ISS targets lower end with latest appliance
IBM's security division claims partners will be able to extend their market coverage
Internet Security Systems (ISS), the security division of IBM, has launched its first appliance aimed at the lower end of the market.
The Proventia Network IPS BS3002 forms part of the IBM ISS Proventia Management SiteProtector platform. It is aimed at smaller branch offices and end-points, such as ATMs and point-of-sale systems.
Andrew Lawton, director for northern Europe at IBM ISS, told CRN ISS has traditionally played in the high-end space. “This launch sees us move into areas we haven’t been able to access before, namely the top end of the SME space and the mid-market,” he said.
“One of the main areas the appliance will address is retail, which is particularly pertinent now because of the Payment Card Industry compliance and the need for any organisation that holds credit card information to be properly protected.”
Rob Ayoub, industry manager for network security at analyst firm Frost & Sullivan, said: “The addition of a lower-cost intrusion prevention appliance to the firm’s product line extends its protection capabilities to a broader set of companies. It also allows larger companies to shield additional segments of the network from attack.”
Bernie Dodwell, European security manager at Westcon Group, said: “Smaller firms are not concerned about the technology in a device as such, they just want a ‘Swiss army knife’ approach to security.
“However, vendors such as ISS, Websense and Check Point have traditionally sold the individual knives that are extremely good for one purpose. ISS has the credibility in the market to make it work.”