Check Point finalises Nokia acquisition

After 12 years of partnership and following last years announcement of the move, Check Point Software Technologies have now finally taken over all of Nokia's interests in the security appliances business.

At the Check Point Experience, recently held in Paris, the company unveiled its new Software Blade Architecture. Check Point say they will be producing a line of IP hardware pre-loaded with either Check Point NGX R65 or Check Point R70, which is based on the new architecture. Meanwhile Nokia and Check Point aim to minimise any problems and preserve continuity for existing customers during the interim period by providing the current Nokia IP devices directly from Check Point. This eliminates the need for customers to obtain licences from two vendors and Check Point will provide support for these products and also support older Nokia security products.

Commenting on the acquisition Gil Shwed, chairman and chief executive officer at Check Point said “Check Point now leads the security appliance market with an unprecedented variety of security solutions. Through the acquisition, we’ll be able to better meet customers’ needs and preferences with the latest security software on the leading hardware platforms. Our unique Software Blade architecture allows customers to select the exact security protections they need for a given environment, and our comprehensive line of appliances lets customers deploy their custom gateway on the hardware of their choice.”

Alex Smith, a research analyst at Canalys said "Over the last few years Check Point has steadily enhanced its appliance portfolio. The acquisition of the Nokia hardware security business vaults Check Point to the appliance forefront."

See also:

• Check Point Completes Acquisition of Nokia Security Appliance Business, Check Point press release concerning the acquisition.

(trk)