Crossbeam Unveils New Security Device, Partner Program

The company, based here, unveiled the product Monday along with its Crossbeam Authorized Partner Program (CAPP) in North America.

The C30 integrates third-party security technologies, such as firewall protection and intrusion detection, with switching and load balancing functions. The device uses a network processor and performs security operations faster than competing security appliances, said Ellen Sun, Crossbeam product manager.

The C30 also features a stacking capability, which allows customers to stack two of the devices for processing power and traffic overflow.

Crossbeam partners with Check Point Software Technologies, Internet Security Systems, Trend Micro and other security vendors. Customers choose which security functions they want on the C30.

Priced at $24,000, the C30 targets midsize companies with 500 to 2,000 employees, said Throop Wilder, Crossbeam vice president of marketing.

Founded three years ago, Crossbeam focused on the high-end enterprise and service provider markets with its C40 line of multifunction security switches, he said. The company sold the product mostly direct but is building a channel to sell the C30.

CAPP supports the company's solution provider partners with lead sharing, joint marketing and support programs, sales training and other benefits, said Mark Bennett, Crossbeam's vice president of North American channel sales.

So far, the company has signed 17 partners and hopes to recruit a total of 25, he said. Crossbeam is focusing on solution providers that specialize in security but also is hearing interest from general networking VARs, Bennett said.

A key component of CAPP is a margin protection program, he said.

"When you work with Crossbeam on an opportunity, we provide you a guaranteed margin," he said.