Microsoft Network Access Protection and Standards-Based 802.1x
Security Solution for Joint Customers Eases and Improves Network
Security Management
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and LOS ANGELES - (Feb. 27,
2008) - Foundry Networks®, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDRY), a
performance and total solutions leader for end-to-end switching and
routing, today announced that its Layer 2/3 10 gigabit
Ethernet-ready switches deliver Network Access Protection (NAP)
interoperability with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and Windows
Vista . Foundry™ will be promoting Windows Server 2008
interoperability and standards-based 802.1x security, as well as
support of other key Microsoft products and initiatives at
Microsoft's "Heroes Happen Here" launch event at the Los Angeles
Convention Center. Foundry will be joining the worldwide launch and
rollout of Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, and SQL Server
2008 at the kickoff in Los Angeles on Feb. 27, 2008, as well as a
following event in Washington, D.C. on March 25, 2008.
Foundry's FastIron® family of switches are now validated to
operate in conjunction with Microsoft Windows-based clients and the
Microsoft Network Policy Server (NPS) to manage policies that
restrict unauthorized client access to network resources based on
the health of the system, providing network administrators with an
easy-to-manage security solution. By marrying 802.1x, a
standardized security authentication method for IEEE 802-based
network technologies, and sFlow®, an industry standard technology
for monitoring networks, as part of Foundry's IronShield™ 360
Security solution, customers of Windows Server 2008 and Windows
Vista can significantly reduce deployment and operational costs
when securing endpoint resources using NAP interoperability with
Foundry switches. Network administrators have complete real-time
visibility and accounting into the network enabling them to monitor
individual user history, behavior patterns and network resource
usage in order to thwart potential attacks. Joint customers of
Microsoft and Foundry now have a standards-based tool for
validating client health and securing network access without
resorting to costly and potentially less effective proprietary
networking technologies.
"Today's IT customers are looking for increased dependability,
scalability and security features," said Ward Ralston, group
technical product manager for Windows Server Marketing at Microsoft
Corp. "With FastIron built on Windows Server 2008, customers can
achieve a highly reliable infrastructure for their
business-critical applications."
The integral component collectively interlocking this security
solution is the Foundry IronShield 360 Security solution, which
brings together open, interoperable and best-of-breed security
solutions to complement a comprehensive suite of award-winning
Foundry networking platforms. The IronShield 360 Security solution
provides multiple levels of network security, both at the
perimeter, inside the LAN, and in the data center. The foundation
of IronShield 360 Security is a reliable, robust and
high-performance architecture, with wire-speed switching, security,
and advanced sFlow sensor support. The IronShield 360 Network
Security model provides secure device, network and service
protection to verify that all network resources are healthy and
operating at maximum effectiveness.
"Together with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista,
Foundry's IronShield 360 Security solution is focused on providing
our joint customers with the highest level of security for their
networking environments," said Ezra Yosef, director of business
development for Foundry Networks. "By delivering interoperability
between Foundry switches, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista,
customers have a complete NAP solution to protect their network
users and resources from potential threats. This important
milestone reaffirms Foundry's efforts to deliver on its network
security and interoperability commitments."
For more information on the "Heroes Happen Here" launch, please
visit www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere.
Safe Harbor Statement
The foregoing may contain "forward-looking statements" which are
based on management's current information and beliefs as well as on
a number of assumptions concerning future events made by
management. These forward-looking statements include, without
limitation, statements by executives or spokespeople regarding
Foundry's positioning and potential plans. The forward-looking
statements in this press release are only predictions and are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause
actual results to differ materially. Foundry assumes no obligation
to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press
release. Furthermore, no statements made by Foundry Networks, Inc.
("Foundry") in this press release, or information contained herein,
may be deemed to constitute either an amendment of an existing
agreement or an implied new commitment, promise or legal obligation
by Foundry to develop or deliver any specific product, feature or
functionality.
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About Foundry Networks
Foundry Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDRY) is a leading provider of
high-performance enterprise and service provider switching,
routing, security and Web traffic management solutions, including
Layer 2/3 LAN switches, Layer 3 Backbone switches, Layer 4-7
application switches, wireless LAN and access points, metro routers
and core routers. Foundry's customers include the world's premier
ISPs, metro service providers, and enterprises, including
e-commerce sites, universities, entertainment, health and wellness,
government, financial and manufacturing companies. For more
information about the company and its products, call 1.888.TURBOLAN
or visit www.foundrynet.com.