HP fine-tuning security in networking portfolio

The products are part of the company's ProCurve ProActive Defense strategy, which is a combination of pre-emptive techniques, such as access control, and defensive methods, such as automated threat detection.

The ProCurve Network Immunity Manager is a security management application that offers intelligent network threat management, detection and response. Available June 1, it aims to protect networks against external threats such as virus attacks.

HP will also add the Network Access Controller 800, another appliance that adds endpoint integrity to the company's secure access control solution. The product is expected to launch by September.

Rounding off the applications are ProCurve Manager Plus 2.2, an upgrade that will be available June 1, and Identity Driven Manager 2.2, an upgrade that is set for release in the third quarter. Both will be free to existing customers.

According to Paul Congdon, director of ProCurve's security business, the difference between ProCurve's approach with security and the approach of other companies is that ProCurve wants to focus on "the edge," identifying possible threats as soon as they touch the network.

"The edge is the closest place to the problem," he said. "It is the first point of attachment and is the best place for the defense."

HP said it believes its approach will appeal to end-user organizations by providing a single network solution, covering security, routing, remote access and wireless in one package.

"Fortifying security for enterprises without massive and costly replacement of network infrastructure is a critical focus for us," said Congdon.

His colleague, solution and product manager Gijs Zantvoort, admits that "it could be argued that we were a little late to this." He maintains that HP has been able to learn from this and is in a position to produce "a world-class solution."

Colin Barker of ZDNet UK reported from London.