Ranch Networks Introduces Segmented Network Security For Small Offices; RN5 Fulfills the Need for High Security and Bandwidth Management in Small and Branch Offices.

Business Editors

NetWorld+Interop 2003 Las Vegas 

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 2003

Ranch Networks, Inc., the only provider of Multi-Zone, Multi-Function security and data networking devices, today at the Networld+Interop conference introduced its new RN5 Integrated Security Switch.

The RN5's Managed Zone capability offers Multipoint-to-Multipoint security which cost-effectively segments a LAN (Local Area Network) into multiple individually-secured zones - each with its own stateful security policies in both ingress and egress directions. The RN5's Single Pass Packet Scan technology allows the integration of multiple services into a single device - 5 Security Zones (the equivalent of 20 traditional firewalls plus additional advanced security functions), Bandwidth Management for Quality Of Service, Auto Discovery, and Layer 2-4 Switching - all with full manageability and accounting, and all at a single low price with no per-user licensing fees.

"ISecure recognized that there was a void in the market for high-powered, cost-effective security solutions for small offices," said James McLay, Vice President of Sales at ISecure Networks, Inc. "Ranch Networks was very responsive to our suggestions on how to expand their product line and fulfill this need." ISecure Networks is a provider of secure enterprise network solutions. Their security offerings and methodology allow organizations to securely deploy mission-critical applications and networks to gain a competitive advantage.

"The Ranch Networks RN5 can provide our clients with security and functionality that cannot be found in firewalls from any of the other vendors," said Rob White, CEO of Supernova Networking Systems, Inc. "Their Secure Zone Architecture is revolutionary technology that I feel will be at the forefront of network security for many years to come." Supernova Networking Systems is a turnkey Information Technology Solutions Provider for businesses seeking a competitive advantage from their corporate infrastructure.

Today's IT departments are grappling with an increasing number of security issues including viruses, theft of Intellectual Property, financial fraud, insurance claim rejection, privacy requirements, and unauthorized network access. Many of these issues surface due to inadequate security within a network rather than at the perimeter. These risks come at a time when networks are more connected than ever - through Extranets, cross-company collaboration, Wireless LANs, Instant Messaging, and outsourcing. Companies are thus searching for solutions such as Ranch's, which can prevent or minimize the impact of these issues through segmented network security. Among the verticals already taking advantage of Ranch's security solutions are Healthcare, High-tech, Telecom Service Providers, Managed Service Providers, Government, and others.

Ranch's RN5 can be used in many ways to increase security throughout a network. In small offices or branch offices the device can sit directly on the LAN side of the Router/WAN interface and provide segmented network security for the entire office. Or in a larger location the RN5 can be used for specific security protection purposes such as: (1) protecting and segmenting a server farm, (2) isolating incoming VPN traffic so that it does not have unrestricted access to the entire LAN, (3) isolating portions of the LAN that may belong to a separate company, or (4) limiting access to the rest of the network from Wireless LANs, conference rooms, or guest cubicles. In each of these cases, the RN5 can be added as an overlay onto an existing network without replacing or reconfiguring the current network equipment.

Ranch Networks recently introduced the RN20 Integrated Security Switch that contains an unprecedented set of functionality: 12 Security Zones (the equivalent of 132 traditional firewalls plus additional advanced security functions), Load Balancing, Real Time Server Health Monitoring, Bandwidth Management for Quality Of Service, IP Multicasting, Auto Discovery, and Layer 2-4 Switching - all with full manageability and accounting, and all at a single low price with no per-user licensing fees.

"We greatly appreciate the close interaction we've had with channel partners such as ISecure and Supernova that allowed us to quickly identify and respond to this market opportunity," said Ram Ayyakad, CEO of Ranch Networks. "Their exceptional security expertise and deep understanding of their customers' needs were essential in conceptualizing the RN5 and how it could serve the needs of this market segment."

About Ranch Networks

Ranch Networks is a venture-backed company focused on security and data networking products for Local Area Networks (LANs). Our innovative approach allows Enterprise Network Managers to increase security and decrease capital and operating expenses. Ranch's products are used to protect sensitive data, limit the spread of viruses and worms, make Wireless LANs, conference rooms, and guest cubicles more secure, meet privacy requirements, assure adequate bandwidth for Voice over IP, and optimize data centers. Our customer commitment and responsiveness and dramatically cost-effective products have made us the choice of Enterprises and Channel Partners worldwide. We can be reached at www.ranchnetworks.com.