Network Associates Adds Clustering to Security ‘E-ppliances’

Utility software solutions provider Network Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: NETA) has announced that it is incorporating clustering solutions by Legato Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: LGTO), a provider of enterprise storage management software, into its new line of e-commerce security appliances.

Some models in the new WebShield E-ppliance line will be embedded with Legato Cluster to ensure that online business applications are continuously protected. Additionally, Network Associates will be developing the Legato Cluster Firewall, in conjunction with Legato Systems, to provide uninterrupted availability of its Gauntlet firewall product.

“By embedding high-availability technology from Legato directly into our new line of WebShield E-ppliances, we have made high availability a basic requirement for e-business solutions in which Web security is a critical component,” commented Marvin Dickerson, senior product manager for the Network Associates WebShield E-ppliance products.

E-Commerce Uptime

The Legato Cluster will monitor and restart critical WebShield E-ppliance security services in case of failure. Network Associates will provide installation and support services for Legato Cluster as a standard component of its WebShield solution.

“Any type of e-business security requires continuous operations by default,” stated Kelly Polanski, Legato business line manager.

The Legato Cluster Firewall, co-developed by the companies, will provide a clustering solution for up to four Solaris platform-based servers that run a Network Associates Gauntlet Firewall. The product, which will be available from Legato on February 7th, can be upgraded to support additional servers.

WebShield E-ppliances

Network Associates introduced the WebShield E-ppliance 300 product at the RSA Security Conference 2000 earlier this week in San Jose, California. The product combines anti-virus, firewall and VPN software.

The product line initially debuted at the Networld + Interop Atlanta conference in September 1999. The company claims that the WebShield security device, which is remotely manageable, will arrive at user sites ready to secure a network out of the box.

“Companies are being forced by investor demands and market expectations to act quickly on e-business strategies, but as analysts point out, you can’t do e-business without safeguarding your information and that of your customers and partners,” commented Dickerson.

Santa Clara, California-based Network Associates is a provider of enterprise network security and management software solutions.