Juniper and Symantec enter into alliance

Network equipment supplier Juniper and security experts Symantec are planning to form a partnership for the production of security solutions for business customers. The understanding between the two companies relates to the development of "Unified Threat Management" (UTM) and the Intrusion Protection System (IPS). Under the term UTM, Juniper bundles together rule-based routing mechanisms, VPN, firewalls and other security functions. In Juniper's ScreenOS 5.4 VPN and routing software, the concept has already expanded to include spam filters and anti-virus software, to which, according to Juniper, Symantec has made a substantial contribution.

The two companies have now agreed that Symantec's anti-virus and anti-spam solutions will become a basic component of Juniper's security software. In addition, the security departments of the two companies want to work together in developing the UTM and IDP systems (Intrusion Detection and Prevention). The results of this collaboration will be marketed and sold by both Juniper and Symantec. The two companies also want to turn their attention to supporting the open "Trusted Network Connect" (TNC) standard. TNC is intended to regulate and protect access for network clients to services and network components.

(ehe)