ASG's Security Solutions Blog

An iPhone-like Platform for Security? "Whatever It is, There is an App for That!"

 

By Ron Worman, The Sage Group

 Imagine for a moment that robust ecosystems of security companies are developing best of breed applications for a variety of tactical and strategic security purposes. And imagine there is a platform designed to allow for that, encourages it, and can easily deploy it.

There would have to be a demand distribution platform: welcome to the network appliance and the cloud.

There would have to be a high level of security for cloud and appliance applications: welcome to the world of security gateways.

There would have to be fail-over, storage capacity, server capacity and network capacity: welcome to the world of virtualization.

There would have to be a unique usability quotient: welcome to the world of the unified Security User Interface.

There is a company that is daring to speak in such terms: S2.

"1996 Security Solutions do not play in 2010", said Todd Smith, VP of Sales and Marketing for S2. "A new way is emerging that will impact the costs of installation, operation and maintenance, but will also present the user with choices they have never had before."

To Smith, security organizations believe they are saving money by holding on to legacy systems, when, in fact, they are losing money. "But the trend is changing", said Smith. "Two thirds of our new clients are replacing legacy systems. It tells you there is a compelling ROI that has driven a 72% growth over the last two years for S2. They have finally found the reason to move."

S2 is working with another Diamond sponsor, Milestone. Eric Fullerton, the President of Milestone, echoes S2: "We believe that most security professionals are trying to figure out how to leverage the network. The network is a utility, and, like most utilities, should carry applications that have value to its client: security. They deserve to be able to choose what is best for them at any given time and not be locked into a proprietary vendor platform. Nothing stifles innovation like a closed platform."

"The IPhone is a great analogy", said Smith. "It is driving hundreds, if not, thousands of applications and forcing other phones and carriers to rethink their business models. Many of these security manufacturers are now in the same position as them. Network appliances and best of breed applications that can talk to each other easily, are going to drive the value equation up and the cost equation down."

You can review this groundbreaking approach at S2's virtual booth in our Virtual Exhibit Hall.