AEP Networks Joins the VMware Technology Alliance Partner Program

Extends Secure Application Access to Virtual Environments via SSL VPN. AEP Networks today announced it has joined the VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program. The VMware TAP program helps technology vendors integrate their products with VMware virtualization software and deliver timely, joint solutions to mutual customers.

“We are excited to welcome AEP Networks as the newest member of the VMware TAP program,” said Bernie Mills, senior director, alliance programs, VMware. “The VMware TAP program offers companies like AEP Networks the tools and resources they need to develop high-value solutions that meet the needs of our mutual customers.”

“As a member of the Technology Alliance Partner program we will be better able to support our customers using the AEP Netilla virtual appliance to provide secure remote access to applications and resources,” said Paul Spencer, General Manager for AEP Networks. “Leveraging our alliance with VMware, AEP Networks is well positioned to deliver solutions that complement VMware virtualization offerings.”

With more than 1,000 members worldwide, the VMware TAP program works with best-of-breed technology partners to provide them a comprehensive set of VMware technical and marketing services, support, tools and expertise to deliver enhanced value to joint customers.

AEP Networks announced its virtual appliance, AEP Netilla SSL VPN Virtual Edition (Netilla VE), in September 2008. Netilla VE is a virtual machine supporting VMware ESX that enables customers to quickly and easily spin-up new SSL VPNs to address their growing and changing business needs, while at the same time leveraging all the benefits of virtualization. These benefits include lower capital and operational costs as well as the advantages of Disaster Recovery and High Availability.

AEP Netilla is the latest generation of SSL VPN solutions that provide secure application access via Web browser to a broad range of business applications. With Netilla, remote users can quickly and securely reach virtually any application in today's IT environment, including Microsoft Outlook, Windows Terminal Servers and server-based applications, as well as client/server applications using a number of different communication services. Netilla's highly granular application access capabilities provide secure access for employees, business partners, customers and suppliers by efficiently controlling what information can be reached based on access policies.

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks works with Telecoms Sans Frontires

Hemel Hempstead, U.K., 8 June, 2009 - AEP Networks, a leader in secure communications and networking, today announced that it is to provide two ruggedized boxes for use by Telecoms Sans Frontires (TSF) to provide reliable communications in disaster areas across the globe. The AEP SecComm Personal packs will provide the most flexible communications possible to cater for all eventualities. Each one offers a range of different inputs (e.g. Satellite, Ethernet, and Serial), as well as different outputs (e.g. 4 voice ports, wireless laptop connectivity and direct laptop ports). This means that the solution is incredibly flexible, accepting many different types of network connectivity and configurations which is extremely important when dealing with disaster areas where a stable communications infrastructure is unlikely to exist.

With the AEP Networks solution, the user can make voice calls from a standard phone connected directly to the unit, can connect a laptop directly to the unit, and can use WiFi to connect laptops wirelessly or using IP phones. The unit can be powered from most mains supplies or it runs from its own internal 3 hour battery and comes with a solar battery trickle charger.

Peter van de Geest, Managing Director for AEP Networks, comments, Telecoms Sans Frontires relies on top class performance equipment to respond to emergencies quickly. This equipment has to be light and mobile to ensure that TSF is one of the fastest NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in the world. We are delighted to be providing our technology to TSF so that we can play our part in making sure that they are able to set up the best communications infrastructure possible in what are challenging and often hostile environments. We believe that our boxes deliver the most flexible communications possible and will enable TSF to respond quickly and effectively under any circumstances.

