Inkra preaches consolidation to UK

Network security firm Inkra Networks has opened up shop in the UK. The company's technology consolidates and virtualises network security functions (Virtual Private Network, firewall, intrusion detection and load balancing) onto a single device, called a Virtual Service Switch.

Virtual servers have been a feature of data-centres for some time, allowing organisations to host multiple virtual servers on the same kit. By applying similar ideas to security technology companies can slash costs by up to 90 per cent compared to using traditional separate 'point' appliances, Inkra claims.

Advocates of a best-of-breed approach would argue that putting all you eggs in one basket is bad for security. Holes in a preferred vendor's products would allow vendors to dive straight into the heart of corporate systems. Backers of consolidation, like Inkra, argue such risks are overstated and ignore the management and cost benefits of tighter integration. Inkra further argues its technology allows businesses to create a dynamic layered defence, isolating different internal zones within an enterprise network.

Inkra's US clients include IBM, EDS, NEC and SAVVIS, the company that runs Wall Street's networks. The company is particular strong in the computer services sector with larger companies using its technology to provision services for smaller firms. Inkra is also targeting larger enterprises with its expansion into Europe.

Networking veteran Rob Kelly has been appointed to head up Inkra's UK operations, which will be based in London. Tony Morrish, former EMEA managing director of Juniper Networks, has also joined Inkra in the newly created position of Vice-President of Sales for EMEA. The company has also signed up Hampshire-based systems integrator Telindus as its European go-to-market partner. Inkra is looking to recruit other resellers as it rolls out its operations across Europe. It hopes to kick start ops in France in two weeks and in Germany within the next two months. ®

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