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Tech Data to Offer iForce VPN / Firewall Appliance Powered by Sun and Check Point

Latest Easy-to-Deploy Security Appliance Now Available for Midsize Businesses

CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2004--Tech Data Corporation, (Nasdaq:TECD), a leading worldwide provider of IT products, logistics management services and other value-added services, announced today that it has teamed with Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq:SUNW) and Check Point Software Technologies Ltd (Nasdaq:CHKP) to integrate and deliver the iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance, Powered by Sun and Check Point. The iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance offers both enterprise-class and midsize customers higher levels of security, ease of deployment and manageability, all at a competitive price point.

The iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance can now be used by businesses to deploy Check Point Express, a comprehensive VPN/security solution especially designed to meet the unique security needs of midsize businesses with up to 500 users. The optimized software stack is preinstalled on specific configurations of Sun Fire V60x 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, while the Check Point application is also designated as SunTone certified.

"We are pleased to offer our resellers this integrated appliance with advanced security technology and simplified deployment from two leaders in security," said Joe Serra, vice president of software and systems product marketing at Tech Data.

The iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance has been tested, optimized, integrated, sized and certified by Sun and Check Point to ensure ease of deployment and integration into existing network infrastructure. The solution includes management capabilities via a simple user interface for hardware management and integrated updates for both the operating system and security software.

Check Point Express provides mid-sized businesses with the industry's most advanced technologies, including:

  • VPN-1/FireWall-1 Next Generation with Application Intelligence -- for protecting the privacy of business communications over the Internet while securing critical network resources against attacks and unauthorized access at both the network and application level

  • VPN-1 SecuRemote -- for encrypting and authenticating data to protect remote users accessing business resources

  • SmartDefense -- for a dedicated means of attack protection and response

  • SmartCenter -- for centrally deploying and managing all aspects of a comprehensive security infrastructure

  • High Availability-Enabled -- for ensuring round-the-clock network security and business continuity

"This integrated appliance provides customers a convenient, affordable VPN/Firewall solution that is secure out-of-the-box. Midsize businesses will now have greater access to this appliance through Tech Data's extensive reseller community," said Manish Bhuptani, director of Network Services Market Development at Sun Microsystems, Inc.

"Midsize businesses are challenged in providing the highest levels of protection with a minimal dedicated personnel when securing their business-critical network resources," said Upesh Patel, director of business development for Check Point Software Technologies. "Check Point Express deployed on the Sun Fire v60x system provides an easy-to-manage-and-deploy security solution while offering the industry's most trusted security solution for midsize customers."

Tech Data supports Sun solution providers through a comprehensive channel program that includes:

  • Experienced product marketing teams in both systems & storage solutions

  • A team of Sun-certified systems engineers with certifications including CompTIA Linux+, Sun Workgroup Products, Sun Certified Systems Administrator for Solaris OS and TruSecure TICSA

  • Six strategically located U.S. distribution centers for rapid order fulfillment

  • Custom integration services center

  • Enterprise Specialized Business Unit (SBU) with dedicated Field Sales Engineers

Tech Data and Sun are working closely with Tech Data's TechSelect community -- a membership-based alliance of value-added resellers focused on the small-to-midsize enterprise market -- to identify new opportunities and drive incremental sales within the mid-market. Tech Data's Enterprise SBU resources are also available to support solution providers with more advanced server technologies that typically require longer sales cycles and highly specialized support requirements.

Tech Data will offer two of the five available recommended configurations for the iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance that are specifically aimed at the needs of midsize businesses with up to 500 users. Offering up to six gigabit ethernet ports, the Tech Data offerings have a peak firewall throughput of 1.95 Gbps and a peak VPN throughput of 390 Mbps. The appliance is currently available throughout North America from Tech Data's premier distribution channel.

About Tech Data
Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ/NMS:TECD), founded in 1974, is a leading global provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services. Ranked 117th on the Fortune 500, the company and its subsidiaries serve more than 100,000 technology resellers in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Tech Data's extensive service offering includes pre- and post-sale training and technical support, financing options and configuration services as well as a full range of award-winning electronic commerce solutions. The company generated sales of $15.7 billion for its most recent fiscal year, which ended January 31, 2003.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, iForce, Sun Fire and SunTone are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.