Clment Bruguera, Telecommunications Engineer for TSF, adds, We use satellite communications equipment a great deal because of the nature of the work that we do working in difficult conditions in remote or devastated regions. Our technology needs to be constantly upgraded and developed in response to the demands/needs that we encounter on the ground. The field of telecommunications evolves very quickly and we rely on our technical partners to keep us up to date on all technological improvements and innovations. This means that we can take advantage of each improvement to respond to emergencies quicker, be more mobile and more efficient. TSF is thrilled to be working with AEP Networks to ensure that its teams are fully equipped to take advantage of any and all telecoms available, making network configuration decisions based on local technology and equipment. AEP Networks delivers a great package in a single box and, in WiFi mode, it does not need lots of cables to connect to applications and databases back home.

van de Geest concludes, When using the BGAN (Inmarsat's Broadband Global Area Network) satellite modem for voice communications, the quality of the voice is very good, because our software prioritises voice over data and can squeeze much more data over a small bandwidth, also the internal Data Compression engine saves bandwidth costs. There is no other service available today that matches ours."
To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks Moves to Single Distributor Model in EMEA Countries

Streamlined channel strategy to deliver clarity, service efficiencies and focus to partners in all regions

Hemel Hempstead, U.K., 18 May, 2009 - AEP Networks today announced a new distribution model for EMEA countries that is designed to deliver numerous benefits to partners and customers alike across all regions. The focus of channel activities through a single distribution partner in each geography will ensure that emphasis and focus is given to the AEP Netilla SSL VPN product range, enabling the planned, accelerated market growth to be achieved.

The sole distribution partner for the UK is Westcon Security, and Magirus will cater for demand in the Benelux region. These partners have been distributors for the Netilla products for many years and are closely aligned with the AEP Networks channel. This ensures that consistency is maintained for resellers.

“We are planning to aggressively grow the Netilla business in EMEA and AEP was looking for distribution partners who would dedicate personnel to selling Netilla, carry stock to meet immediate demands from resellers, have trained engineers and have the potential and willingness to grow the Netilla business in these adverse economic conditions,” said Peter van de Geest, Managing Director for AEP Networks. “Westcon (UK) & Magirus (Benelux), with their long trading history with AEP, were the only ones who could fulfil all of these criteria.”

Resellers will benefit from a tiered pricing structure that will protect partners who invest in Netilla training and focus on Netilla. Other benefits will include deal registration and targeted usage of marketing funds.

John Calder, Director of Enforce Technology, said, "Enforce Technology have been a partner of both AEP Networks and Westcon for the last 6 years. The support provided by both organisations to both us and our clients has been excellent. The move to a sole distribution model will enable both us and AEP to provide, and support, more of their products effectively to the market. After all, AEP's SSL VPN product set is, in our opinion and that of our clients, the best, most flexible and cost effective in the market today."

Kay Bruen, Managing Director of Westcon Security, comments, "I am delighted that AEP have appointed Westcon Security as sole distributor for the Netilla SSL VPN range of appliances and load balancers in the UK. We have successfully sold these excellent solutions for six years and already have the majority market share. The decision taken by AEP to give us sole rights will encourage us to bring more focus to promoting their technology, and allow us to reward those reseller partners who truly invest in selling and supporting AEP's solutions".

Mike del Prado, General Manager for Magirus in the Benelux, comments, "Of course we see this decision by AEP as a vote of confidence in our role as a value added distributor. We will continue our drive to service our resellers in a flexible way and support AEP in achieving further growth in the Benelux market with the AEP Netilla portfolio."

Servie Janssen, Marketing Manager for Qi ict, adds, “Magirus is an ideal and strong partner for us. They have helped us greatly in expanding Qi ict’s market position due to their extensive access to vendors and outstanding expertise in the IT solutions field.”

The new structure is the result of a full review of the AEP Networks channel programme. During this process existing partners were asked to provide feedback regarding their requirements from the distributor. A sole distribution structure, through Westcon Security (UK) and Magirus (Benelux), garnered support from resellers.

“Our top resellers feel the decision was a tremendous re-focus by AEP Networks,” van de Geest claimed. “They also feel there’s now a lack of dilution and competition between distributors. We expect that going through a sole distributor will help bring back more margins for our partners.”

