ION networks unveils scalable, VPN-enabled security appliance.

ION Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:IONN), a provider of infrastructure security solutions that protect critical information and infrastructure from internal and external security threats, has announced the general availability of the ION Secure 5500, its latest appliance designed to secure large scale IT environments such as government and commercial enterprises, data centers and server farms.

The ION Secure 5500 platform integrates VPN technology, a LINUX core and the latest version of the ION Secure Operating System (ISOS) to provide access control, authentication, authorization and auditing functionality. The appliance is scalable--and field upgradeable -offering infrastructure security for up to 28 serially connected and up to 64 IP-enabled endpoints including servers, routers, switches (wired and wireless) and VoIP communications platforms.

The ION Secure 5500 appliance, which has been selected and deployed by several ION Networks' customers in the US and Europe, is specifically targeted at the immense enterprise market. When combined with ION Secure PRIISMS, ION Networks' single sign-on, authentication and policy management portal, it provides a secure and auditable environment for highly privileged support staff to access corporate IT networks. The new ION Secure 5500 has a faster processor, higher port density and increased port speeds over existing ION products, yet still consumes only a single rack unit.

"Over the last year, the enterprise market has recognized that firewalls, intrusion detection systems and anti-virus software do not adequately protect critical devices and applications from attack through administrative channels," said Kam Saifi, President and CEO of ION Networks. "These managed endpoints make up a complex, heterogeneous network and are frequently accessed by internal administrators and anyone with 'insider' privileges such as managed service providers, equipment vendors, third-party maintenance personnel and even intruders posing as insiders. The ION Secure 5500 will non-intrusively secure administrative channels of network devices from a wide range of vendors and is a cost-effective and complimentary component to existing management and security applications."

The incorporation of key new ION Secure Operating System (ISOS) functionality such as command proxy, real-time session management and a simplified deployment wizard helps corporate networks introduce a single, hardened and policy-based solution for a wide range of environments and gain immediate benefits.

"We believe that risk management, accountability and liability control are key business drivers for corporate IT management," added Mr. Saifi. "ION Secure solutions are designed to deliver on all three fronts."

ION Networks, Inc. is a provider of security and management solutions that protect critical information and infrastructure from internal and external security threats. The ION Secure suite helps customers protect critical infrastructure and maximize operational efficiency while lowering operational costs. ION Networks' customers include AT&T, Bank of America, British Telecom, Citigroup, Entergy, Fortis Bank, Oracle, Qwest, SBC, Sprint and the U.S. Government.