Johannesburg, 17 Feb 2004
In a move designed to enhance network security for its small, medium and large enterprise customers, 3Com Corporation will begin overlaying key security technologies into the hardware, software and operational components that define the network.
The move is part of a strategy designed to place more emphasis on integrated network security, says Chris van Niekerk, MD of 3Com South Africa.
3Com`s strategy is to provide the lowest cost of operations for secure extended networks supporting today`s business models, which are easy to deploy, monitor and manage while being transparent to the end user
"In many companies network security is not integrated into the network, but rather applied `band-aid` fashion without a common, unifying management system," says Van Niekerk.
"Consequently, enterprises` networks have been exposed to vulnerabilities at random points throughout their infrastructure."
He says that, as an end-to-end networking provider, 3Com is positioned to overlay standards-based security technologies into the various elements of the network infrastructure as well as into purpose built security appliances, which are deployed at key points of vulnerability across the network.
These security overlays include: Layer 2-7 firewall, virtual private network (VPN), authentication, authorisation, intrusion detection system and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), anti-virus, security management, and policy.
According to 3Com, these architectural overlays and security services will be developed both internally and via strategic partnerships with best-of-breed security vendors.
They will be integrated across 3Com`s networking portfolio with a particular emphasis on convergence and technology re-use.
"This dual approach, of both purpose built security appliances and traditional networking technology infused with security overlays, creates a pervasive network security that allows customers of all sizes to better infuse security into their existing network infrastructure or to build inherently secure networks from the ground up," adds Van Niekerk.
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