Initial Situation

Die Sparkasse Zwickau faced the challenge of further expanding its digital service strategy to meet the growing needs of its customers. The goal was to enable modern customer service that functions seamlessly both in branches and through digital channels. At the same time, it was necessary to make internal processes more efficient and support employees in advising customers.

Two central factors played a role:

1. Customer Expectations: Customers want digital services that are easily accessible, secure, and intuitively usable – even during a face-to-face consultation.

   
   

2. Internal Requirements: The solution had to meet the highest security standards, run stably and reliably, and be easy to deploy.

Task

To achieve these goals, Sparkasse Zwickau needed a WiFi solution that:

• Project Start: 2018, long-standing AirZen customer

• Secure is, to protect sensitive customer data.

• Stable functions, to ensure uninterrupted consultations and presentations of digital services.

• User-friendly is, so that customers and advisors can use it without technical barriers.

• Cost-efficient remains, especially when implemented in more than 30 locations.

• Compatible in Design is, so that devices blend harmoniously into the Sparkasse branch concept.

  
  

Sparkasse Zwickau Interview Partners

Dirk Ebersbach (Head of Department)

Andre Polrolniczak (Sales Management)

Customer Interview

What strategy is the Sparkasse pursuing in the digital sector?

Dirk Ebersbach (Head of Department):
“The Sparkasse Zwickau is aligning itself digitally for the future and is oriented towards customer needs. This means that we provide various contact channels for customers. The customer chooses the channel that suits them. This offer is continually being expanded.”

What role does WiFi play for customers?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“WiFi integrates into this strategy. It ensures that Sparkasse Zwickau's many online offerings can be explained to the customer during a face-to-face consultation without them having to use their own data consumption.”

How does Sparkasse use WiFi for customers and employees?

Andre Polrolniczak (Sales Management):
“WiFi offers the perfect complement in branch business. If the customer is interested in online offerings, the advisor can directly install and set up the popular Sparkasse app on their smartphone together with the customer.”

What is the significance of online marketing for Sparkasse?

Andre Polrolniczak:
“Online marketing is becoming increasingly important and more intensively pursued for Sparkasse Zwickau. Thus, Sparkasse, like the entire banking industry, is currently advancing rapidly in this area. We are constantly monitoring new trends and developing our portfolio to offer customers current offers.”

What does the ideal WiFi solution look like for you?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“The ideal WiFi solution for Sparkasse Zwickau must primarily be secure. The security of data, especially customer data, is our top priority. Additionally, the solution must be reliable and easy to use.”

What expectations and decision criteria are there for the WiFi network?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“The WiFi network must run particularly stable. A missing signal in the middle of the consultation, where online banking is being explained, appears unprofessional. Therefore, it's important that the devices meet a high-quality standard.”

What topics are most important to you concerning the Sparkasse's WiFi?

Andre Polrolniczak:
“Using the wireless network creates added value for customers. The focus is on ensuring our customers feel safe and are indeed safe when using it. Since our WiFi application is not an open network, we can provide this security to our customers.”

What factors were decisive in selecting a WiFi system for more than 30 locations?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“The individual WiFi routers must fit into the Sparkasse design of the branches, and of course, the price is also a factor to be considered with more than 30 locations.”

Why did you choose AirZen?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“The offer from AirZen adjusted precisely to our requirements, especially regarding security and simplicity. Therefore, it was a logical consequence to choose this provider.”

How is the installation of the AirZen system in the branches?

Andre Polrolniczak:
“The installation was incredibly simple, and we were very satisfied with that. After the DSL connection was activated, the access point only had to be connected to the DSL router and powered. The configuration was deployed remotely according to our specifications.”

What differences are there in the installation and ongoing operation compared to WiFi solutions from other providers?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“Technically, several providers could offer us a solution, but AirZen catered specifically to our needs and was able to implement everything according to our ideas.”

Why did you choose AirZen?

Dirk Ebersbach:
“The offer from AirZen adjusted precisely to our requirements, especially regarding security and simplicity. Therefore, it was a logical consequence to choose this provider.”

Our Technology with Service

AirZen Network Technology

What hardware and software is in use in the project? A complete package as Network-as-a-Service (NaaS):

• Managed Services

  • Service 1: GuestWiFi with portal for customers

  • Service 2: TeamWiFi for internal use

  • Service 3: Network operator & provider for the GuestWiFi

  • Service 4: Ongoing network support & maintenance

  • Service 5: Security & software updates for all components
    
    

• Hardware & Software

  • 86x WiFi Routers (AccessPoint & Routing in one device)

  • 1x Central Firewall

  • 1x Cloud-WiFi-Controller

  • Multiple VPN endpoints

  • Server locations of cloud components: Germany

AirZen Technology: German engineering made in Europe.

