IBM Expands Product Portfolio to Provide Smaller Businesses With a Corporate Security Blanket

IBM Internet Security Systems Unveils Major Initiative to Reduce the Complexity and Cost of Security

ATLANTA, GA - IBM (NYSE: IBM) today introduced new products that expand its initiative for small to mid-sized businesses to implement the same highly sophisticated and intricate security networks deployed by major corporations.

The new products and services will be offered by IBM’s renowned Internet Security Systems unit, and are designed to meet a pressing need. Research from IBM’s X-Force security team indicates acceleration in security threats on the Web, at the same time that information technology (IT) departments are stretched thin trying to keep pace with security issues and compliance requirements. IBM’s approach streamlines security management, delivering “ahead of the threat” protection against attacks, simplifying security infrastructure through consolidation, and reducing the labor and costs associated with compliance.

Today’s announcement includes:

* The newest release of IBM’s Proventia Network Multi-Function Security, a Unified Threat Management (UTM) solution geared to help small and medium sized businesses by providing complete security at a lower overall cost. It provides six security modules, and now includes a Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) to provide remote users with easy remote access and tighter security controls. IBM offers the only UTM in the industry that is certified to help clients meet PCI compliance by independent testing from NSS Labs.

This release also makes it easier for IT departments to manage with several firewall enhancements and many usability upgrades. Complete with firewall, intrusion protection, anti-virus, anti-spam, URL filtering, IPSec VPN, and now an SSL VPN, this UTM is a one-stop product that eliminates the need to manage multiple vendors and products.

“Complexity is the real issue for security -- both in terms of creating opportunity for breaches, and causing escalating costs,” said Fred Vignes, director of information technology at the Zoo Atlanta. “The new SSL VPN capability in the IBM UTM appliance has provided immeasurable benefits for our employees, allowing more flexibility to connect to the Internet from home, the local coffee shop or when on the road. And, its pre-emptive security capabilities give us peace of mind that our valuable data is secure.”

The new features and enhancements are also found in IBM’s Express Advantage offerings specifically tailored to meet the needs of small businesses: Express Multi-Function Security Bundle and Express Managed Multi-Function Security Bundle. This service joins recently announced security services from IBM ISS and now clients can choose to have a system that is completely monitored and managed 24/7 by IBM, or have IBM monitor the system only on nights and weekends.

“IBM Internet Security Systems continues to break new ground in security. We pioneered the field of vulnerability-based network protection, and today we are solving the next big problem -- reducing the cost and complexity of security,” said Val Rahmani, general manager of IBM’s Internet Security Systems. “These new enhancements solidify the IBM ISS platform as the industry’s most comprehensive, extensible and effective line of solutions for enterprises of all sizes.”

IBM is the world’s leading provider of risk and security solutions. Clients around the world partner with IBM to help reduce the complexities of security and strategically manage risk. IBM’s experience and range of risk and security solutions are unsurpassed -- from dedicated research, software, hardware, services and global business partner value -- helping clients secure business operations and implement company-wide, integrated risk management programs.

For more information, visit: www.ibm.com.