Check Point Buys Nokia Security Appliance Business

Check Point Software Technologies, a company focusing on securing the Internet, announced it completed the acquisition of the Nokia security appliance business, a culmination of a 12-year strategic partnership.

In addition to Check Point UTM-1 and Power-1 appliances, businesses can purchase immediately through Check Point former Nokia IP hardware running Check Point security software.

Check Point is committed to preserving continuity for its customers and partners following the acquisition and plans on introducing, in the near future, a new line of all-inclusive IP appliances. The line of IP appliances will come pre-loaded with either Check Point R70, Check Point's latest security gateway based on the Software Blade Architecture, or Check Point NGX R65. In the mean time, Nokia IP appliances are now available from Check Point, eliminating the need for customers to obtain two separate licenses from two different vendors, easing procurement and deployment. Similarly, existing Nokia customer support contracts will be immediately supported by Check Point, including support for older platforms and OS versions.

"Check Point now leads the security appliance market with an unprecedented variety of security solutions," said Gil Shwed, chairman and chief executive officer at Check Point. "Through the acquisition, we'll be able to better meet customers' needs and preferences with the latest security software on the leading hardware platforms. Our unique Software Blade architecture allows customers to select the exact security protections they need for a given environment, and our comprehensive line of appliances lets customers deploy their custom gateway on the hardware of their choice."

Between Check Point UTM-1, Power-1 and IP appliances, Check Point said it delivers a comprehensive line of security appliances to protect any environment from small offices and branches to large-scale enterprises and high-performance data centers.

"Over the last few years Check Point has steadily enhanced its appliance portfolio. The acquisition of the Nokia hardware security business vaults Check Point to the appliance forefront," said Alex Smith, research analyst at Canalys. "With a wider appliance portfolio Check Point expands its market reach, particularly among large enterprises."

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