Salvation Army Selects WatchGuardSalvation Army Selects WatchGuard

Salvation Army selects WatchGuard to safeguard Midwest network

September 20, 2004

3 Min Read

SEATTLE -- WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:WGRD - News), a leading provider of network security solutions, today announced that the Salvation Army has deployed a Firebox X2500 integrated security appliance at its regional headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois, adding to the WatchGuard security infrastructure protecting its Midwest network of more than 4,000 users. A WatchGuard customer for several years, Salvation Army previously implemented a total of 14 Firebox appliances to enable secure and efficient communication between the head office and the various locations throughout the Midwest region.

The organization also already deploys nearly 200 Firebox SOHO appliances as VPN end points to secure smaller locations. WatchGuard recently launched its next generation VPN end point product line, the Firebox X Edge, designed to provide small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with commercial-class security at the furthest points of the network at an affordable price point. When the Firebox X Edge is used in combination with a Firebox X appliance located at a central site, customers get comprehensive central management and monitoring capabilities at no extra charge.

Firebox X combines firewall, VPN, application layer security, intrusion prevention functionality, spam blocking, Web filtering, authentication and high availability capability in a single appliance. It is the first integrated security appliance with full model upgrade capability that allows users to upgrade to any higher model in the line simply by applying a software license key. In addition, the Firebox X can be upgraded via a software license key from three active Ethernet ports to six. Salvation Army plans to use the additional Ethernet ports to establish demilitarized zones (or DMZs) on its network, each with its own set of security policies to effectively manage user access. The DMZs will house Salvation Army's new data application system at the central office, which is accessed by all district offices. It will also provide secure access to databases that are used by staff in multiple locations without weakening the protection around the internal network.

"When we initially evaluated security solutions, we were looking for a solution that would not only be easy to deploy, but easy to manage on an ongoing basis because we have very limited IT staff and resources. We manage most of the configuration process and all of the appliance management at our headquarters, so simplicity is key," said Mike Pearson, WAN and security administrator at the Salvation Army.

"WatchGuard's LiveSecurity Service is also very useful -- the alerts are written with non-technical users in mind, so we can post urgent alerts on our internal tech forum for our remote locations," added Pearson.

"The Salvation Army has several thousands of users, non-technical staff in branch locations that assist with some IT tasks, but only one staff member dedicated to network security. Organizations like this require a network solution that will make their job easier -- not add to their workload," said John Stuckey, vice president of marketing at WatchGuard. "Our solutions are made with these types of organizations in mind, providing top-notch security, performance and flexibility, without complex installation and maintenance requirements."

WatchGuard Technologies Inc.

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