Name: Benjamin Knudsen Ulsmåg
Role/title: Senior network security consultant
Lives: Drammen
From: Bergen
You originally come from Bluetree, which has recently merged with Sicra. What are your thoughts on the merger and what expectations do you have for the transition from Bluetree to Sicra?
I feel this is truly the right direction for the company, and it will lead to many exciting new customers and projects. It gives us both deep expertise and broader capabilities in what we deliver, which will make us unique. The synergy we can create between networking and security really hits a nerve in the market.
What do you work with, and which technologies do you use in your job today?
I work as a project engineer with a strong focus on networking and network security. In my role, I follow delivery projects throughout the entire lifecycle—from requirements specifications, tenders, and design to configuration, testing, and handover. The projects I’m involved in vary a lot, ranging from short projects lasting a few weeks to longer projects spanning several years.
In my most recent projects, I’ve worked on hybrid global rollouts of Network Access Control (NAC), using 802.1X, MAB, and profiling. I’ve also worked on migrating from legacy WAN solutions such as DMVPN, MPLS, or Site-2-Site VPN to SD-WAN. Going forward, my focus will be on design, configuration, and migration to a new data center.
What does your typical workday look like?
A typical workday starts with project meetings that set the direction for the day. After that, I work on requirements specifications, tenders, design, configuration, documentation, or handover. It all depends on which projects I’m working on and which phase we’re in. Even though I mostly work from the office, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, and England to carry out parts of projects with customers.
What does success mean to you professionally, and what motivates you and feels most rewarding in your day-to-day work?
Success is being able to deliver added value to the customer. I often say, “If there’s no need for me after the project, then it was a good delivery.
The variety in projects and tasks—and being able to help solve problems—motivates me the most.
What are you most looking forward to in the time ahead?
I’m looking forward to the merger between Sicra and Bluetree. It’s incredibly exciting to meet new skilled colleagues with unique expertise and experience. I’m looking forward to working together, learning from each other, and developing Sicra together.
Which app or tool do you use the most in your daily work, and why?
It’s a good mix of Teams, Visio, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—mostly for documentation and planning.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Victory awaits him who has everything in order—luck, people call it …” – Roald Amundsen.
We used it a lot in the department I served in during my time in the armed forces.
Do you have a favorite podcast or a book you would recommend?
Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg.
What do you like to do in your spare time, and do you have any fun facts to share?
Working out, going for walks, or spending time socially. Recently, I’ve enjoyed being at home the most with my four-month-old son and my wife.
Fun fact: I’m incredibly good at getting every last bit out of a toothpaste tube.
What do you prefer?
Working from home or the office? The office
Biometrics or passcode? Biometrics
Face ID or Touch ID? Face ID
Vipps or cash? Vipps
Gaming or TV? TV
Book or podcast? Book
Vacation in Norway or abroad? Abroad
