ZyXel offers SMEs their own UTM

Security vendor ZyXel has launched its first Unified Threat Management (UTM) offering aimed at SMEs

Dedicated to firms with up to 100 users, the ZyWall UTM series features eight different security functions including a firewall, IPSec VPN, gateway anti-virus, intrusion detection and prevention and anti-spam, explained James Walker, product manager at ZyXel.

“This product can only be bought through our channel and the services are provided on a licensing-based model, which means recurring revenue for partners,” he said.

Walker added that the firm currently has around 150 VARs aligned to its four-tier ZyPartner Programme, but is looking to get between 500 and 600 resellers by the end of 2006. “From a reseller point of view there have been very limited offerings to the SME space in terms of UTM, so there is a huge market out there,” he said.

Matthew Keen, enterprise account director at VAR Redstone Communications, said: “Unlike many manufacturers on the market, ZyXel designs and makes every feature in its products so it can provide equipment built exactly to [partner] specifications and direct support on any problems encountered.”