hardware, software, configuration, and support. And unlike traditional infrastructure, firewalls have a long lifespan, making FWaaS a long-term investment in simplicity and scalability.Ready to eliminate security complexity and reclaim your team’s time? Let’s talk about how FWaaS fits into your strategic plan. To learn more, reach out to our Solutions Consultants at info@AtomicData.com or 612.466.2000, or go to https://www.atomicdata.com/contact-us.
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