SEATTLE -- WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:WGRD - News), a leading global provider of integrated network security products and services, today announced a partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) to establish the SJTU/WatchGuard Information Security Scholarship.

WatchGuard will provide a total of 16 scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. To qualify, students of the SJTU School of Information Security Engineering must possess excellent grades, be actively involved in research and development efforts, and demonstrate a keen interest in contributing to the community.

The scholars will be selected by a five-member committee comprised of leaders and professors from the SJTU School of Information Security Engineering, recognized information security experts, and other government or industry professionals.

"It is our intention to partner with a leading information security vendor who is committed to a long-term partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University," said Professor Li Jianhua, dean of the School of Information Security Engineering, SJTU. "We believe that with WatchGuard's expertise and extensive global experience, we will be able to develop and support quality courses and programs for our faculty. We are confident that this will help pave the way for China to become a world leader in information security."

"WatchGuard is proud to work with a prestigious educational institution like Shanghai Jiao Tong University that has such a strong commitment to advancing information security technologies and practices. Information security is fundamental to the successes and growth of organizations," said Jeff Hurmuses, managing director Asia Pacific, WatchGuard Technologies. "With China's burgeoning economy, the country has a golden opportunity to become a world leader in technology. This market is a fundamental component of WatchGuard's global strategy and we will continue our investment and commitment to development in China, which we believe will have a positive effect on our APAC revenues."

The SJTU/WatchGuard Information Security Scholarship is the second phase of the strategic partnership between WatchGuard and SJTU. In June 2004, the two organizations established the SJTU/WatchGuard Information Security Laboratory. The laboratory has been in operation since last year and showcases WatchGuard's security solutions for learning, demonstration and testing purposes. The organizations intend to explore future opportunities for collaboration that would further promote the adoption of information security technologies and solutions in China.

WatchGuard Technologies Inc.