The NetOp Approach To Security

Some may question why a desktop firewall is needed at all. After all, most networks are secured at the perimeter, and Microsoft now bundles in a software firewall with Windows XP. The simple fact is that many intrusions occur from within the network, especially with the prevalence of wireless technology. Solution providers have to protect networks not only from Internet-based attacks, but also from attacks originating from as close as a client's parking lot. Many users set up wireless access points without any concern for security or deploy them without permission, creating rogue access points.

Those factors make a product like NetOp Desktop Firewall a welcome addition to networked PC users. What's more, the security offered by the product helps to keep individual PCs and road warriors safe from intrusions.

The product offers all the features one would expect in a software firewall, plus some unique features that raise the bar on firewall-based security products. The product uses a driver-centric model, which means it takes into account all applications and services that are running along with their associated files, such as DLLs and other executables. By combining application monitoring with traditional packet filtering, the product offers enhanced protection against spyware and directory harvesting-based attacks. NetOp Desktop Firewall also offers granular control over processes, so administrators can control what process communicates with what trusted network—a plus for those users who always have an exception to the rule.

Product installation is straightforward, requiring little more than launching a setup wizard and inputting the registration number and registration key. During the install, the product tracks what applications and processes are running or dramatically creates an authorized application list that can be adjusted later. Installers can also define LAN connections and select what networks are considered trusted. That process will prevent connections to untrusted networks, and forces end users to be aware of what networks they are connecting to. The setup wizard also offers default-based policies that can allow all outbound traffic, limit some outbound traffic or rely on a custom rules set.

The product's local management interface offers concise access to each of the individual elements integrated into the firewall product. Modification of policies and rules are just a mouse click away, and the product provides ample help and information about each of the options that can be employed. What's more, NetOp Desktop Firewall has the ability to learn and fine-tune its settings over time by monitoring all requested traffic and querying the user as to what traffic is acceptable. That learning process is applicable to both inbound and outbound traffic.

Solution providers will find ample opportunity to sell this product into their customer sites concerned with protecting desktop systems from local intrusions via another network-attached PC or wireless client. The product also helps to protect laptop users who rely on hot spots or untrusted networks to connect back into the main office. And unlike many of the other desktop firewalls on the market, NetOp offers the ability to centralize control of the product on connected workstations, which translates to easy firewall management for larger organizations and allows administrators to push a canned set of firewall rules down to client systems.

CrossTec's channel program offers two tiers: NetOp Authorized Partner, in which partners simply need to fill out an authorization form to resell the product, and Specialized Partner, which requires training, testing and certification. Specialized partners have access to validated leads and must participate in marketing campaigns. CrossTec supports NetOp Specialized Partners with leads in their geographic or vertical markets, sales collateral, free fully functioning evaluation software for prospects, toll-free technical support and a dedicated Account Manager. CrossTec account managers help partners with online and on-site presentations, sales quotes, co-op marketing requests and more. Margins on the product can range from 18 percent to 30 percent, depending upon sales volume and partnership level.

All partners have access to advanced technical support, and can use a specialized Web site for additional support and sales issues. NetOp Desktop Firewall's ease of use, well-executed channel program and unique feature set combine to make the product the leading choice for solution providers providing software-based firewalls to both individual and networked users. The product's initial low cost also creates bundling opportunities for system builders, where the product can be sold as an inexpensive option.