IBM Internet Security Systems Introduces New Security Management Appliance

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced its Internet Security Systems division will offer customers a new hardware solution for centralized security management. Based on the existing IBM Proventia® Management SiteProtector™ software, the new appliance is designed to make it easier for companies of all sizes to achieve centralized control of their various security components.

"Obtaining the robust management functionality of SiteProtector in an easy-to-install, easy-to-manage appliance will definitely help us to reduce costs and complexity," said Jim Burris, Network Administrator at Kenco Group, Inc. "The ability to centrally manage all of our security technologies through SiteProtector has already had a positive impact on our security posture and bottom line, and the new appliance will streamline our security operations even further."

"The security landscape continues to grow in complexity as attackers develop new, more sophisticated means of infiltrating corporate networks," said Greg Adams, vice president of product development for IBM Internet Security Systems. "IBM Internet Security Systems therefore continues to develop ways to make managing network threats as simple and effective as possible, and we are confident that this new SiteProtector appliance will increase security efficiencies for many companies."

Proventia Management SiteProtector helps to alleviate the burden and high costs associated with security management through comprehensive, centralized control of an organization's various network and host security components. Unlike many competitive offerings, SiteProtector allows companies to centrally manage their entire range of Internet Security Systems technologies -- including network-based intrusion prevention, multi-function systems, server and desktop security, vulnerability management, anomaly detection and email security -- through a single product. With this new release, SiteProtector now also includes management capabilities for antivirus technology. This comprehensive coverage can eliminate the need to purchase and implement multiple management consoles and enables companies to achieve more effective security, reduce costs, maximize business uptime and more easily maintain regulatory compliance standards.

The new appliance form of this product will simplify security management procedures and decrease time spent installing, configuring, maintaining and upgrading the product. Average estimated set-up time for the appliance, which ships pre-configured, is less than 30 minutes. Additional new features include a more intuitive policy management process, enhanced options for traffic analysis and filtering and an "update now" feature for applying immediate security content updates.

"SiteProtector is a great example of why IBM acquired Internet Security Systems," said Julie Donahue, vice president of security and privacy services, IBM. "Incorporating Internet Security Systems' proactive, integrated security platform into IBM's portfolio will simplify security management and provide customers with the protection they expect from an industry leader."

The IBM Proventia product line is a multi-layered security solution that is designed to provide comprehensive protection from network- and host-based attacks before they impact business assets. IBM Internet Security Systems technology is backed by the world-renowned IBM X-Force® research and development team, which consistently rivals independent researchers and other security vendors with cutting-edge vulnerability analysis.

The Proventia Management SiteProtector hardware is scheduled to be available by the end of the month. Further information on SiteProtector can be found at: http://iss.net/products/Proventia_Management_SiteProtector/product_main_page.html

ISS threat protection systems complement IBM's Tivoli identity and access management software, addressing and managing customer security and privacy needs.

About IBM Internet Security Systems

IBM Internet Security Systems is the trusted security advisor to thousands of the world's leading businesses and governments, providing pre-emptive protection for networks, desktops and servers. An established leader in security since 1994, the IBM Proventia® integrated security platform is designed to automatically protect against both known and unknown threats, keeping networks up and running and shielding customers from online attacks before they impact business assets. IBM Internet Security Systems products and services are based on the proactive security intelligence of its X-Force® research and development team -- the unequivocal world authority in vulnerability and threat research. The Internet Security Systems product line is also complemented by comprehensive Managed Security Services and Professional Security Services. For more information, visit the Internet Security Systems Web site at www.iss.net or call 800-776-2362.