The market research house has predicted that global investment in firewall and virtual private network (VPN) solutions will climb to almost $6 billion by 2007, as a result of growing publicity regarding threats like worms and viruses. Of that, around $1 billion is expected to be invested by the government sector, up from $471 million in 2003.
Commenting on the figures, Jari Valvisto, vice president Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and emerging markets, Stonesoft, a world leader in network security, said: 'We agree with Datamonitor that network protection spending is likely to increase in large enterprise and government sectors, particularly in this region where e-government projects are becoming increasingly popular.'
'As more countries experiment with e-government initiatives, we can anticipate an increase in network security spending,' Valvisto continued. 'Stonesoft is currently participating in a number of government and public sector projects across the region, and are in discussions with other large enterprises about securing their business critical information.'
Stonesoft's StoneGate product was recently awarded the prestigious Checkmark certification for its firewall and VPN – the first firewall and VPN appliance available in the Middle East to be accorded the honor.
Following extensive testing by U.S. analysts West Coast Labs, StoneGate has achieved Checkmark certification for Firewalls Levels 1 and 2, as well as for its VPN. The award is an acknowledgement of Stonesoft's excellence in security products, and its commitment to ensuring that all its solutions meet recognized industry standards.
'Protecting networks, particularly for large organizations, is now becoming a key issue for IT decision-makers across the region,' said Valvisto. 'Department heads are receiving higher levels of funding to ensure the security of their systems and the information they contain.'
Stonesoft recently added to its team in the region to support its involvement in e-government initiatives. Strong local demand for integrated network security solutions with low ownership costs and centralised management has established the company as an important new presence.
Regionally, the company has ambitious plans for growth throughout the region in several key sectors, including oil and gas, banking, telecoms and services, as well as the public sector.
Quelle: AME Info, 27.05.2004
