Who Will Be The Next Security Idol?

This goes way beyond a promotional video. In this 11-minute American Idol parody, Alviso, Calif.-based Palo Alto Networks takes several hearty but amusing jabs at competitors Juniper Networks and CheckPoint Systems.

You're taken to San Jose, where you see "Simon," "Paula" and "Randy" -- that is, if you can imagine Randy a pocket-protecting white boy with glasses -- poised and ready at their judges' table. Indeed, they are ready to tear down their auditionees with abandon.

Judges, start your engines. The first victim is June Ipper, sporting curly blond hair, tinted shades, green tie-dye shirt and suspenders holding up plaid pants that come up to his knees. Clearly, he's stuck in the past. What is his deal -- routers? Switches? Security? "I'm a little confused, trying to make the switch," he contends.

That assertion is underscored when he auditions with "Bohemian Rhapsody" by "one of the most confused individuals of all time" Freddie Mercury. Don't worry, he barely gets going before he's stopped. The judges are confused. Randy is feelin' "a little security but a lot of router."

"That man was crying for help," says Simon. "I don't even think he was a man." Paula takes a drink from her flask.

Up next, slow moving Chuck Point, attired in a black tuxedo. "You look like you've just arrived from a funeral," Simon says. (Now, what's he trying to say?)

For the past 15 years, security has been his life, Chuck asserts. "You must be someone who comes up with security innovations every day," said Randy.

Chuck stares at him blankly, then fails to impress the judges with Frank Sinatra's "I'll Do It My Way."

"After a rocky start, you went downhill," Simon sums up. "It just felt so 1993," says Randy. "Things have changed. Applications have changed."

Then, just when prospects of seeing a new Security Idol appear to be dim, in strides underdog Paolo, Paolo Alto.

What makes Paolo think he can compete with those who have been in the business a lot longer than he? Something fresh and innovative. (of course) New ways to identify viruses and malware. (sure) Encrypted SSL technology. (naturally) 10 gigs (could you imagine anything less?)

Does Paolo become the next security idol? Let's put it this way, during his audition the "Paula" gets up and does a little dance. Of course, that could be due to the fact that she just took a few more swigs from her flask.

You can see who the next Security Idol is here: