Service Provider ionex Chooses NetScreen for VPN Security; NetScreen-500 and NetScreen-5XP Save Money, Reduce Management Headaches.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 19, 2002

NetScreen Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:NSCN) today announced that ionex telecommunications, inc., a leading provider of integrated communications services, has purchased NetScreen products to provide virtual private network connectivity and firewall security for its entire corporate infrastructure. ionex is using a NetScreen-500 as both a corporate firewall and the central device to connect more than 20 NetScreen-5XPs located in various regional sales offices, replacing very costly leased-line connections with affordable and secure VPNs, and creating a single transparent, easy-to-manage network. NetScreen Global Pro is used to manage the entire network, enabling ionex to push out upgrades, policies and other changes through one centralized management system.

"We're saving money by using NetScreen and not leasing phone lines, and we are getting improved security at the same time," said Blake Kennedy, director of security at ionex. "Our overall costs are much lower, and the whole network is very easy to manage from a central location. I couldn't be more pleased with the way this solution has come together."

Besides using the NetScreen appliances for fixed, site-to-site connectivity, ionex has also deployed NetScreen's VPN client software on laptops and PCs outside the established network. This VPN solution enables remote employees and others outside the corporate network to securely access critical enterprise data from any location.

"The NetScreen product line is ideal for these end-to-end deployments," said David Flynn, vice president of marketing at NetScreen. "Providing a wide range of products is NetScreen's key competitive advantage. Our customers find that ours is an elegant solution to a difficult problem, offering very robust security and easy manageability, along with significant cost savings, especially when customers find they can dispense with expensive leased-lines for security projects."

The NetScreen-500 integrates firewall, virtual private networks (VPN) and traffic management functionality, while delivering the redundancy and flexibility required for a demanding central enterprise site and data center environment. The NetScreen-5XP uses the same firewall, VPN and traffic management technology as the NS-500, extending enterprise-class protection to the small-office environments of their customers. Global PRO simplifies the configuration of NetScreen's integrated security devices and VPN clients, giving network managers the ability to quickly set policies for groups of security devices, monitor networks and quickly respond to attacks. NetScreen Remote, NetScreen's VPN client, ideal for telecommuters and other end users outside the corporate infrastructure, enables client-initiated VPN sessions from a desktop environment.

About NetScreen Technologies

NetScreen Technologies is a leading maker of purpose-built, integrated security solutions that offer the scalability, flexibility and resiliency required by enterprises and service providers. NetScreen's products integrate key security features, such as firewall, VPN and denial of service attack protection, in a line of easy to manage, ASIC-based systems and appliances. NetScreen is located at 350 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085. More information on NetScreen's products can be found at http://www.netscreen.com or by calling toll free at 1-800-638-8296.

About ionex telecommunications

ionex telecommunications, inc. is an Integrated Communications Provider (ICP) serving the voice and data communications needs of more than 60,000 small- to medium-sized business customers. Privately owned and based in Dallas, Texas, ionex is one of the fastest growing providers of digital broadband communications services in the markets it serves. The company is deploying its own packet-switched, Internet Protocol (IP)-based network to allow unparalleled convenience, flexibility and reliability. ionex offers local and long-distance phone service, enhanced voice services, high-speed symmetric (S)DSL, and a suite of value-added voice and data products including email, voice mail, self-serve conferencing, call routing and electronic billing. Arriving at customized solutions through a consultative sales approach, ionex enables businesses to fill all of their communications needs through one company on a single bill.

NetScreen is a trademark of NetScreen Technologies, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This press release contains forward-looking statements about events and circumstances that have not yet occurred. For example, words such as "will," "expects," "believes" or other statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from expectations in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include whether such new partners will be introduced and whether products will perform as expected.