Benefit of NaaS for Sparkasse Zwickau

Sparkasse Zwickau benefits from the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model by AirZen TeamWiFi in several aspects:

1. Complete Solution from a Single Source:

   • All components such as hardware, software, licenses, and service are included in one package.

   • No additional investments or separate acquisitions necessary.

     
     

2. State-of-the-Art Technology and Security:

   • Automated updates and security patches keep the network always up to date.

   • The zero-trust security concept ensures maximum protection of customer data.

   
   

3. Efficient Management and Maintenance:

   • A central platform allows easy management and monitoring of all 30 locations.

   • Proactive network monitoring minimizes downtime through rapid problem resolution.

   
   

4. Cost Transparency:

   • Monthly or yearly billing without large upfront investments.

   • Clear and calculable cost structure for the Sparkasse.

     
     

5. Reliability and Convenience:

   • The Sparkasse does not have to worry about maintenance or security updates – AirZen takes care of that.

   • The solution is scalable and adapts to requirements.

Thanks to NaaS from AirZen TeamWiFi, Sparkasse Zwickau has a secure, easily manageable, and future-proof network that optimally supports digital transformation.

What is NaaS (Network-as-a-Service)?

Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) means that a company rents the entire network infrastructure such as WiFi, routers, and security as a service, instead of buying and managing it themselves.

👉 The special thing: Everything needed for a functioning network – hardware, software, maintenance, and security – is provided by a provider.

How does it work?

• The provider (e.g., AirZen) provides the devices and software.

• Manages updates, repairs, and administration.

• Companies use the network without having to worry about technical details.

Advantages of NaaS:

1. No major acquisition costs: You pay monthly or yearly instead of spending a lot of money at once.

2. Always up-to-date: The network is automatically provided with the latest security updates.

3. Security: The provider ensures that everything is protected – like a guard for the network.

4. Convenient Management: Everything is centrally monitored, and problems are resolved quickly.

With NaaS, companies have a secure, modern, and easily managed network without having to worry about technology.

What is a Managed Service?

A Managed Service means that a company outsources certain IT services to an external provider. The provider manages, maintains, and monitors while the company simply uses the services without having to worry about technical details.

Examples of Managed Services:

• IT Security: Protection against viruses and cyber-attacks.

• Cloud Services: Storage and management of data in the cloud.

• Networks: Setup, monitoring, and maintenance of WiFi and network infrastructure.

How does it work?

• The provider provides the necessary resources (e.g., software, hardware).

• Continuously monitors the systems and proactively resolves problems.

• The services are usually provided for a monthly fee.

Advantages of Managed Services:

1. Time Savings: The company doesn't have to worry about IT – experts take care of it.

2. Cost Efficiency: No high investment costs, instead plannable, regular fees.

3. Security: Providers ensure up-to-date updates and protective measures.

4. Flexibility: Services can be adapted to the company's needs.

With Managed Services, companies can efficiently use their IT while focusing on their core business.

Combination of NaaS and Managed Service

The combination of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) and Managed Service provides companies with a complete network solution that is not only provided but fully managed.

How does it work?

• NaaS: Provides the infrastructure (e.g., WiFi, routers, switches) as a rental solution. Everything needed for operation – hardware, software, licenses – is included in a service package.

• Managed Service: Takes care of ongoing management, maintenance, monitoring, and security of the infrastructure.

Conclusion

Sparkasse Zwickau impressively demonstrates how modern network solutions can drive digitalization and improve customer service. By implementing AirZen TeamWiFi and using Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) combined with Managed Services, the 30 locations benefit from a secure, stable, and easily managed WiFi infrastructure.

Thanks to the customized solution, Sparkasse was able to:

• Optimize on-site consultations through seamless integration of digital offerings.

• Ensure customer security with a closed and modern security concept.

• Minimize administrative effort and operational costs through automated updates and centrally controlled networks.

After six years of successful collaboration, Sparkasse Zwickau remains a satisfied customer of AirZen, relying on a solution that meets both current and future requirements. This project underscores how technology can be sensibly used to not only increase efficiency but also enhance value for both customers and employees alike.