Home Page | Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content | Skip to Search | Skip to Footer

GE Access First to Offer Newest Version of IForce™ VPN/FireWall Appliance, Powered by Sun and Check Point

Latest Easy-to-Deploy Security Appliance Delivers Over Three Gbps Throughput and Added Features at a Competitive Price

WESTMINSTER, Colo., August 5, 2003 - GE Access, the premier value-added technical distributor of complex computing products, services and solutions, announced today it has teamed with Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) and Check Point™ Software Technologies Ltd (Nasdaq: CHKP) to integrate and deliver the next generation of the "iForce™ VPN/Firewall Appliance, powered by Sun and Check Point." The iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance offers both enterprise-class and mid-market business customers higher levels of security, easier deployment and manageability, with competitive price/performance.

Based on the initial version launched early in 2003, this solution integrates Check Point VPN-1/FireWall-1 Next Generation (NG) with Application IntelligenceTM software (the industry's leading integrated solution protecting against both network and application level attacks) integrated with a hardened version of Linux. Check Point VPN-1/FireWall-1 is implemented using a three-tier architecture consisting of an enforcement module (VPN/Firewall), a management module that stores security policies, and a GUI used to configure and manage the Check Point products. The optimized software stack is preinstalled on specific configurations of Sun Fire™ V60x and V65x systems, Sun's industry-leading server technology. Additionally, the appliance has undergone a rigorous testing process to be certified as "Secured by Check Point" for security and interoperability, and the Check Point application is also designated as SunToneSM certified.

"For companies faced with increasing security requirements with a reduced IT staff and budget, the iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance is a compelling solution that will meet customers' evolving needs," said Scott Zahl, vice president, Sun Business Group, GE Access.

Sun and Check Point conducted thorough testing, optimization, integration, sizing and certification to ensure that the appliance seamlessly integrates into existing Check Point management infrastructure. They have simplified the appliance's management capabilities via a simple user interface for hardware management and integrated updates for both the operating system and security software. The management module enables unified management of both Solaris™ OS and Linux systems, ensuring increased flexibility for customers.

Check Point's One-Click technology makes it easy for users to establish VPNs. Multi-step VPN set-up and management processes are condensed into a single step for simple deployment of remote access, intranet, and extranet VPNs.

"This integrated appliance provides more options to customers looking for choice when deploying an enterprise-ready security solution," said Sanjay Sharma, Market Development, Security, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "This Linux-based appliance and Check Point deployed on Solaris/SPARC systems can be managed from a single console."

The appliance is available in five different configurations in 1U and 2U form factors to address a wide range of needs. Each offers at least four gigabit ethernet ports (from four on the base single CPU machine, up to fourteen on the dual-CPU top configuration) with a peak firewall throughput of 3.1 Gbps on dual processor configurations and a peak VPN throughput of 1 Gbps.

This latest generation of the appliance also comes with added features such as redundant hot-swap power supply in the 2U configurations and increased performance with up to 2x 2.8 GHz CPUs.

"We are pleased to extend our relationship with both Sun and GE Access to introduce the latest generation of the iForce VPN/ Firewall Appliance, ideally positioned in the sweet spot of both the enterprise and the mid-market," said Gonen Fink, vice president of solutions and strategy at Check Point Software Technologies. "This iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance is easy to deploy and offers industry-leading price/performance and the highest levels of security."

Pricing and Availability
The Sun iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance will be available in North America beginning September 1, 2003 from GE Access' premier distribution channel at an affordable price. Priced starting at $3,100.00.

About GE Access
GE Access, headquartered in Westminster, Colo., is the premier value-added technical distributor of complex computer products, solutions and services. Its breadth and depth of service and expertise offers its partners industry-leading support as they take complex computer solutions to market. GE Access provides innovative solutions to increase its partners' profitability and competitive advantage. It focuses on the technology areas of security, storage and networking, and on its robust Sun Microsystems, Inc. business.

GE Access has service, logistics and sales offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, and also has operations in Europe. For additional information and press announcements, please visit our web site at http://www.geaccess.com or, to contact us by phone, call (720) 564-7363.

###

©2003 GE Access. General Electric, GE Access and the GE monogram are registered trademarks of General Electric Company. Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Solaris, Sun Fire and iForce are trademarks or registered trademarks, and SunTone is a service mark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company or product names listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.