Security devices bolster branch office defences

Network security vendor Crossbeam Systems will today launch two new unified threat management (UTM) devices. The move will extend its C-series range with models able to support up to 1,000 users.

“The C12 and C25 provide mid-range enterprises with high-end UTM and are also ideal for deployment on the interior and branch offices of larger enterprise networks,” said Crossbeam president and chief executive Peter George.

The C12 and C25 are 1U rack-mountable UTM systems and are targeted at medium-sized firms and large enterprises for branch office deployments. Both feature “best-of-breed” security applications including antivirus, intrusion-detection and intrusion-prevention systems (IDS/IPSs), XML security and URL filtering tools, from Trend Micro, Check Point, Forum Systems and Websense.

Crossbeam’s C-series systems offer full pre- and post-firewall intrusion-prevention tools; StreamProtect to accelerate small packet performance; and intelligent fail-open. Crossbeam’s co-founder Throop Wilder added, “Virtual Tap siphons off traffic flows from all interfaces and directs it to the intrusion-prevention process. We’ve also optimised the device drivers for faster I/O.”

The higher-end C25 can have 12 copper or four copper and eight fibre Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving 6Gbit/s firewall throughput. It also has a VPN acceleration module and can be set up in a high-availability mode. The lower-end C12 model supports 4Gbit/s firewall throughput and the VPN acceleration module is optional.

The C25 is available immediately from Crossbeam’s channel partners priced from around £12,750 + VAT depending on configuration. The C12 will be available in July priced at £6,380 + VAT.