WatchGuard Technologies enhances support for Managed Security Service (MSS) providers with the delivery of WatchGuard for MSS version 7.0. The new software release supports updates and new features recently added to the WatchGuard Firebox III security appliances, including enhanced proxy-based intrusion prevention functionality, IPSec NAT traversal and additional SpamScreen email filtering capabilities.
WatchGuard for MSS is a scalable managed security solution for providers serving the small- to medium-sized enterprise market. It is specifically designed to enable MSS partners to easily and cost-effectively deliver the robust security of WatchGuard Firebox III appliances to their customers. WatchGuard for MSS comprises a full range of security appliances designed to meet the requirements of the growing business and a Network Operations Center (NOC) Security Suite for monitoring, configuring and updating thousands of managed customers from a central site.
MSS 7.0 adds management support for the Firebox 500, enabling MSS providers to manage the full line of Firebox III appliances (models 500, 700, 1000, 2500 and 4500) as well as all Firebox II family products. In addition, there is limited management support for Firebox SOHO, SOHO 6, SOHO 6tc and SOHO 6 Wireless appliances through the Global Policy Manager (GPM) in conjunction with a Firebox III appliance acting as a DVCP server. Administrators in the NOC can also continuously monitor activity across all Firebox II, Firebox III and Firebox SOHO appliances through a single integrated console using the GPM and the WatchGuard Event Processor (WEP).
"Our MSS partners provide an invaluable service to our target customer: organizations that don't have the time, knowledge or resources in house to deal with IT security," said John Stuckey, vice president, product management, WatchGuard. "Service providers represent an important part of our business, and we will continue to support these partners with tools to help them achieve business and service level objectives."
WatchGuard's LiveSecurity service provides customers with proactive updates and security intelligence. Backed by a team of security experts, technical support representatives and trainers, LiveSecurity includes technical support, systematic software updates, broadcasts (threat responses, virus alerts, information alerts, expert editorials and support flashes) and online training. A renewable subscription to LiveSecurity comes with every WatchGuard product.
WatchGuard is a leading provider of Internet security solutions for small- to medium-sized enterprises worldwide, delivering integrated products and services that are robust as well as easy to buy, deploy and manage. WatchGuard security appliances are designed to deliver powerful firewall and VPN performance, outstanding security, intrusion prevention and networking features, scalability and flexibility in an affordable, integrated solution. Every WatchGuard product comes with an initial subscription to the company's innovative LiveSecurity service, which is designed to protect customers against constantly emerging threats by providing timely systematic updates, security intelligence and expert information. As a recent addition to its suite of security solutions, the company now offers customers the WatchGuard AuditScan service, powered by Qualys, a vulnerability assessment service that provides another layer of proactive perimeter protection to complement the security appliance.