Digital security on the rails – Our customer project for DB InfraGO AG

CANCOM Slovakia: How would you describe your role as Senior Key Account Manager at CANCOM?

Sven: As Senior Key Account Manager in the Account Sales Utility division, my focus is on industrial communication networks and security. I support customers who are faced with the challenge of operating their industrial networks securely, modernly, and reliably. I accompany them from the initial consultation to the tender process, implementation, and beyond. This is not just about technology, but about understanding. I see myself as a problem solver, advisor, supporter, co-thinker, and helping hand—someone who listens, understands the customer’s challenges, and translates them into sustainable, viable solutions. The goal is to implement digital transformation in a way that strengthens and protects the customer without jeopardizing their processes.

CANCOM Slovakia: One customer project you are responsible for is the Security Operations Center (SOC) at DB InfraGO AG. What exactly was this project about?

Sven: DB InfraGO AG, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, is responsible for the planning, operation, and maintenance of the rail infrastructure in Germany. This makes it part of the critical infrastructure where security, stability, and availability are top priorities. At a time when cyberattacks have long been a reality, a company like DB InfraGO must take special measures to protect its systems. To this end, it operates its own SOCs in Berlin and Frankfurt – essentially the digital control centers for the security of German rail traffic.

CANCOM was commissioned to implement the refurbishment of these two SOC locations. This involved not only technical modernization, but also a holistic security concept that is sustainable and future-proof in the long term. Together with the customer, we set up a virtualization environment that guarantees stability, scalability, and reliability. At the same time, we ensured that the systems could be operated independently – through clear processes, training, and continuous support from our services.

CANCOM Slovakia: How does such a large-scale project proceed from the initial idea to implementation?

Sven: Such projects arise from intensive customer care and long-term relationships. It takes patience and trust – sometimes it takes years to really gain a foothold. It always starts with a specific customer need, in this case the modernization of the SOCs. This is followed by a competitive bidding process to determine whether a potential partner can meet the high requirements. We submit comprehensive technical concepts, economic evidence, and documentation for this purpose. If you make it onto the shortlist, the tendering and negotiation phase begins. Here, it is crucial to work in a very structured manner, meet deadlines, understand complex requirements, and bring all internal and external stakeholders up to the same level. This requires real teamwork.

We put together a strong team of around 15 colleagues for InfraGO AG – from sales, technology, project management, legal, purchasing, and service. Our manufacturing partners and distributors also joined us. Everyone had a crucial role to play. It was particularly important to us not only to supply licenses, but also to enable the customer to operate the SOC independently through service and training. Even after the project is complete, CANCOM will continue to be available as a technical contact – both for future expansions and for questions during ongoing operations. The collaboration is well-established and designed to be continued successfully in the long term.

CANCOM Slovakia: How important was the collaboration with partners?

Sven: Extremely important. The technical basis was Broadcom’s VMware vSphere, a solution that is ideal for security-critical environments – highly available, scalable, and fail-safe. The project was implemented under a multi-year framework agreement. At CANCOM, we see ourselves not merely as an intermediary between the manufacturer and the customer, but as a strategic partner that connects both worlds. The close relationship between CANCOM and Broadcom was a real advantage here – we were able to design tailor-made, future-proof solutions.

CANCOM Slovakia: What were the biggest challenges for you in this project?

Sven: The requirements were high from the outset. Ongoing operations were not to be disrupted at any time – a real challenge in industrial environments.

For me personally, the biggest challenge was keeping everything under control: understanding technical details, knowing the economic conditions, and at the same time maintaining the customer’s trust. Every step has to be documented, coordinated, and implemented on time – mistakes are not an option in this environment.

CANCOM Slovakia: What motivates you to take on new challenges in your job?

Sven: I don’t see such projects as a burden, but as a driving force. It’s fascinating to see how many people pull together to successfully implement something so complex. When the customer says at the end, “It works, we feel safe and understood,” then every hour was worth it. But it also shows that CANCOM’s understanding of service is well received. I feel it is a great responsibility to be able to look after an account like DB InfraGO AG. I am motivated by the fact that I can make a real difference through my work. In this project, IT security means not only protecting data, but also real security – for employees, travelers, and the country’s infrastructure.

I am particularly proud that we at CANCOM are actively shaping the digital future – for example, in the areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital healthcare. These topics will become even more important in the coming years.

CANCOM Slovakia: How important is teamwork in projects like this?

Sven: Teamwork is at the heart of our success. I work in an environment where everyone stands up for each other. We treat each other as equals, regardless of hierarchy or function. I like to compare it to a soccer team: as a striker, you can only score goals if the midfielders play the right passes. It’s the same with us – everyone contributes their strengths so that we can be successful together. I experience this culture at CANCOM every day. Whether in projects, at team events, or simply in everyday life, there is an openness and collegiality that I really appreciate – even from our managers, who are always close to the team and actively involved.

CANCOM Slovakia: You volunteer as a paramedic in your free time. How does that fit in with your job – and how does CANCOM support you in this?

Sven: It’s an important part of my life. I’m a trained paramedic and organizational manager for emergency medical services, and I’m active in disaster control. I regularly go on call at weekends and take part in further training courses. This work is demanding, but it also gives me so much in return. Being able to help someone in an emergency situation, maybe even save their life, is indescribable. It’s my way of giving something back to society.

CANCOM is very supportive – I am allowed to take special leave to complete my mandatory hours and training courses. That’s not something to be taken for granted, and I’m grateful for it.

There are many parallels between my two jobs: teamwork, responsibility, trust. In the emergency services, everyone in the team knows exactly what to do – and it’s the same in our projects at CANCOM. This teamwork is crucial, especially in safety-critical areas.

CANCOM Slovakia: Thank you very much for talking to us and for your impressive commitment – both professionally and voluntarily!