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

Secure Mobile Platform from AEP Networks Launches at Infosecurity Europe

AEP SecComm Personal featured on Stand R90

Somerset, N.J. and Hemel Hempstead, U.K., April 28, 2009 - AEP Networks today announced the launch of AEP SecComm Personal, a unique communications platform that delivers enhanced grade encryption to remote work forces. This is the first in a series of SecComm products that enables organisations to furnish their remote work forces with the same functionality in the field as their colleagues enjoy in the office with no compromise on data security. The technology is eminently portable, coming as it does in a small yet robust computer bag. And it is “plug and play” so users do not need any degree of technical skill or expertise to get the product up and running and then connect to the available networks. It is a unique product in the market today that supports the needs of users and organisations across all sectors. It combines the technologies of AEP Networks and Vados Systems in their first integrated solution product since the acquisition in Q4 of last year.

Peter van de Geest, Managing Director Europe & Asia for AEP Networks, comments, “This is an exciting development that clearly demonstrates how AEP and Vados technologies work well together. The SecComm Personal gives organisations the peace of mind they need when deploying staff in remote locations. The security within the product is suitable for all types of application and organisations. In fact, it will enable regional and remotely located teams to exploit existing, normally insecure public mobile and wireless networks to send and receive IP traffic up to and including UK Confidential. It is ideal for use in emergency or disaster recovery situations where access to communications can be the difference between success and failure. This is quick to implement and doesn’t need users to have technical knowledge. It will be followed by two other variations for larger remote office implementations and in-vehicle use.”

Government policy requires Public Sector organisations to offer home and mobile working to their workforce wherever possible. These bodies can now extend remote access to classified data over a range of network access technologies including remote office LAN, broadband (over DSL or Cable), 3G and WiFi, without the normal restrictions and cost overheads. SecComm Personal delivers the throughput to satisfy a wide range of demanding applications.

Elements of the Solution

* AEP vadEDGE intelligent multi-bearer router and processor or AEP SecComm Netbook with commercial grade encryption
* Optional AEP Net Remote encryption device for high assurance government security
* AC & DC power inputs and multiple adapters
* Optional IP over BGAN for global coverage
* Compatible with a variety of 3G USB network adapters

The AEP Net Remote is approved by the UK Government’s CESG Assisted Product Scheme (CAPS) to Enhanced Grade, assured to ITSEC E3 standards and accepted by the HMG’s Defence INFOSEC Product Co-Operation Group (DIPCOG). The device is widely used by Government departments and agencies, local authorities, public health, public safety and criminal justice organisations that need to protect sensitive information across networks.

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

Survey says - 92 per cent of corporates enable remote access

Perceived threat of unauthorised data access and data loss still weighs heavy

Hemel Hempstead, UK, April 28, 2009 – Demand for remote access capabilities has never been greater and the latest survey from AEP Networks shows that 92 per cent of organisations questioned allow their employees to work remotely or on the move. This is despite the fact that network threats are on the increase and 44 per cent of respondents believe that their networks are no more than “quite” secure. Interestingly, nobody thought that unauthorised data access would have a minimal impact on their business, while 29 per cent believe this would cause major, long term damage. The rest ranged between these two poles with 61 per cent taking the middle ground or tipping the balance towards more significant harm.

When asked about the likely impact of data loss on their organisation only 3 per cent believed that jobs would be lost and the same number would expect no real impact at all. However, a massive 53 per cent thought that data loss would result in a negative impact on their business reputation. Customer relationships would be damaged for 22 per cent and 19 per cent felt that the impact would be felt directly in the bottom line.

Pat Donnellan, CEO of AEP Networks, comments, “The survey is an interesting snap-shot of the market today. Easy access to corporate data is a necessity in the modern world which makes data security essential. We found that 83 per cent of remote workers carry corporate data on their laptops and mobile devices despite the perceived impact of data loss and unauthorised data access on the business as a whole. Security is paramount and we found that the majority are relying on VPN security (61 per cent) to provide adequate protection for their remote access needs. And, the good news is that customers really recognise the threats and they are responding. In fact, almost 69 per cent of those who responded to our survey plan to increase their investment in remote security over the next 12 months.”

