LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- ClearPath Networks, a leading provider of managed network solutions, today introduced SNAP VPN, the industry’s first line of comprehensive enterprise-class network security appliances designed specifically for the small and medium business (SMB) market. For the first time, these customers have a complete set of network security services – including site-to-site and remote access VPN, firewall, content filtering, antivirus scanning, intrusion detection and prevention – as well as network management, reporting, and device monitoring in a simple plug-and-play device. SNAP VPN acts as an extension of ClearPath’s powerful managed network services and intelligent network core, creating an ideal platform for delivering hosted applications, or developing an enterprise-class wide area network. SNAP VPN offers a broad range of services in a single affordable package that is delivered at the lowest cost in the marketplace.

SNAP VPN’s guiding mantra is simplicity. As a result, each appliance was designed to self-install within minutes of being plugged in behind a bridge, modem, or router Internet gateway. Services are then automatically downloaded from ClearPath’s private network core to deliver instant security and network management on demand. By providing a monthly support service to deliver virus definitions updates, new intrusion detection profiles, expanded content filtering URLs, and unlimited firewall rule changes, ClearPath has eliminated the risks associated with maintaining and updating security profiles, vastly simplifying the entire process.

"Despite its sheer size encompassing nearly 8 million companies, the SMB market has historically been underserved. With budget limitations and little to no dedicated IT staff, SMBs have been forced to make compromises on their network security," noted Michael Suby, Research Program Manager at Stratecast Partners (a Division of Frost & Sullivan). "By channeling its SMB experience and home-grown technology into a multi-functional security appliance, ClearPath Networks is empowering SMBs to have the level of network security they otherwise could not afford."

SNAP VPN delivers much more than a string of disparate security services bundled into a single appliance. SNAP stands for Secure Network Access Platform – which is exactly what it provides. Each service is bound together through innovative patent pending technology. All services are managed through SNAP View, a web-based management application. Never before has it been possible to monitor and control an entire network security solution so easily and effectively.

According to AMI, a leader in global SMB market intelligence, only 425,000 small businesses (SB) and 67,000 medium businesses (MB) currently use VPN technology. These numbers are projected to increase to almost 1.75 million for SBs and 104,000 for MBs by 2008.

According to Eric Daversa, Sales Director at SkyRiver Communications, "As an access provider, I am asked over and over again by my partners and customers to guide them to reliable security solutions for their LANs and WANs. This can be overwhelming, considering the huge array of products on the market and the typically high price points associated with ‘best of breeds’ solutions. No one else has an integrated package like SNAP VPN.

By including 24x7 technical support and unlimited virus definitions, intrusion detection signatures, and content filtering URLs, this solution is turn-key, worry free, and makes me look good each time I refer a customer to it."

"The SMB market is the fuel that drives the economic engine in the U.S., and is one of the fastest growing segments of every industry," commented Cliff Young, ClearPath Networks' President and CEO. "In order to sustain that growth, it is crucial to utilize enhanced network services and security to help protect the market segment. However, until now, the only option has been expensive and complex enterprise solutions. As a result, businesses typically haven’t deployed the services they need. SNAP VPN will change this paradigm."

ClearPath Networks Inc.