Multi-gigabit integrated security appliances promise increased performance, flexibility and proactive security.

Symantec Corporation, a provider of security software solutions, yesterday announced the launch of the Symantec Gateway Security 5600 Series, a line of multi-function network security appliances, designed to proactively protect against blended threats.

The Symantec Gateway Security 5600 Series provides seven essential security functions for maximum effectiveness, while reducing the complexity of security management, claims the company. Symantec Gateway Security 5600 Series tightly integrates anti-spam, antivirus, clientless SSL and IPSec VPN, full-inspection firewall, intrusion prevention, intrusion detection, and both dynamic document review and URL list-based content filtering technologies to provide zero-day protection for the network perimeter. It also claims to reduce configuration and management costs by providing comprehensive management of integrated gateway security technologies from a single management system.

Symantec states that the models offer performance and scalability through integrated state-sharing, high availability and load balancing. The company's Gateway Security customers also benefit from Symantec Security Response by receiving the latest security updates and information available.

"As Internet threats continue to exploit multiple attack vectors, Symantec is positioned to help customers solve their security problems by offering proactive integrated solutions based on layered security technologies, providing the protection needed today," said Greg Gotta, Vice President, Product Delivery, Symantec. "Symantec Gateway Security 5600 Series helps ensure a continuously available network infrastructure for mission-critical business communication.