3Com Talks Up Security

Under an initiative dubbed Pervasive Network Security, 3Com plans to overlay security elements such as VPN, firewall and intrusion-detection and -prevention technology across its networking portfolio.

"Our strategy is to deliver a choice," said Elesh Kadakia, security marketing manager at 3Com, Marlborough, Mass. "We want to deliver security at multiple points in the network," he said.

The vendor's security strategy also includes the development of purpose-built appliances, such as its OfficeConnect VPN Firewall and Secure Router products introduced in October for small and home offices.

3Com plans to develop security technology in-house and through partnerships with security vendors.

As part of its security initiative, 3Com launched the Security Switch 6200, the first offering born out of 3Com's OEM partnership with Crossbeam, Concord, Mass., an agreement the companies unveiled last month.

Crossbeam's switches integrate third-party security applications from vendors such as Check Point Software Technologies and Internet Security Systems with switching and load-balancing features.

As security takes on an increasingly larger role in network infrastructure, customers are looking for products like 3Com's new switch to consolidate applications and simplify management, said Shaun Steel, sales manager at Valcom Computer Center, a solution provider in Salt Lake City.

"A lot of our customers are looking for an all-in-one box," Steel said.

Pricing for the new switch,available now,starts at $25,000, not including third-party software licenses.

The new security strategy is part of 3Com's overall effort to rebuild its high-end networking portfolio following a three-year absence from the enterprise market.

To support its expanding product portfolio, 3Com is recruiting new VARs, systems integrators and service providers capable of supporting more complex enterprise solutions, said Bruce Claflin, president and CEO of 3Com, during a conference call last week to discuss the company's financial results for the second fiscal quarter.

For the quarter ended Nov. 28, the networking vendor reported a loss of $139 million, or 37 cents per share, more than double its loss of $68.5 million, or 19 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago.

Revenue for the quarter dropped 33 percent to $182 million, down from $272.2 million in the same quarter last year.

The company plans to cut 900 of its 2,900 employees during the rest of the fiscal year in conjunction with previously announced actions, such as manufacturing outsourcing, Claflin said.

3Com isn't the only networking vendor currently focusing on security. Cisco Systems last month forged partnerships with several security vendors aimed at blocking network access for devices that are not compliant with customers' security policies.