Enterasys Networks` Matrix X Router provides Development Bank of Southern Africa with unmatched core security

Enterasys Networks, the secure networks company, today announced that the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is among the first enterprises to deploy the new Matrix X secure core router as part of a comprehensive edge-to-core network security initiative designed to enhance business continuity and protect vital information from internal and external threats.

DBSA provides strategic assistance and development funds to spur economic growth in 14 countries in the Southern African Development Community. With renewed international interest in Africa in general and southern Africa in particular, the DBSA is inundated with requests to fund new infrastructure developments. The DBSA manages millions of dollars in annual transactions and requires a reliable network infrastructure that ensures business continuity while securing sensitive financial records.

"The Development Bank has 330 remote locations and manages approximately six terabytes of data. We were concerned with network bottlenecks and recognised we needed to expand our infrastructure," said Graham Tate, manager of Information and Technology Services at the DBSA. "New servers have also increased our need for gigabit ports. Above all, we need to keep our entire network - and the vital information that traverses it - secure from viruses, worms, unauthorised access and other threats. The Matrix X dramatically reduces the cost per gigabit port, while maintaining an unfaltering security level. Overall, we now have the comprehensive network security we need to ensure business continuity."

The Matrix X is a powerful family of core routers that combines high-performance networking with the highest level of core security available today to support the most demanding enterprise applications and business-critical communications. An integral part of Enterasys` complete edge-to-core Secure Networks product line, the Matrix X delivers unmatched enterprise security, risk mitigation and the next-generation continuity demanded by today`s always-on networked enterprises. The X is ideal for enterprises supporting real-time applications such as voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), video to the desktop, high-performance imaging, and grid computing for massive data-intensive environments. With a total switching capacity of 2.56 terabytes and the ability to support more than 760 gigabit Ethernet ports in a single chassis, the Matrix X is the largest enterprise class switch router in the industry.

"We can no longer be passive about security," Tate said. "The risk profile environment has changed and the onus is now on us to monitor individual users. By using a combination of Enterasys Secure Networks products and solutions, we are centrally managing network security easily and effectively. The Matrix X is the perfect solution for the core of the DBSA infrastructure. We have an ever-increasing amount of traffic on our network that must be secured in a highly distributed environment. When we decided to upgrade the network core, it was critical that the solution we chose would be an integral part of a complete end-to-end security architecture. The Matrix X does just that for us."

The DBSA has deployed the Matrix X in conjunction with Enterasys Matrix N-Series switches and Dragon" Intrusion Defense, which deliver unmatched end-to-end reliability and security to the bank`s network. The bank also uses Enterasys` acceptable use policy solution to ensure the right people have access to the information they need to do their jobs, while preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data. The entire infrastructure is centrally managed from edge to core with the same security policy and management software that can be deployed and dynamically changed across every network switch, router and IP connected-device with one click, providing the industry`s most complete and integrated security solution.

"The Matrix X enables us to roll back configuration and test firmware without risk," Tate continued. "We were concerned about the effects firmware upgrades could have on our network, but the Matrix X, with its hitless upgrade capability, erased our concerns. Now, we can upgrade our firmware remotely without operational risk, which helps maintain our high level of compliance with information privacy regulations."

Cynthia Gallant, executive vice president, Secure Networks Group for Enterasys, says the DBSA, like many enterprises worldwide, recognises the urgency of deploying a complete edge-to-core network security solution without increasing operational costs or requirements. "Edge security is not enough to avert the often crippling business problems that today`s growing network threats can cause. The cost in terms of lost business, compromised data and the inability to comply with data privacy regulations is too great to risk. The core is the heart of every network and Enterasys has delivered the industry`s most full-featured enterprise secure core router in the Matrix X. It is an integral part of a complete Secure Networks solution for all enterprises concerned about keeping their networks-and their businesses-running and protecting information."