Security: The applied science that is here to stay

The money-spinning security sector has captured the business world's imagination in a big way.

Since 11 September security has grown from an afterthought to the top priority in boardrooms across the world.

From day-to-day protection to data recovery and back-up strategies, security solutions have managed to sidestep nimbly the abysmal economic conditions that are hammering most other IT sectors.

And, with its new profile, security is a good place to make money as other sectors suffer.

But getting a foot on the security ladder has not always been easy.Traditional software-based security solutions required a lot of expertise spanning hardware, software and networking.

Anyone who has ever tried implementing a security system across various hardware platforms, operating systems and networks knows security is not for the faint-hearted. Until security appliances came along, that is.

A security appliance is a dedicated security server, pre-loaded with a secured or hardened operating system and a choice of security software.

The most popular kind are those that combine firewall and virtual private networking software. With prices starting at just a few hundred pounds, appliances appeal to all businesses.

According to research firm IDC, the trend has shifted from software-based security solutions to security appliances for many reasons.

First, they are easier to install than software solutions because everything is already in the box. They are also more secure.

Thanks to the use of task-specific ASIC chips, appliances also outperform a general server running security software.

But it is the ease of installation and management that is capturing the business world's imagination and pocketbooks.

From the home-user to SMEs and massive corporations, security appliances are flying off the shelves. Even the large security software vendors are selling them.

This is exactly why they represent a great opportunity for resellers looking to boost income they have lost in one sector or which just want a piece of the security action without having to break the bank in hiring or training security experts.

Security appliances are not plug-and-play devices but they are not rocket science either.

Compared to traditional software-based solutions we are talking Who Wants to be a Millionaire versus Mastermind.

And with PC World now selling security appliances targeting the small-office/home office arena, it is clear that the skills needed to install these devices are well within the grasp of many VARs.