Westcon, Sun and Check Point combine strengths to make security easier, cheaper for mid-market

Joining forces to lower the entry barriers for mid-market customers, Sun, Check Point and Westcon recently launched a new network security offering that bundles hardware, software and services to provide high performance at a low price.

Sun Microsystems, the worlds' leading provider of network technology and services, has designed a specific appliance, the iForce server, to work with the latest Check Point software. Check Point, the world's leading firewall and VPN provider, has redesigned some of its functionality and licensing to accommodate the needs of the mid-market. The resulting package of integrated software and hardware provides double the performance and is two-thirds cheaper than can be achieved by mixing and matching other sets of devices and applications.

Speaking at the launch in April, Check Point's northern European technical director, Niall Moynihan, pointed out that the complexity of networks has made security expensive in terms of both physical and human resources. "And, of course, networks are constantly evolving. So, there's an ongoing need for security to be made easier and cheaper to install as well as easier to use - without sacrificing quality at any point. This offering is the first and boldest step in that direction."

"In addition, large enterprises have had the money, skills and time to tackle the complexity of their networks effectively with industrial-strength software and hardware. However, the kind of pre-packaged solution needed by companies with between 50 and 250 IP nodes in their networks has just not been available, until now."

Check Point has 60% of the local security software market. It is expecting to grow that share by 10% by bringing on new customers with this offering.

"We chose Westcon to distribute the offering because they have the largest security footprint, not just in this country but globally, and they've been formally awarded recognition as our best distributor," Moynihan said.

"So, between the three of us - Check Point, Sun and Westcon - customers have advanced technology and service at their beck and call at a price they can easily afford."

Jos Nickmans, channel and partner manager, Sun Microsystems sub-Saharan Africa said that every organisation, no matter what market segment it represents, recognises the need for both perimeter security and VPNS to support secure communication across the Internet.

"So, whether you're in the financial, government, communications, manufacturing or retail sector, you stand to benefit from a security solution that offers high performance and low cost of ownership."

Westcon product manager, Mouritz Snyder, said that the Sun/Check Point package was a step in Westcon's strategic intent to provide enhanced products sets for all security vertical markets, adapted to the needs of specific territories.

"With the South African market comprised mostly of mid-sized companies, we feel that companies will benefit with access to the iForce/Check Point offering."

Westcon's extensive network of resellers will provide sales, implementation, support and maintenance services to customers.

The Sun/Check Point offering positions Westcon, Sun and Check Point to participate strongly in the anticipated mushrooming of the security market, both worldwide and locally.

BMI-Techknowledge predicts that overall security spend in South Africa alone will grow from its 2002 base of R912 million to R1.978 billion in 2007. The sotware portion of that spend is expected to grow from R440 million (2002) to R913 million in 2007. Hardware spend should increase from R155 million (2002) to R292 million in 2007.