Sun, Check Point Roll Out New Security Appliance

The appliance is comprised of a Sun LX50 Server, which is an entry-level, Linux-based server, with Check Point's VPN-1/FireWall-1 Next Generation software.

Slated for availability in January, the device will come in seven models to target the enterprise market, data centers and remote branch offices, executives said. The Sun LX50 VPN/Firewall appliance will be sold through both Check Point and Sun channel partners, they said.

"Right out of the gate we have a big number of channel partners familiar with the two companies and who understand the products of the two companies," said Sanjay Sharma, Sun security market segment manager. "We already have big channel momentum which we can leverage for this appliance."

He said the product fits in with Sun's comprehensive security strategy in which the company partners with other vendors. The appliance interoperates with the iForce Integrated Security Solution announced earlier this year, he said.

Arun Gowda, business development manager at Check Point, said the new appliance extends Check Point's market reach. The company already partners with several vendors on VPN/security appliances, including Nokia, Celestix Networks and VPN Dynamics.

The Sun appliance features 2 Gbps of firewall throughput and 640 Mbps per second of VPN throughput, he said. It is easy to deploy and manage, he said. The device has a hardware GUI.

Pricing for the appliance starts at $3,300.

Sharma said Sun might consider developing other types of security appliances by teaming up with antivirus or intrusion-detection vendors.

"But the firewall/VPN appliance is where we see the highest demand," he said.