Check Point Builds Own Appliance

While most security appliances are designed to sit between an internal and an external Internet connection, Check Point's unit is designed to be deployed inside a network. The InterSpect solution takes advantage of zone segmentation to provide network protection. In other words, InterSpect divides a network into secure partitions, with each area protected from the other.

This type of deployment offers significant advantages when protecting networks from worms, viruses and other nefarious elements. A key feature of the appliance is the Intelligent Worm Defender, a software capability that uses Check Point's stateful packet inspection and application intelligence technologies. InterSpect applies security technology at the desktop level with quarantine technology. If InterSpect detects suspicious activity originating from a network-attached PC, the PC is quarantined and denied access to the network until the problem is resolved. The user is informed of the action through a customized Web page.

Other security features include LAN protocol protection, which prevents malformed packets and protocol compromises from affecting network-attached systems.

These features provide a secure internal environment to protect servers and PCs against network-delivered malicious code, regardless of origin. Adaptive learning technology leverages traffic normalization to detect anomalous activity and prevent that activity from escalating into an attack.

Integration with Zone Lab's Integrity server eases security administration chores by offering cooperative enforcement technology that automates security policies.

The InterSpect solution also provides e-mail protection. Both POP3 and IMAP protocols are scanned to stop malicious code delivered via e-mail.

Solution providers will find the InterSpect appliance simple to deploy and manage, thanks to an easy-to-use central systems management console. The browser-based console offers quick setup wizards and a dashboard-style interface to help administrators easily monitor and understand network status.

The 1U appliance offers ample processing power to meet the needs of most internal network infrastructures. The entry-level InterSpect 210 offers throughput of 200 Mbps, which works well for protecting a single workgroup. The InterSpect series is scalable up to speeds of 1000 Mbps. The InterSpect 610, for example, is designed for large Gigabit-speed networks with multiple workgroups and offers a good middle ground with throughput of 500 Mbps.

Check Point is 100 percent channel-focused. The company's partner program also offers Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels. The program also offers personal contact with Check Point channel account managers, pre- and post-sales support 24x7, extensive marketing and sales tools and online and in-person training. Lead generation, product and sales presentations and co-op funds are also available. Check Point did not disclose average margin information.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>Check Point InterSpect

COMPANY: Check Point Software Technologies
Redwood City, Calif.
(650) 628-2000
www.checkpoint.com
DISTRIBUTORS: GE Access, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Westcon
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Note: Recommended status is earned with a score of eight stars out of 10