The Planet Deploys TippingPoint Security Solutions to Protect 10,000 Customers and One Million Websites From Attackers and Threats [April 4, 2005]

AUSTIN, Texas, April 4, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- As large enterprises struggle against cyber threats, The Planet, a leading provider of Internet and hosting services in Dallas, achieved superior security with Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) from TippingPoint, a division of 3Com Corporation (COMS). The advanced solution was the only product that could operate effectively in The Planet's ultra high-volume environment, where gigabits of traffic at any moment access one million customer Websites residing on the firm's 23,000 servers.

The TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention Systems prevent malicious traffic like viruses, worms and other threats from entering The Planet's network and its customers' networks, home to 10,000 clients, which range from individuals to multinational corporations. The Planet is one of the fastest data centers in the world, with aggregate throughput of over 16 Gigabits per second (Gbps) of traffic per data center. TippingPoint's IPS delivers the most thorough and preemptive security available without degrading performance.

"Our customers depend on The Planet to safeguard their networks and Websites, and now that we've deployed the TippingPoint Intrusion Prevention Systems, we are doing so with even greater confidence and an unparalleled level of security," said John Bradberry, vice president of information security at The Planet. "We're also improving our market position by demonstrating security as a clear differentiator over our competitors."

A critical factor in The Planet's decision to deploy the TippingPoint IPS was its ability to block attacks at multi-gigabit speeds with no effective latency. Beginning in January 2005, The Planet deployed 16 TippingPoint appliances at its three data centers; each provides two Gbps of throughput and latency similar to an Ethernet switch. The solution is blocking hundreds of thousands of attacks each hour that otherwise would have disrupted customer networks and servers.

"In performing our due diligence, we found that no other solution could process our massive traffic volume without compromising performance," said Bradberry. "We've recorded rates as high as 900,000 packets per second on a single TippingPoint system, which is amazing. TippingPoint's combination of speed and comprehensive protection is very impressive. Other intrusion prevention systems don't come close."

The Planet relies on TippingPoint's Digital Vaccine(TM) real-time inoculation service to ensure that even the newest threats are preemptively blocked. The Digital Vaccine service automatically sends new filters and vulnerability protection to The Planet every week, and more frequently when required. Delivering precise and timely filters, the Digital Vaccine service offers comprehensive threat coverage.

The Planet's security team uses the TippingPoint Security Management System to efficiently monitor and manage the system. With this simple-to-use administration tool, administrators can control multiple devices from remote locations.

"In addition to reducing our IT burden, the TippingPoint IPS also provides comprehensive reporting of security-related events and blocked threats for both our entire system and individual servers," said Bradberry. "Consequently, The Planet can offer every client customized reports documenting the powerful levels of protection that our TippingPoint system delivers. This is another competitive advantage that our customers appreciate."

"Despite the sophistication and determination of attackers and threats today, TippingPoint provides The Planet and its customers greater confidence and value," added Bradberry. "The solution effectively prevents threats from reaching customer networks and disrupting operations. By offering such powerful security, The Planet is well positioned to compete very successfully going forward."

Technical Highlights

Objective

Prevent attackers and threats from disrupting network operations of The Planet and its customers.

Solution

TippingPoint 2400 Intrusion Prevention Systems block malicious traffic for three data centers, providing the most robust security on the market.

Key Product Benefits

Located between the network cores and the perimeter Internet networks at three data centers, 16 TippingPoint 2400 systems filter traffic moving through The Planet's networks, preventing worms, viruses, and other exploits from penetrating the network. The Digital Vaccine service provides regular filter updates to ensure protection exists for the latest worms, viruses, Denial of Service attacks, and renegade applications. The solution provides comprehensive reporting of security-related events, enabling The Planet to report to its customers the high-level of network protection they receive to clearly show a return on investment.

For a detailed case study, please visit http://www.tippingpoint.com/pdf/resources/casestudies/CS005.pdf.

About TippingPoint, a division of 3Com
TippingPoint, a division of 3Com, is the leading provider of network-based intrusion prevention systems that deliver in-depth Application Protection, Infrastructure Protection, and Performance Protection for corporate enterprises, government agencies, service providers and academic institutions. Our innovative approach offers customers unmatched network-based security with unrivaled economics, ultra-high performance, scalability and reliability. TippingPoint is based in Austin, Texas, and can be contacted through its Web site at http://www.tippingpoint.com or by telephone at 1-888-TRUE-IPS.

About 3Com Corporation
3Com is a leading provider of secure, converged voice and data networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes. 3Com offers a broad line of innovative products backed by world-class sales, service and support, which excel at delivering business value for its customers. When customers exercise choice, their choice is 3Com. For further information, please visit http://www.3com.com , or the press site http://www.3com.com/pressbox .

3Com, 3Com logo, TippingPoint Technologies, the TippingPoint logo and Digital Vaccine are registered trademarks and Exercise Choice is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT:
Laura Craddick
TippingPoint, a division of 3Com
512.681.8441
lcraddick@tippingpoint.com

SOURCE TippingPoint