"Security is still a major barrier to companies that want to take advantage of the information superhighway," says Dean Brazier, MD of SecureData.
The security company, which has built much of its business over the past few years on the Trend brand, offers a range of security products including intrusion detection applications and network asset management tools. The latest addition to the stable is Basilisk, an Internet security appliance developed and built locally by SecureWorx.
"Although Trend is still a major portion of the business," says Brazier, "we are moving into other aspects of security."
Among these is the most recent partnership with SecureWorx and its Basilisk product, for which SecureData is now the sole distributor for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Basilisk security appliance is a hardware firewall solution that includes VPN, quality of service and intrusion detection functionalities among its capabilities. The firewall is available in both a two and three port configuration, with the third port suiting companies that require a de-militarised zone.
Kevin Archer, CEO of SecureWorx, says the Basilisk allows administrators to regulate traffic flow based on source, destination and application. The Basilisk also includes quality of service functionality allowing administrators to control bandwidth allocation across their network.
As a standalone appliance, the firewall is administered using a control PC and a Java-based management tool. The company says configuration is a reasonably simple process for users equipped with a little networking know-how.
"Any person knowing a reasonable amount of information on TCP/IP and networking can install the unit," says Peter Kerr, product manager at SecureWorx, as the Basilisk provides "security for the masses".
The local market, says Archer, "is still very sceptical of locally developed products," but he is confident that together with SecureData, the firewall will achieve greater penetration of the local and international markets.
"SecureData is a natural partner for us," says Archer. "It means we can focus on our strengths in this area, particularly in R&D."
He explains that one of the major hurdles that must be overcome is the slow adoption of local products by the market. Archer says the partnership with SecureData, and the support services the company will be able to offer the product through its established channel partner programme, will go a long way to overcoming this obstacle.
"Being able to deliver a quality product with effective support lowers the barrier to entry," says Archer.
Kerr says the other advantages of selecting a locally developed product are the availability of local expertise and sufficient stock.
Brazier is confident that SecureData is backing the right horse and adds that "the growth in the firewall market will be characterised by the growth in the medium-sized market," a market very clearly targeted by the Basilisk.
SecureWorx was recently awarded ICSA certification, which is highly regarded in the security industry.
Share
