Crossbeam: C10 A Cost-Saver

Crossbeam Systems this week is slated to unveil a Linux-based appliance designed to deliver complete security solutions to remote and branch offices.

The Crossbeam C10 switch supports up to 2 Gbits of performance and includes integrated security applications at a price that's up to half the cost of other single-application products, according to the Concord, Mass.-based security hardware vendor. The device, priced at $9,995, is due to ship by mid-May.

Throop Wilder, Crossbeam's vice president of marketing, said the C10 sits outside a company's firewall and helps establish secure linkups through the perimeter into the corporate LAN. The device's flexibility also gives channel partners an opportunity for additional revenue, he said.

"Early on, value-added services for resellers can include management and monitoring," Wilder said. "Because of the Linux base, you can add value in terms of additional software and more."

The C10's SecureShore automatic patch upgrade feature enables users to ensure that their network is prote-cted against all of the latest threats and outbreaks, Wilder said. The product also can separate a network into secure internal containment zones.

It has six ports that each support 10/100/1000 Mbps of throughput.

Despite such functionality, Wilder said the C10's biggest selling point is "undoubtedly price." And Crossbeam resellers seem to agree.

Joseph Dell, CTO of Vigilar, an Atlanta-based solution provider, predicted that the C10 will "corner the market" because of its price. He added that he doesn't think he'll be able to sell the product quickly enough.

"Folks who are thinking about security for small- to medium-sized enterprises now have the opportunity to buy a multifunction [appliance] for the price of a single-point solution," Dell said, adding that the product is positioned against offerings from Crossbeam competitors Cisco Systems and Nokia. "[If you] look at the numbers, this thing puts to shame just about all of the big boys in the business today."