Akonix L7 Gateway Protects Corporate Networks Against ``Rogue Protocols''; Detects and Controls Instant Messaging, File Sharing, Other Opportunistic Protocols.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 2002

Akonix Systems, Inc. today announced Akonix(R) L7, the first perimeter security gateway that protects corporate networks against the "Rogue Protocols" used by public instant messaging (IM) and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing services.

Rogue Protocols are so named because they intentionally circumvent network security in order to connect to public networks. This behavior exposes corporations to serious risks, including virus infections, hacker attacks and disclosure of confidential information.

"Rogue protocols, like instant messaging, are a serious and rapidly growing threat to corporate networks," said Peter Lindstrom, director, Security Strategies for the Hurwitz Group. "Akonix's extensible security platform makes these rogue protocols secure, giving corporations the detection, control and archiving capabilities they need to defend against both current and future protocol threats."

Akonix L7 protects corporate networks by intercepting Rogue Protocols at the network perimeter and controlling them based on company policies. All Rogue Protocol activity is archived and reported, supporting management needs for day-to-day oversight, forensic analysis and regulatory compliance.

"We designed Akonix L7 to be a robust enterprise security platform," said Peter Shaw, Akonix CEO. "With Akonix L7, our customers can secure their networks from the risks of IM and P2P file sharing while reaping the benefits of these applications."

Akonix L7 recognizes Rogue Protocols through the use of protocol adaptor sets, each of which detects and translates a specific class of protocols. The first release of Akonix L7, slated for late June 2002, includes an IM protocol adaptor set to detect and control popular IM protocols. A late summer release will include a P2P file sharing adaptor set, and subsequent releases will include additional adaptor sets to address emerging threats. Akonix L7 is in pre-release testing at a number of corporations, including ING Group N.V., California State University and Sorrento Networks, Inc.

"Akonix solved a major IM problem for us," said Kristoffer Stack, vice president and director of Network Infrastructure for ING. "We planned to severely restrict the use of public IM services because they don't comply with government regulations. This would have had a measurable dollar impact because our business partners use these services to talk with our traders and portfolio managers. With Akonix L7, we have the security and message archiving features needed to make public IM services safe and compliant."

Key Benefits of the Akonix L7 Platform

-- Improved Information Security: Rogue protocols routinely expose internal user messages and shared files to a variety of external risks. With Akonix L7, these internal connections are reflected so that they remain safely within the corporate network perimeter.

-- Improved Network Security: Rogue protocols subject corporate networks to attacks by both viruses and hackers. Akonix L7 detects, virus-scans and blocks infected files at the network perimeter, and reduces the risk of attack by enforcing the use of up-to-date client software (by version number).

-- Reduced Legal Liability: Employers are at legal risk when employees send or share improper content. Akonix L7 detects and blocks this activity.

-- Verifiable Compliance: Internal policies and government regulations may require proof that sensitive information is safe from unauthorized electronic disclosure. Akonix L7 provides comprehensive archiving and forensic reporting capabilities that meet this need.

-- Recaptured Productivity & Network Bandwidth: Akonix L7 extends employee internet management to Rogue Protocols, recapturing lost employee productivity and recovering network bandwidth lost to file sharing and file attachments.

About Akonix

Akonix Systems, Inc. is the first security software company dedicated to protecting corporate networks against Rogue Protocols. Akonix is led by a senior management team with a solid track record of startup success and extensive experience in enterprise software development.

Akonix investors include Mission Ventures and Windward Ventures, two of Southern California's premier early-stage venture firms. Founded in May 2000, Akonix is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.akonix.com.

Akonix is a registered trademark.