Websense, F5 Networks Announce Joint Development of High-Performance Security Solutions

Websense, Inc. WBSN and F5 Networks, Inc. FFIV today announced a long-term, strategic agreement to develop the industry's most comprehensive, scalable, real-time network security offerings. The two companies also announced the immediate availability of the first solution on their joint development roadmap. "We are the first in the industry to build a consistent set of security services across application delivery controllers and unified access solutions," said Ryan Windham, senior director of corporate development for Websense. "Our partnership with F5 allows enterprises to secure sensitive data from both inbound attacks and outbound exfiltration through a single, integrated security platform—combining security effectiveness with network scalability." The integrated solutions will provide high-performance security in the flow between users and applications, wherever they exist. This will enable cloud applications and empower users while securing intellectual property and providing inline, real-time protection against advanced threats. The architecture provides bi-directional, context-aware security based on identity, device and location as well as application, data and destination information. "F5 secures access to applications and data through a highly scalable, intelligent services framework deployed at strategic points in the network," said Mark Vondemkamp, vice president of security product management and marketing at F5 Networks. "Our partnership with Websense adds inline, real-time defenses to detect advanced threats and data theft, making it safer for organizations to conduct business." This partnership extends F5's existing unified access solutions, which provide secure, accelerated remote access and identity federation for web, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), client-server and SaaS applications. By implementing these solutions in conjunction with F5's application delivery firewall, application security, mobile app management, and application access management solutions, organizations can effectively protect their entire enterprise footprint.