Cisco Launches Managed Threat Defense

Cisco launches a Managed Threat Defense security solution, A10 Networks unveils a new partner program, and Continuum Data Centers selects Ciena to enable high-performance connectivity in Chicago.

Cisco launches Managed Threat Defense. Cisco (CSCO) announced Managed Threat Defense, a managed security solution that applies real-time, predictive analytics to detect attacks and protect against advanced malware across customers’ extended networks. Managed Threat Defense is an on-premises solution, comprised of hardware, software, and analytics designed to monitor, capture, and analyze threats.  Cisco’s worldwide network of expert-staffed security operations centers (SOCs) monitor the service and provide incident response analysis, escalation, and remediation recommendations. The service protects against unknown attacks, uses Hadoop 2.0 to apply predictive analytics to detect anomalous patterns, provides incident tracking and reporting, and includes Cisco security software such as Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) and Sourcefire FirePOWER. “As data continues to move to the cloud, more people are accessing data via mobile devices, in addition to sharing data through social channels. Consequently, security has become our customers’ number one concern,” said Bryan Palma, SVP Cisco Security Solutions. “Managed Threat Defense lessens the worry associated with protecting against a breach and allows Cisco and its partners to add value where customers need it most.”

A10 Networks unveils new partner program. A10 Networks (ATEN) launched the new A10 Affinity Partner Program in North America, a program designed to motivate and reward A10's channel partners who sell the company's application service gateway products. Affinity partners will gain access to a host of resources and enablement programs that will help them lead with A10 solutions and grow their business. Core benefits of the program include expanded program offerings, increased partner profitability, and new training/tools. The three tier program has A10 making a significant investment in role-based training for partner sales and systems engineers, and features new and enhanced online tools, including a redesigned partner portal. An expanded marketing development funds (MDF) program extends partners' resources and budgets to build awareness of and generate demand for A10 solutions. "Partners are an essential part of A10's growth strategy and success," said Ray Smets, A10 Networks vice president of worldwide sales. "Now is an ideal time for us to reward our partners by investing in this important channel program and growing our global footprint. A10 has the breadth and depth in our portfolio to really help our partners succeed."

Continuum selects Ciena. Ciena (CIEN) announced that Continuum Data Centers (CDC) has selected converged packet optical solutions from Ciena to connect its data center in Chicago’s western suburbs to key regional exchange points including 350 Cermak in Chicago. With the Ciena platform Contiuum will provide high-bandwidth, low latency 100G connectivity to support applications like cloud computing, storage networking and big data for service providers, financial service companies, research institutions and content delivery networks. Additionally, it will be able to offer carrier-grade connectivity to tier 2 and tier 3 networks as it builds out its peering and Internet exchange community. Continuum will deploy Ciena's Packet-Optical platform equipped with WaveLogic Coherent Optical Processors and integrated switching capabilities. “With a growing portfolio that is increasingly driven by control and application software and a focus on addressing emerging customer segments in addition to service providers, we continue to lead the industry in the shift to virtualize the network for a vastly improved user experience," said Duncan Puller, Vice President of Data Center and Cloud at Ciena. "This deployment with a leading data center operator like CDC is a prime example of our ability to make networks of all kinds more efficient and scalable through openness and programmability.”