The survey was completed online by 160 organisations of varying size and type. Half of the respondents work within organisations of more than 500 employees, with a turnover of more than £6 million.

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks Updates Award-winning Netilla Product Family

New Version Introduces Enhanced High Availability Redundancy

SOMERSET, N.J. - April 20, 2009 - AEP Networks today introduced AEP Netilla 6.2, the latest update of its scalable, cost-effective remote access solutions.

Enabling secure, Web-browser access to a broad range of business applications, version 6.2 of Netilla provides a more cost effective and reliable High Availability option for Netilla appliances. In a high availability configuration, one Netilla appliance is active while a second one is on standby, ready to take over in the event of a failover.

“We are pleased to offer this update to our award-winning Netilla product. Our new High Availability option is similar to the Hot Standby feature in previous versions, but the new option is more robust and simpler to configure, making set up and reset, should failover occur, an easy process,” said Pat Donnellan, CEO of AEP Networks. “In addition, our latest Netilla appliances – 2010, 4010, 6010/6110 – come equipped with fault monitoring hardware, providing enhanced monitoring for high availability. Upgrade kits are available to add Enhanced Hardware Fault Monitoring to companies already using our current Netilla appliances.”

The Netilla SSL VPN offers secure remote access to highly confidential data to meet the most stringent American, Canadian and EMEA security standards. With any PC or laptop, telecommuters, day extenders, branch office employees, business partners and a mobile sales force can quickly and securely reach virtually any resource used in a company’s business. Netilla also ships with an unlimited user license and supports both large and small user communities. In addition, Netilla has been validated to Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2.

Built with the same leading-edge technology as the Netilla hardware appliances, the virtualized Netilla for Virtual Environments streamlines secure remote access installations on VMware ESX, enabling companies to quickly spin-up new remote access projects on demand within their existing VMware environment. A Netilla Virtual Machine is available for download and evaluation from the company’s Web site.

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks Partners with PrimeKey Solutions to Deliver Best-of-Breed PKI Fastrack Evaluation Program

Solution Combines Freedom of Open Source Software with Most Trusted Hardware Security Module

SOMERSET, N.J. - April 15, 2009 - AEP Networks today announced a partnership with PrimeKey Solutions that will give organizations a quick, cost-effective method for public key infrastructure (PKI) deployment. The combined solution from the two companies – the PKI Fastrack Evaluation Program – enables rapid and low-risk evaluation of EJBCA, the market leading open source PKI certificate authority founded by PrimeKey with AEP Keyper, the world’s most trusted Hardware Security Module (HSM).

A set of hardware, software, policies and procedures needed to create, distribute and manage digital certificates, PKI provides identification, authentication, confidentiality and access control to the highest levels of assurance. Common uses for PKI include: document signing; digital identity; email signing and encryption; smartcard infrastructure; and electronic evidence assurance.

“With the first wave of PKI solutions, we saw expensive and inflexible proprietary solutions. As the market has matured and the technology has stabilized, organizations are recognizing the technical and economic benefits of open source software for their PKI deployments. We are pleased to partner with PrimeKey, the world’s leading open source PKI company, to help organizations build, integrate and test enterprise-class PKI using best-of-breed software and FIPS 140-2 Level 4 hardware,” said Pat Donnellan, CEO of AEP Networks.

To ensure the security of an organization’s private and root keys, the three-month PKI Fastrack Evaluation Program offers assistance with systems planning; migration and integration; operational processes and procedures; hardware and software support; testing; deployment; and post-implementation support and maintenance. The program delivers hands-on guidance and support from world-class experts for organizations that are migrating from other PKIs, as well as those that are deploying PKI for the first time.

“Our EJBCA is an advanced certificate authority for issuing and administrating digital certificates. It is highly interoperable and runs on virtually any platform, leading it to its position as one of the 50 top-ranked projects among 180,000 open source projects available on Sourceforge.net,” commented Konstantin Papaxanthis, CEO, PrimeKey Solutions AB. “Now, with our relationship with AEP Networks, we can further assure users that they are using a robust, high performing and secure PKI certificate authority.”

