F5 Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:FFIV), the global leader in Application Traffic Management, today announced a simplified new version of its best-in-class Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) solution FirePass(R) Controller, designed exclusively for small to medium businesses (SMBs). The new FirePass 600 system, which can handle up to 25 concurrent sessions, enables companies, with dozens to hundreds of employees, to easily and cost-effectively offer the same enterprise-class secure remote access employed by large global organizations.

Based on F5's highly successful FirePass SSL VPN platform, used by many large global enterprises, the new FirePass 600 delivers a turnkey remote access solution in an affordable system with a small footprint. Companies that deploy a FirePass 600 product can provide fast, secure connectivity to the network, enabling employees to access files, e-mail or any application anywhere, any time. Customers also benefit from rapid installation and streamlined maintenance, freeing them from complex and time-consuming management tasks; keeping a lid on expenses.

"The addition of FirePass gives our employees more flexibility and control over their workflow, making them more productive and responsive to our customers," said Brenda Terry, IT Manager at Santa Barbara Charter. "Because of FirePass, we've been able to reduce operational costs and eliminate the technical complexities associated with IPSec alternatives."

FirePass 600 Series platforms provide numerous capabilities and benefits, including:

Rapid Installation and Simple Management -- FirePass 600 Series devices feature a plug-n-play architecture that enables deployment in as little as 30 minutes. Companies do not have to install and manage software on every PC or device in the field and require no costly technical expertise for setup and management. Network managers have complete control over who gets access to data when and where.

Reliable Access -- The FirePass 600 platform provides network level access and supports up to 25 concurrent users (and hundreds of users), offering anywhere access to corporate networks via a web browser. The solution eliminates the need for IPSec, which can be complex to setup, expensive to maintain, and unpredictable when working from third party sites, such as hotels.

High Performance -- FirePass compresses network traffic, speeding page-load times, improving access speeds and enhancing productivity.

End-To-End Security -- FirePass provides complete security, from integrity checking of user devices to authentication, data encryption and removal of confidential information on the client device at the end of the session.

"We work in an online business world where 'anytime' access to the company network has become essential to productivity and competitiveness, regardless of organization size," said Jim Slaby, Senior Analyst at the Yankee Group. "SSL VPN solutions like F5's FirePass product have already hit the mainstream of large global enterprises, driven largely by the technology's ability to deliver cost-effective, secure remote access to a wide range of applications. F5's new FirePass caters to the needs of smaller businesses, enabling them to realize the same benefits as larger organizations at an affordable price point."

"The new FirePass 600 truly hits the sweet spot for today's SMB remote access needs by offering them a cost-effective, yet comprehensive solution that is quick to deploy and easy to administer," said Jeff Pancottine, SVP and General Manager, Security Business Unit at F5 Networks. "Busy office managers, IT consultants and business owners who wear many hats don't want the extra worries of a complicated remote access system. Our thorough testing with small and medium businesses has proven that they can quickly install it and virtually forget about it."

Additional features include the ability to operate seamlessly with Network Address Translation (NAT) gateways, proxies and firewalls; built-in local authentication, support for Windows domain and Active Directory environments; and support for a variety of clients, including Windows, Macintosh, PocketPC/PDA Linux and Solaris.

"With demand quickly escalating in the small business sector for simple yet powerful secure remote access solutions, the addition of F5's leading FirePass product aimed squarely at small and medium businesses comes as a welcome announcement," said Palaniswamy Rajan, Founder and CEO of Vigilar, a leading information security consulting firm and solution provider. "The FirePass 600 solution provides a great opportunity to fill strong customer demand, take advantage of new channel opportunities, and take a leadership role in a rapidly growing market. Vigilar looks forward to including the FirePass 600 in our SmartDefender(TM) Managed SSL VPN Security Services portfolio."

Pricing and Availability

FirePass 600 Series products are available now, with prices set at US$3,995 (list) for 10 concurrent users and US$5,495 for 25 concurrent users. A 15 concurrent user upgrade option is available for US$1,995. FirePass service contracts start at US$645. For more information on FirePass 600 products, visit www.f5.com/f5products/products/FirePass/FP600.html.

About F5 Networks

F5 enables organizations to successfully deliver business-critical applications and gives them the greatest level of agility to stay ahead of growing business demands. As the pioneer and global leader in Application Traffic Management, F5 continues to lead the industry by driving more intelligence into the network to deliver advanced application agility. F5 products ensure the secure and optimized delivery of applications to any user -- anywhere. Through its flexible and cohesive architecture, F5 delivers unmatched value by dramatically improving the way organizations serve their employees, customers and constituents, while lowering operational costs. Over 6,000 organizations and service providers worldwide trust F5 to keep their businesses running. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices worldwide. For more information go to www.f5.com.

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