Alternative Technology Launches Education And Channel Sales Enablement Initiative For Secure Computing's Enterprise Web Security Solutions

Alternative Technology, a leading specialty distributor of thin-client/server-based computing, edge infrastructure, virtualization, and government-approved security solutions, today announced a Web 2.0⁽¹⁾ Security Education Initiative, including a host of information that will enable solution providers to understand the threats and opportunities associated with the next generation Web 2.0 environment. The program highlights Secure Computing's industry-leading Webwasher Web gateway security solution and the TrustedSource global reputation system, the largest and most comprehensive Internet reputation database in the world. As part of this initiative, Alternative Technology has dedicated a Web site to VARs and their Web security education, with links to security industry information sources, including Webinars, white papers, demos and training opportunities. To access this information visit www.alttech.com/a/1641.

"Wide adoption of Web 2.0 applications, the increasing number of Web-based attacks, and growing use of SSL have all driven the need for Web security and data leakage protection for Web traffic," said Ken Rutsky, vice president of product marketing for Secure Computing. "Whether they understand it or not, companies are now operating in a Web 2.0 world and they must meet the new security threats to their network and information assets head on. Channel partners have a responsibility, as well as an opportunity, to help their customers protect themselves from these threats."

"Today's bi-directional Web 2.0 environment continually introduces new and unknown threats," said IDC Program Director Brian Burke. "Through the use of popular Web 2.0 technologies and applications, unknown threats can enter networks through seemingly legitimate Web sites and proprietary information can exit a company with the click of a mouse. For these reasons, Web gateway security should be a priority for any corporation working in a Web 2.0 environment."

In September 2007, Forrester Consulting (2) conducted a commissioned study on behalf of Secure Computing of 153 businesses with 1,000 or more employees and found that organizations, whether officially sanctioned or not, use Web 2.0 applications extensively. Many of those surveyed reported that numerous Web 2.0 applications are useful for business purposes, including 62 percent who believe that Web mail and content-sharing platforms are extremely or very useful. Forty-nine percent considered rich interactive applications and real-time communication in the same category.

Forrester wrote, "Given the complexity of the current threat and technology environment, we recommend that organizations look beyond the solutions and policies they have today. They should reexamine the adequacy of their security policies and protection capabilities; improve user awareness and training on Web 2.0 and web-borne threats; and employ next-generation Web-filtering technologies that go beyond just anti-virus and URL filtering to include reputation services, behavioral anti-malware detection and outbound content control."

"Secure Computing has been a stand-out leader in the security industry with innovative products and an underlying security intelligence infrastructure with their TrustedSource Reputation Service," said Tom Zorn, executive vice president, Alternative Technology. "Our solution providers are armed with some of the best technology in the industry to help their customers combat these new Web 2.0 threats," said Zorn.

Secure Computing Corporation recently released a new version of the company's industry-leading Webwasher Web gateway security solution, aimed at meeting Web 2.0 security requirements. Webwasher's Web gateway security solution integrates caching and security to deliver bandwidth savings and reduced latency without compromising security. Coupled with Webwasher's top-rated anti-malware engine and industry-leading TrustedSourceTM global reputation system, today's enhanced Webwasher provides security for Web 2.0.

Alternative Technology has dedicated a Web site for VARs and their Web security education, with links to security industry information sources, including webinars, white papers, demos and training opportunities. To access this information visit www.alttech.com/a/1641 or call Alternative Technology at 866-728-1958.

Alternative Technology offers Secure Computing's full line of Web, Messaging, Network Security and Identity & Access Management Solutions to its network of 3,000 resellers in the United States and Canada.

(1) Web 2.0 refers to the second generation of Web technologies — such as social networking and rich interactive content — that aim to facilitate collaboration and sharing between Web users. The term "Web 2.0" became popular following the first O'Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference in 2004.

(2) A commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Secure Computing, "Internet Risk Management In The Web 2.0 World", September 2007

About Secure Computing
Secure Computing, a leading provider of enterprise gateway security, delivers a comprehensive set of solutions that help customers protect their critical Web, email and network assets. Over half the Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 are part of its more than 20,000 global customers in 106 countries, supported by a worldwide network of more than 2,300 partners. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and has offices worldwide. For more information, see www.securecomputing.com.

About Alternative Technology
Alternative Technology is a leading specialty distributor for value-added resellers who need products and services targeted at thin-client/server-based computing, edge infrastructure, virtualization, security, and wireless markets. Driving the widespread adoption of leading-edge technologies by bridging the gaps between products and services to solve critical business problems, Alternative identifies business issues that are key to its markets and offers multivendor solutions that drive demand back through its reseller partners. Alternative Technology, headquartered in Englewood, Colo., has offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Carlsbad, Calif., and Mississauga, Canada. Alternative Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions, which is a business unit of Arrow Electronics, Inc. For more information, go to: www.AltTech.com, e-mail: sales@AltTech.com or call toll-free: 800.544.7674 (USA), or 866.240.9991 (Canada).

SOURCE: Alternative Technology