AEP Keyper is the most secure HSM available, with a 10-year track record protecting military, government and high-value commercial networks. A tamper reactive, Ethernet-connected HSM with no moving parts, Keyper is the only HSM appliance on the market accredited to FIPS 140-2 Level 4.

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks Offers Fastrack DNSSEC Program

Combined Solution from AEP and ISC Meets DNSSEC Standards Quickly, Cost-Effectively

SOMERSET, N.J. - April 13, 2009 - AEP Networks today announced the availability of an enterprise-class DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) Fastrack Program for federal agencies. Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) and AEP Networks have partnered to help federal agencies meet their DNSSEC mandate quickly and cost-effectively.

The U.S. government mandates that all federal agencies deploy DNSSEC so that it is operational on all applicable information systems by December 2009. By enabling the rapid and low-risk evaluation of ISC’s BIND, the market leading DNS server, with AEP Keyper, the world’s most trusted Hardware Security Module (HSM), agencies can comply with the recommendations in NIST Special Publication 800-81, “Secure Domain Name System (DNS) Deployment Guide,” and address the particular requirements described in NIST Special Publication 800-53r1, “Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems.”

“The new urgency for the DNS Security Extensions initiative is due to recently discovered vulnerabilities in the global DNS system that make it possible for criminals to use the DNS to masquerade as trustworthy online entities like federal agencies,” stated Pat Donnellan, CEO of AEP Networks. “While DNSSEC has become widely recognized as a way to provide additional security-in-depth for the Internet, it must be enabled and configured correctly, and all network infrastructure must be tested to verify that it supports DNSSEC. Through our joint Fastrack solution, federal agencies will have the opportunity to test and deploy an enterprise-class DNSSEC implementation using best-of-breed software and FIPS 140-2 Level 4 hardware to assure the security of agency private keys.”

The three-month DNSSEC Fastrack program supports agencies that are migrating from older versions of BIND and from other DNS resolvers with hands-on guidance and support from world-class experts. The program offers assistance with systems and process review; DNSSEC planning; building DNSSEC test-beds and production systems; implementation; and post-implementation support and maintenance.

BIND provides a robust and stable platform on top of which organizations can build distributed computing systems with the knowledge that those systems are fully compliant with published DNS and DNSSEC standards. BIND is fully open source and runs on UNIX and Windows. AEP Keyper is the most secure HSM available, with a 10-year track record protecting military, government and high-value commercial networks. Keyper is a tamper reactive, Ethernet-connected HSM with no moving parts. Keyper is the only HSM appliance on the market accredited to FIPS 140-2 Level 4.

AEP Networks will exhibit its solutions in Booth #628 at the upcoming RSA Conference 2009 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from April 20-23, and on Stand #R90 at Infosecurity Europe 2009 at Earls Court in London from April 28-30. For more information about the Fastrack DNSSEC Evaluation Program, click here.


To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks to Distribute Leading Security Products through KoreaNet in Korea

AEP Netilla SSL VPN, AEP SmartGate, AEP Keyper and Communications Products Through Value-Added Distributor in Korea

Hemel Hempstead, U.K. - March 23, 2009 - AEP Networks today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with KoreaNet, an active distributor of security and networking products in Korea. Under the terms of the agreement, KoreaNet will extend the distribution of AEP Networks' integrated portfolio of security products: AEP Netilla SSL VPN, AEP SmartGate and AEP Keyper, on top of its existing distribution on AEP Networks' Multi Service communications products.

“AEP Networks has been looking to expand its channel presence in Asia Pacific. KoreaNet have been one of our most active distribution partners in the region, so I am confident that they will continue to serve their clients well by adding our security and networking products into their portfolio,” said Aiden Whiteman, Vice President Asia Pacific, AEP Networks.

