High-speed net security for SMEs

SME businesses that want to make full use of new fibre optic and other high performance broadband services that operate at speeds up to 80Mbps, now have some new security tools available in the form of the new SoHoBlue-25 unit from Bristol based internet security specialist, NetPilot Internet Security.

This is aimed at organisations with up to 25 users that need to deploy a UTM (Unified Threat Management) internet security device that does not slow their network down. It comes with a full repertoire of defences to safeguard against the growing number of internet threats.

According to NIS Managing Director, Jamie Pushman, the growing spread of high speed fibre optic based services across the UK has produced a need for internet security devices that can truly keep pace with these fast new services. Many SME organisations are investing in this type of connectivity as Government and providers such as BT, Sky and Virgin are heavily promoting them.

“Getting the best performance is also essential for those looking to deploy cloud based applications,” he added.

The company claims that, in contrast to many existing security devices, the SoHoBlue-25 unit uses the latest high performance Intel technology and has more than enough capacity in terms of memory and processor performance to outpace even the fastest fibre services currently being deployed. Its UTM security software protects the network and its users and is updated automatically with security enhancements.

“High Speed Broadband providers will terminate these new services with a fibre optic modem and behind that then provide the same simple slow speed firewalls they provide for copper connected ADSL circuits.” Pushman said. “These firewall devices are built down to a commodity price and may be suitable for home users, but for businesses the last thing they need is a device that immediately creates a traffic jam – just not being able to cope with new performance requirements - and to make matters worse only offers minimal security protection”.

SoHoBlue-25 has undergone rigorous testing, head-to-head against a number of well-known US based companies, by one of this country’s leading ISPs. They confirm that none of the other devices they have tested can currently match the price/performance of the NIS unit. According to NetPilot some of the competition can connect at these high speeds, most cannot handle sustained high speed throughputs while undertaking full UTM security checks. To match the performance requirements other manufacturers had to supply much more expensive enterprise class devices.

The SoHoBlue-25 unit is priced at £495 and is available now and comes complete with Gigabit Ethernet and integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity.