Frank Ayre III (Ayre Consulting) and Francis Choo (Watchguard Technogies)

Once you gain control of your network, you gain control over your business as well. Few companies seem to realize the importance of internet security, and just how much it affects their businesses. The Ayre-WatchGuard partnership is bent on changing that perspective.

Ayre Consulting, your partner in secure networks to run your business and WatchGuard Technologies, the leading provider of award-winning Unified Threat Management (UTM) solutions to customers worldwide, announce its partnership today, September 15 at the UCC Coffee Café Terrace, Paseo De Roxas, Makati.

Many vendors provide only products, but Ayre Consulting provides services that integrate secure network connectivity with the client’s overall business strategy. Ayre Consulting’s suite of solutions and services allow clients better control over their networks and eventually, over their businesses as well.

“This partnership will result in greater confidence among Philippine companies; they will be encouraged to do business using the latest in secure internet technology,” says Giovanni D. Co, OIC for Ayre Consulting.

Wireless networks are taking the business enterprise by storm, primarily because of cost efficiency, speedy access and transfer of data, and various customization features that are available at the click of a button. Wireless networks give people the freedom to access data from anywhere they please – be it at home or via some public hotspot. However, most users are still unaware of the many risks associated with wireless internet: an estimated 40 to 50% of all wireless network users have either inadequate or no security at all. A business working with sensitive information whilst operating on an unsecured network is opening itself up to serious security breaches.

The security solutions brought about by the Ayre-WatchGuard partnership is being touted as an effective way to protect any company’s networked assets. “Some companies are unable to effectively deal with the hazards posed by unsecured network connections. They fall short on this because they think a single firewall or even a simple router with built-in anti-virus capability will be enough to protect them from all the threats out there. Using hardware alone isn’t enough. Using software alone isn’t enough either. This is why we decided to offer Ayre Defense System (ADS), a Managed Security Service (MSS) that offers you the best of both worlds. The service is set to cater specifically to your existing network’s needs, and you can rest assured because you will be assisted by the best security experts in the industry. That being said, we are more than glad to have WatchGuard Technologies on our roster of partners, along with other key technology providers of course,” says Frank M. Ayre III, the founder of Ayre Consulting.

ADS is designed to be flexible enough to suit the security demands of any corporate environment. Ayre Consulting employs experts to assess your existing network. The information is used to provide your company with cost effective solutions that will protect your infrastructure and networked resources. Aside from the standard virus and spam protection, ADS has 24/7 management allows you to block ports, filter packets, and restrict access to certain websites. You can also learn about your network activities from online web reports, email tracking reports and traffic pattern analysis. Aside from ADS, the company offers QMS related services to align business process with your IT infrastructure as well as solutions for improving customer relationships (CRM).

Cheryl Tuquib, WatchGuard Technologies’ Philippine Representative, says that their partnership with Ayre Consulting is a mutually beneficial move. “Our integrated security appliances deliver the best option for internet security: Zero Day attack protection. This, along with Ayre Consulting’s expertise will surely make a mark in the industry.”

WatchGuard Technologies offers a family of integrated security appliances that can be used along with Ayre Consulting Inc.’s MSS:

* Firebox X Peak is the highest performance line of UTM, providing the most thorough network security through its Intelligent Layered Security (ILS) architecture. It also blocks new and unknown attacks without the use of signatures.

* Firebox X Core is Watchguard’s comprehensive line of UTM that prevents intrusion by proactively blocking unknown threats in real time.

* Firebox X Edge delivers strong network protection for small businesses and remote/branch offices.

* Firebox SSL VPN Gateway ensures hassle-free, universal access to any network application or resource from anywhere, while maintaining enterprise class security and dependability.