Global DataGuard, a provider of network behavior analysis-based unified
threat management tools for small to medium-size businesses and enterprise
environments, announced plans to develop a unified cloud security solution by
extending its systemic security architecture to support cloud and hybrid
networks in addition to premises-based environments.
With commercial availability scheduled for the first quarter of 2010, Global
DataGuard's Enterprise UTM for Cloud Computing offering will integrate network
behavior analysis and correlation technology with PCI-enabled intrusion
detection and prevention, vulnerability scanning and management, log
management, analysis and monitoring, network access and policy monitoring, and
threat management capabilities, including prioritized network, global and
vendor threats and vulnerabilities.
The company said this “unified security anywhere” approach will enable
midmarket companies to fortify their existing premises-based, cloud or hybrid
network infrastructure and future-proof current IT investments with a holistic
architecture and applications portfolio that provides scalability, regulatory
compliance and up to a 60 percent reduction in network security costs.
Company CEO Scott Paly said the industry
has begun to realize that security requirements for cloud computing should
parallel security for premises-based environments. “Adequate security is,
ultimately, the network owner's responsibility, regardless of where the
applications and data reside," he said. "By extending our network
behavior analysis-based Enterprise UTM architecture into the cloud, our goal is
to make enterprise-level security ubiquitous for SMB and SME customers at a
fraction of the price, whether they have premises-based, cloud or hybrid
network environments."
Analysts point to a variety of security issues that customers should review
before selecting a cloud computing vendor, including privileged user access,
regulatory compliance, data location and segregation, recovery, investigative
support, and long-term viability. The also stress that customers are
responsible for the integrity of their own data, and that cloud computing
providers should be expected to undergo the same level of external audits and
security certifications that are required of traditional service providers.
Among the features of Global DataGuard’s solution is a unified
administration, monitoring and reporting system that offers compliance
reporting, weekly and summary reports, an integrated network security ticketing
system, and a customizable, 24/7 managed security services from certified
security analysts that can be purchased with or without a contract and provide
real-time visibility, control and oversight of a business security environment
whether it's for premises-based, cloud or hybrid networks.
In August, the company announced the enhancement its Firewall/Syslog Module
(FSM) technology with the release of Version
3.4 to provide increased storage (up to 1.5 terabytes of on-board storage),
advanced search capabilities for locating and analyzing specific log events
over vast periods of time, and more sophisticated log parsing and alerting. The
Firewall/Syslog Module is priced at $30,000 and can be leased with managed
services for $2,815 per month, according to the company's Website.
Midmarket News & Reviews 
