Fortress Technologies Announces Next Generation Network Security System





Tampa, Fla. and Las Vegas, Nev. ? Networld+Interop (Booth #318) -/3 May, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology Forum/- Fortress Technologies, the leader in wireless security, announced its next generation integrated network security system that adds new security services and greater scalability across a converged network infrastructure to Fortress? award winning product suite. Version 3.0 includes a new Management and Policy Server (MaPS), enhanced functionality in the Fortress Secure Client software, and an upgraded AF8500 Security Gateway.

This next generation system combines granular role-based policy management, greater identity management and tighter access control together with a highly scalable platform that supports up to 50,000 users and 5,000 gateways. Coupling these new enhancements with Fortress? industry leading privacy, Three Factor Authentication, roaming and provisioning capabilities creates a comprehensive solution for easy integration and a lower TCO.

The proliferation of mobile devices and wireless networking is enabling a broader range of access to sensitive network data, fueling the need for an integrated and multi-layered approach to network security. Fortress? unified security architecture is changing market dynamics by integrating security, networking and policy and enforcement capabilities for use across wired and multi-protocol wireless environments.

"Today?s enterprises need more than a security protocol embedded in an access point -- they need a comprehensive and layered approach to protecting their network," said Shawn Hughes CEO of Fortress Technologies. "Our innovative security system offers a broad range of security services from a single platform that easily integrates into new and existing architectures."

Security Services Now Available from a Single Integrated Platform

Version 3.0 delivers advancements in identity-based management and access control through a centralized management architecture for true enterprise scalability. The cornerstone of the company?s latest release is the introduction of its Management and

Policy Server (MaPS), a new enterprise-scale management and policy server that provides centralized, easily deployed administration and control of user and device access to the network. It also enables granular policy and enforcement across a converged network infrastructure.

Available as part of Version 3.0, MaPS delivers a full range of security services on top of the Fortress security gateway platform. Fortress? security services available via MaPS include:

- Role-based policy management applies privacy and authentication, access control, priority of service and location and mobility policies to users, devices and groups.
- Granular access control policies enforce restrictions on users, groups, days, times and network resources.
- Strong device identification ensures that only authorized devices can access the network.
- Authentication based on role or classification (employee, contractor, guest, specialized device, etc.) using choice of Fortress Secure Client, 802.1x or browser authentication.
- User authentication through an enterprise authentication server using RADIUS, LDAP, Active Directory, NT Domain or RSA SecurID.
- Centralized management, administration and monitoring of users, devices, and security gateways.
- Enterprise scalability designed to support 50,000 users and 5,000 security gateways.
- Robust and Flexible Security that Scales to the Enterprise

Version 3.0 also includes the addition of a new security controller, AF8500, accompanied by enhanced functionality in the Fortress Secure Client software. The Fortress Secure Gateway and Fortress Secure Client protect the network edge by restricting communication to only those clients and devices recognized and authorized by the system. The Fortress Secure Client protects the device from intrusions and provides a secure connection for users regardless of the device they use to connect to the network including, laptops, PDAs, portable terminals and barcode scanners. The client supports a broad range of platforms including Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, XP, CE, DOS, Linux and Palm OS operating systems.

Hughes added, "While other vendors claim to offer ?client-less? environments, those that truly understand security know that this is a flawed approach. The reality is that either they are not providing strong privacy and authentication at all, or they are doing so by relying on third party clients and therefore not providing a complete solution. The result of these approaches is either inadequate security or integration and support complexities for customers."

Additional features and capabilities of the Fortress Secure Gateway and Secure Client include:

- High assurance security including 256-bit AES encryption.
- Traffic and network provisioning with VLANs.
- Mobility services for roaming across both flat and subnetted network topologies.
- Unified architecture for easy integration with existing wired and wireless network infrastructure.
- Ease of use and transparent user experience with single sign-on and security profiles.
- Universal platform support with broadest support for mobile devices.

Concluded Hughes, "Version 3.0 is just the first step in our mission to set a new standard of security for converged networks. Look for Fortress to continue to innovate in this area to ensure that we exceed the expectations of even the largest and most complex networks around the world."

Version 3.0 is on display at N+I Booth #318 and will be generally available in June 2005.

About Fortress Technologies
Fortress Technologies is the leading provider of security products for enterprise networks. The Fortress security system leverages a combination of advanced security technology and a robust processing architecture to deliver security services, networking services, policy management and monitoring that creates an inherently secure enterprise network. This scalable and easy to use product suite seamlessly integrates with corporate wired and wireless assets and systems to ensure the business integrity demanded by commercial and government organizations. In addition to being the security system of choice for critical commercial applications, Fortress redefined the use of wireless technologies across state, local and federal government agencies. Achieving market-leader status through securing over 10,000 enterprise networks, Fortress has received SC Magazine?s coveted "Readers Trust" award for best wireless security solution for two consecutive years. Fortress accolades also include being named one of the "Fierce 15" top 15 emerging WLAN companies for 2005, as well as receiving Frost and Sullivan?s 2004 "Market Leadership of the Year" award for wireless LAN security. Fortress Technologies is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with partners and resellers worldwide. For more information, contact us at info@fortresstech.com or call 813-288-7388.