Trend Micro Stands Guard With Network VirusWall 1200

For most companies, the never-ending battle to save their IT infrastructure and hardware from viruses and worms happens only on the desktop or at the server level as they deploy antivirus software to fight the threats. However, this approach can often cause bigger problems than it solves, as it requires that a virus or worm enter the network before it can be attacked and eliminated, leaving systems that are not properly secured at risk.

Trend Micro takes a different approach to security with the Network VirusWall 1200, an appliance-based solution deployed at the network edge. The VirusWall 1200 is designed to stop network viruses and Internet worms before they can penetrate and infect a network, and block vulnerabilities if an outbreak does occur. The appliance quarantines and cleans possible sources of infection, such as unprotected machines, as they sign on to the network. Using threat-specific knowledge at the network layer, the unit scans for viruses and worms directly on the network backbone and counters those security threats before they enter the network and an outbreak occurs.

FRANK J. OHLHORST Technology Editor

Trend Micro uses a set of predefined policies to enforce prevention rules, but the solution also allows users to create their own policies to fit their company's needs. Policies can be downloaded directly from Trend Micro and automatically deployed as-is, or users can examine and modify Trend Micro's policies before deployment to the VirusWall 1200. Policies can be created to enforce security parameters and for monitoring or deployment tasks, which allows the VirusWall to perform additional security functions beyond virus and worm prevention.

The unit is easy to deploy and manage thanks to Trend Micro's Control Manager, an intuitive console that includes context-sensitive help and that can manage multiple devices.

The VirusWall 1200's large and easily scalable feature set makes the unit worth considering for networks of any size. Features include vulnerability isolation, network-outbreak monitoring, network-outbreak prevention, network scanning, automated damage cleanup and security policy enforcement. Together, these features present a unique and thorough solution for protecting networks from attack.

Trend Micro's two-tier channel program consists of Premier VARs and Associate partners, who receive varying levels of training, account management assistance, MDFs, partnering on events, pre- and post-sales support, a technical help desk and opportunities to cross-sell other Trend Micro products and services. Premier VAR status is based on a partner's level of commitment to selling Trend Micro products. The vendor offers a reseller council and a partnering program that matches solution providers to specific jobs based on their areas of expertise. The company also promotes joint-sales efforts between its solution providers and distributors. Trend Micro declined to disclose its average solution provider margins.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
> TREND MICRO NETWORK VIRUSWALL 1200
COMPANY: Trend Micro
Cupertino, Calif.
(408) 257-1500
www.trendmicro.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Synnex, Tech Data
TECH RATING:
CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.