Enterasys Networkshas launched a
suite of products to help securevoice over IP (VoIP)
systemsfrom leading IP telephony
suppliers.
With the
security of IP-based networks increasingly coming under the
microscope - as voice traffic over
converged networks faces the same remote hacking attacks as
data - Enterasys is aiming to match the same security offered by
traditional private
branch exchange platforms.
The Enterasys
Secure Open Convergence platform allows firms to spot and
automatically respond to security threats against IP telephony
infrastructure, enforce network access control policies, and comply
with regulatory demands for monitoring data security.
Although the major VoIP infrastructure providers already offer
their own VoIP security solutions, most are designed for individual
suppliers' products. The Enterasys VoIP security offering is
particularly useful for those firms using a mixed VoIP
infrastructure environment.
"The Enterasys integrated open-architecture approach to
understand and manage the priority and security of unified
communications does not lock you into a particular voice, video or
data vendor," said Mike Fabiaschi, president and chief executive of
Enterasys.
"Whether you have invested in VoIP solutions from the likes of
3Com, Alcatel, Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, NEC, Nortel, Panasonic,
Polycom, Siemens or anyone else, we can protect the
confidentiality, integrity and availability of voice services while
ensuring compliance with internal policies and government
regulations," said Fabiaschi.
"Security is among the top concerns of enterprises deploying
voice over IP systems," said Brian Riggs, an analyst at Current
Analysis. "Software that detects unauthorised use of VoIP systems,
prevents service disruption and eavesdropping, and monitors voice
networks for new threats will be absolutely vital for businesses
considering IP telephony as an alternative to more traditional
forms of communication."
With VoIP security often addressed "in a haphazard fashion",
said Riggs, a comprehensive system for securing voice over both
wireline and wireless IP networks will be a vital asset to
enterprises of all sizes.