“We have successfully distributed AEP/Vados’ communications products since November 2002. By adding AEP’s security and networking products into our portfolio we will be able to better serve our customers, by leveraging the full range of AEP products as a single supplier,” said J. S. Lee, CEO & Chairman of KoreaNet Inc.

The AEP Netilla SSL VPN quickly and securely makes business applications remotely available to employees and partners. With AEP SmartGate, organizations can rapidly deploy an application gateway security solution that can support thousands of simultaneous users. AEP Keyper allows for generation, storage and use of high quality keys within a tamper reactive, FIPS-certified Hardware Security Module.

KoreaNet has been working with AEP/Vados for years – primarily selling megaPAC V-IX, megaBOX, and megaWATCH 2000 – and has the following references:

* Bank – ShinHan Bank, NongHyup, Korea First Bank, WooRi Bank, KwangJu Bank, Korea Exchange Bank, KookMin Bank
* Stock Exchange – KOSCOM, SamSung Securities, HanWha Securities, HyunDai Securities, HaNaDaeToo, KyoBo Securities, Merits Securities, DaeShin Securities
* Insurance/Future Trading – DaeHan Insurance, SamSung Insurance, LIG Insurance, KyoBo Insurance, KookMin Future Exchange, SamSung Future Exchange, LG Future Exchange
* Card/Capital – BC Card, HyunDai Card, ShinHan/LG Card, KEB Card, Lotte Card, HaNa Capital, GE Capital, Seoul Savings Bank

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com

AEP Networks signs Sole Exclusive Agency agreement with Retec Technology UK Ltd for several territories in the Middle East

Opens new relationship to include full range of secure networking and communication solutions providing access to territories not yet penetrated

Hemel Hempstead, U.K. - March 11, 2009 - AEP Networks today announced that it has signed a Sole Exclusive Agency agreement (SEA) with Retec Technology UK Limited (RT), a company with links to high level government and commercial areas in the Middle East. The new relationship involves AEP Networks’ full range of secure networking and communication solutions, giving access to their use in those countries where it has not been available until now.

Under the terms of the agreement, Retec Technology will extend the distribution of AEP Networks’ integrated portfolio of security products and vadOS brand communications products. RT will have the exclusive right to the AEP Net product in the region with the government standard WAN encryption device (ESxxx model) being only available through RT and their distributors. This device is the only Net product authorised to be used outside the European Economic Community. Also, RT has exclusive rights to those products where AEP has no signed agreements with other distributors.

“We are very excited to be able to bring technology, with UK government level security, to the Middle East which will enable the government and financial institutions to secure their communications in a way not available in the Middle East, thus far. The UK government have authorised their use and are happy to work with us to share the security with their allies and friends,” said Sameh Kader, Partner and Director of Retec Technology UK Ltd.

The agreement between AEP and RT was facilitated by Enforce Technology UK Ltd, a UK based distributor and systems integrator of AEP, who will partner with RT to ensure the best service is provided to the Middle East.

“AEP Net is the only product that can provide encryption on communications links of any speed up to a gigabyte, with a centralised management system which means that technical staff no longer needs to travel to the site to be able to make changes or upgrade firmware. This means that changes are managed instantly and at minimal costs,” said Peter van de Geest, Managing Director for AEP Networks.

AEP and RT have an already established and a strong relationship which gives RT the SEA for the following countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar State, Kuwait, Kingdom of Bahrain, Lebanon, Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, Arab Republic of Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia. RT has also been awarded distributor rights to the following countries in Europe: Austria, Hungary.

Retec Technology UK Limited is part of the SE group of companies and is dedicated to providing security systems and solutions to the Middle East and Europe. RT has a number of distributors in the countries they signed for, thereby creating a team of dedicated professionals providing end-to-end secure solutions, serving the Banking, Finance, Telco, Government and Corporate industries.

With the services of Enforce technology, who are experts in the AEP products and have been marketing and supporting these products for many years with many satisfied customers in the UK, RT will extend the quality and excellent service to their customers in the Middle East.

To Purchase AEP Products Visit http://www.sslguard.com