Check Point Pitches UTM Security for Enterprises

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Check Point Software Technologies introduced its newest package of enterprise security applications on May 8, rolling out new capabilities for using so-called unified threat management technologies alongside its existing VPN and anti-malware tools.

UTM packages typically include firewalls, e-mail filters, anti-virus software and some network intrusion detection capabilities. The biggest selling point behind such offerings is their ability to help companies address a number of security issues in one swoop.

While UTM is becoming an increasingly popular way for SMBs (small and midsize businesses) to protect their IT assets, most larger companies prefer to acquire their applications in smaller bundles or as single-point products, Check Point officials said.

/zimages/2/28571.gifClick here to read why eWEEK Security Center Editor Larry Seltzer says unified threat management systems are a good choice for SMBs.

Check Point is betting that it can encourage enterprises to begin using UTM applications to help protect branch offices and other geographically dispersed operations, and the company is offering tight integration between UTM and its products designed specifically for enterprise use.

Check Points new VPN-1 UTM product line, sold as a package of software applications or loaded into one box as an appliance, is designed to let a companys remote locations operate using the UTM approach, while allowing central IT administrators to manage and adjust the systems using the same controls offered in Check Points enterprise security products.

“Were trying to help solve the problem of security sprawl, as customers have all kinds of security applications deployed at different points throughout their operations and this is hurting their ability to manage their defenses consistently and easily,” said Bill Jensen, product marketing manager at Check Point, headquartered in Ramat Gan, Israel.

“Enterprises have started looking at UTM and want a mixture [of applications] to help manage regional offices, but unless you can find a way to integrate UTM with the best-of-breed software that companies are running in their central security operations, youre just introducing a new type of management headache,” he said.

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Jensen said Check Points new package allows administrators to conduct the same types of systemwide scans and maintenance work they already perform while pushing out any updates or policy changes to the distributed UTM systems automatically.

VPN-1 UTM includes intrusion prevention and anti-virus applications as well as an SSL [Secure Sockets Layer] VPN, network and Web-applications firewalls, and host-checking capabilities. Examples of the types of business applications the system works with include VOIP (voice-over-IP) systems, instant messaging clients and file-sharing tools.

Check Point said the VPN-1 UTM software package will retail at a starting price of $2,000.

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