Why some VPN vendors are not putting additional functions on their VPN boxes

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: TIM GREENE ON VPNS
09/08/05
Today's focus: Why some VPN vendors are not putting additional
functions on their VPN boxes

Dear networking.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Do users want multifunction security boxes?
* Links related to VPNs
* Featured reader resource
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Today's focus: Why some VPN vendors are not putting additional
functions on their VPN boxes

By Tim Greene

This newsletter has pointed out in the past that makers of
firewall/VPN appliances have started adding other security
functions to their boxes - see Multi-function vs. single
function devices: Which is more secure?
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn2049> and Cisco follows
others down the multi-function security road
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn6651> .

Now a research firm points out that some vendors are purposely
not adding other functions to their VPN appliances. Some might
say this is because VPN platforms can't handle the additional
load of anti-virus, intrusion detection and content filtering
that some vendors are adding to their boxes.

The research firm, Infonetics, suggests another reason - that
customers who already have firewall/VPN boxes don't have to swap
them out. "Some vendors are starting to build integrated content
security appliances and are intentionally leaving out VPN and
firewall functionality so these products can act as a supplement
to existing embedded VPN/firewall products," says Jeff Wilson,
research director for Infonetics.

The truth is probably a combination of the two. Customers who
have set up VPNs and have them working - a not inconsiderable
feat even with the efforts vendors have made to streamline the
process - probably don't want to rip them out and start over.
Depending on how old the VPN gear is, it might also not be fully
depreciated yet. But it is also true that the performance of
multi-function boxes that were designed to be firewall/VPN
appliances may suffer compared to platforms designed to support
additional security screening. Vendors won't want to put out a
product just to have it shown up by better designed gear.

This leaves potential customers with an opportunity if they can
hold out until it is a good time to swap out their existing
appliances. They can get more security in a single device that
is located at a critical point in remote access networks. And
they have the opportunity to evaluate whether they want to
switch from SSL to IPSec VPNs or vice versa based on their
company needs.

If they do opt to wait for a conversion to multi-function
appliances, the wait is also likely to yield better performing
equipment at lower prices as competition heats up.

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. Cisco Catalyst 4948-10GE aces performance tests
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn6653>

2. 2005 salary survey <http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn4036>

3. Google hacking <http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn6695>

4. Supermarket chain freezes Internet access
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn6654>

5. VoIP rollouts generate heat, power concerns
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlvpn6300>

_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Tim Greene

Tim Greene is a senior editor at Network World, covering virtual
private networking gear, remote access, core switching and local
phone companies. You can reach him at <mailto:tgreene@nww.com>.
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Tacit
Network World Executive Guide: Staying Focused on the Moving
Target that is Storage

Keeping pace with evolving storage strategies, architectures,
and trends is not unlike keeping pace with your organizations
underlying capacity needs. From ILM strategies to SAN management
to the threat of those USB memory sticks, this Network World
Executive Guide will help you stay focused on the moving target
that is Storage. Register now and get a free copy of Network
World's Storage Executive Guide.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=112864
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

Breaking VPN news from Network World, updated daily:
http://www.networkworld.com/topics/firewalls.html

Archive of the VPN newsletter:
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/vpn/index.html
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE

GARTNER'S SECURITY HYPE-O-METER

What is hype and has it influenced your network security
efforts? At a recent Gartner security summit, analysts described
what they say are "The Five Most Overhyped Security Threats,"
risks that have been overblown and shouldn't be scaring everyone
as much as they seem to be. For more, click here:

<http://www.networkworld.com/weblogs/security/009180.html>
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