NetDevices, a start-up founded by former Cisco executives, unveiled its "Unified Services Gateway" aimed at consolidating and simplifying the multiple network appliances currently being deployed by enterprises at the edge of their networks. NetDevices is using a "OnePass" architecture for packet classification and inspection from which multiple advanced services -- such as firewalls, intrusion detection, VoIP gateway and VPN gateway -- would be based. The company argues that real-time services will be best supported if all these functions are connected together by a system-wide approach to processing and management. OnePass classification and management is more efficient than running multiple boxes and latency is reduced.
NetDevice's platform features a modular operation system and separate traffic, control and management planes to ensure "always available" system access. The system has a hardened forwarding path into which multiple services are inserted and integrated. Specific services can be performed at the correct point in the packet flow. In existing networks, however, packets usually go to an unprotected router first, where they are forwarded to a variety of security devices, such as firewalls and content filters. This opens up the router to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. With NetDevices, users can start and stop individual service modules without impacting other services in operation. Multiple SG-8 Unified Services Gateways could be managed from a central location, with common policies shared across all units.
NetDevices features a stateful Layer 7 firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, and web filtering. It also features a SIP application layer gateway with QoS and built-in support for future VoIP services. The company has a roadmap of future services and hardware modules for the gateway.
NetDevices has been shipping its SG-8 Unified Services Gateway for three months. Pricing starts at $14,990.
http://www.netdevices.com
- NetDevices was founded in 2003 by Seenu Banda (CEO), Rob Haraga (VP of Engineering), and Jeff Kidd (VP of Hardware Engineering). Prior to founding NetD, Banda was senior director of marketing for mid-range routers, including the 7200 and 7500, at Cisco Systems. Haraga spent 10 years at Cisco, where he led the development and engineering of three generations of router product lines in the 7000 series. Kidd also served at Cisco in senior engineering roles for the Cisco 7000, 7200, 7300, 7500 and 7600 routers, and the Cisco Catalyst 5000 and 6000 multi-layer switching platforms.
- Early investors in the company include ComVentures, Artiman Ventures, Columbia Capital and JumpStart.
- NetDevices is based in Sunnyvale, California with a development office in Bangalore, India.
