Novell Delivers Comprehensive Perimeter Security on Linux

- A SUSE LINUX-based soft appliance, Novell Security Manager provides an

integrated management platform that minimizes the cost of deploying and

managing the security infrastructure SAN FRANCISCO and BOSTON, RSA Conference and LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) today announced the availability of Novell(R) Security Manager powered by Astaro, a complete network security solution containing six perimeter security applications with an integrated management platform. The SUSE(R) LINUX-based soft appliance provides a comprehensive security infrastructure that protects businesses against security threats caused by hackers, viruses, worms, spam and intrusions.

Novell Security Manager provides organizations with multiple defenses in one integrated, Linux-based application that is able to quickly respond to new threats with automated updates. This cuts the costs and loss of productivity associated with such threats. A Web-based, common management platform provides a single installation, interface and reporting tool that minimizes the cost and effort to deploy and manage the software.

As a Linux-based appliance, Novell Security Manager leverages the collective benefits of open source software. An active community responds to security holes with quick patches and access to the source code enables modifications, providing an extremely stable and secure platform.

"Novell's leadership in Linux and identity-driven security is the perfect complement to Astaro's experience and leadership in network security software and appliances," said Astaro CEO Jan Hichert. "Our Linux-based approach provides customers enterprise-class security that protects their organizations from all external threats. We are looking forward to helping Novell realize its vision of a flexible, feature-rich, cost-effective IT infrastructure based on Linux platforms."

Novell Security Manager powered by Astaro comes with six fully integrated security applications: -- Firewall protection that controls the flow of traffic into an organization based on ports, protocols, sources and destinations.

-- Virtual private network (VPN) gateway eliminates expensive leased lines for remote users to reduce costs.

-- Intrusion protection detects and/or blocks attacks on the network and allows administrators to limit activities such as instant messaging, chat and peer-to-peer networks.

-- Virus protection scans for over 100,000 virus signatures using multiple methods including signature checking and heuristics.

-- Spam protection blocks, quarantines or reports suspected spam using selected rules, patterns and thresholds.

-- Content filtering blocks access to undesirable web sites with access policies that can be customized for different users or groups. Lufthansa Flight Training team leader for IT infrastructure Olaf Windhaeuser said, "The launch of Novell Security Manager is very exciting for Lufthansa and Novell. Over the past few years, Lufthansa Flight Training has witnessed a radical change of Novell in the market. Having been a long standing customer for Novell's eDirectory, Identity Management and Resource Management products, we are now thrilled to see Novell act upon its promises with the delivery of Linux-based security and identity management solution stacks. Novell's move is a rock-solid one that we can only endorse."

Security Manager becomes part of the Novell Nsure(R) family of identity and access management solutions, providing Linux customers with a comprehensive perimeter security product that is easy to configure and manage. Novell and Astaro are working together on a roadmap for future releases of the product.

David Litwack, Novell senior vice president and general manager for Identity-Driven Products, said, "In Astaro, we have a proven partner that is equally committed to driving the adoption of Linux in the enterprise. Novell Security Manager supports our effort to provide customers with solutions that optimize their current investments and allow us to reach new customers outside our traditional install base." Pricing and Availability

Novell Security Manager powered by Astaro is now available starting at $315 for a single "Server + 10-devices" license. Gateway server licenses that support larger numbers of devices are also available. For more information, please visit http://www.novell.com/products/securitymanager. About Novell

Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell Nsure), Web application development (Novell exteNd(TM)) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise(TM)), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell Ngage(SM)). Active in the open source community with its Ximian(R) and SUSE LINUX brands, Novell provides a full range of Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net -- a world without information boundaries -- helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at 888-321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

NOTE: Novell, Nsure and Ximian are registered trademarks; exteNd and Nterprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE LINUX AG, a Novell business. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.