Akonix Enforcer v3.1 Enhances Network Protection Against Unauthorized IM & P2P Use.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004

Extends Industry-Leading Capabilities, Only IM Security Solution to

Deliver Dynamic Protocol Updates

Akonix Systems, Inc., the premier provider of business solutions for secure, managed and integrated multi-network enterprise instant messaging (IM), launched Enforcer v3.1, the latest edition of the industry's first perimeter security solution specifically designed to prevent unsanctioned access to IM and peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks.

Enforcer's new features deliver dynamic protection against the latest IM and P2P protocols, support for segmented networks and enhanced integration with corporate directories to identify unverified users trying to access IM and P2P services. One of the biggest security and productivity challenges for enterprise IT departments today is the lack of control IM and P2P services present. While the legal risks of allowing unfettered access to file-sharing networks have been identified, the security risks from viruses and other malware, as well as the potential drain on productivity, are a real problem that businesses need to address.

Akonix Enforcer enables productive, secure use of IM use by blocking unauthorized access to all popular IM and P2P applications. It is the only security solution of its kind to offer dynamic protocol updates, which eliminate system downtime and administrative resources typically required to keep current with the latest IM and P2P services. Additional features and benefits of Enforcer v3.1 include:

-- Blocks unauthorized access to IM via Web-based clients,

including AIM Express, ICQ ToGo and Yahoo! Web Messenger

-- Bolsters an organization's ability to stop illegal trafficking

of copyrighted material and corporate intellectual property

through new filters for WinMX and OpenNapster

-- Extends unsanctioned IM and P2P blocking access across all

network segments through multi-subnet support

-- Integrates with corporate directory to provide identification

for users attempting unauthorized access to IM and P2P

networks

Akonix Enforcer delivers an integral component to the Akonix IM management, security and integration solution. With its ability to block unsanctioned use of IM and P2P networks, Akonix Enforcer complements Akonix L7 Enterprise IM gateway to prevent users from purposefully or unintentionally circumventing corporate IM policies and control, ensuring all authorized access to IM is managed and, if required, logged by L7 Enterprise.

"Organizations need both security and management to benefit from the power of enterprise IM, and Enforcer is a key security component of the Akonix solution," said Francis Costello, chief marketing officer at Akonix Systems. "Without perimeter security to block unauthorized and unmanaged use of IM and P2P, organizations face substantial system security, legal and compliance risks. Akonix Enforcer 3.1 provides additional capabilities, building on the maturity and success of the current version's deployments in Fortune 1000 accounts."

To learn more about Akonix Enforcer v3.1 or for a free trial of the solution, please visit www.akonix.com.

About Akonix

Akonix is the leading provider of enterprise-class business solutions for leveraging the power of multi-network enterprise instant messaging. Akonix's award-winning products leverage patent-pending core technology, an advanced IM application development platform, and certified strategic partnerships to deliver multi-network management, security, integration and compliance capabilities across all major IM systems, including America Online's AIM and ICQ, Microsoft's MSN, Yahoo!, Microsoft's Live Communications Server (LCS), Reuters Messaging, IBM/Lotus SameTime and Jabber.

More than 200 customers in Financial Services, Telecommunications, Energy, Technology, Healthcare and Entertainment depend on Akonix to manage, secure and enable IM for over 250,000 enterprise users. Akonix is the preferred IM management solution of some of the world's largest companies, including Cingular Wireless, Qualcomm, EMC and ING.

Akonix is widely recognized as the technology and market innovator with awards for its L7 Enterprise IM gateway from Network World, eWeek, SC Magazine, PC Magazine and UCSD Connect. Akonix is backed by leading venture capital firms Menlo Ventures, Mission Ventures, Palomar Ventures and Windward Ventures, who collectively manage over $3 billion in capital.

To enable secure and productive use of multi-network instant messaging in your organization, visit www.akonix.com for a free trial or to request more information.