The Security Net
Universal threat management (UTM) appliances have captured the imagination of both channels and customers, and are likely to see wider acceptance ahead
CRN Network
Research firm Frost & Sullivan estimates the demand for universal threat management (UTM) based solutions to grow at a healthy 35 percent CAGR till 2012. Industry estimates peg the current market for UTM appliances, solutions and services in excess of Rs 200 crore.
Growth factors
The biggest growth driver for UTM has been the increase in security awareness among SMEs. SMEs, who till now thought that an end-point security solution was enough to secure their IT set–up, seem to have realized that the end-point approach is ineffective in providing security. Also SMEs are finding it easier to manage a single device than invest in multiple devices whose function a UTM appliance takes care.
The economic slowdown has also had a significant role to play in the increasing adoption of UTM appliances since organizations have become more conservative and are investing into solutions that offer better ROI.
According to recent network security market report by Frost & Sullivan, the BFSI sector has been the largest growth driver for the UTM market in Asia-Pacific region, primarily led by stricter compliance norms. RBI data security compliance policies for the BFSI sector and the compliance to Basel II framework has seen many banks invest in integrated security solutions.
Consolidation of IT hardware and software is a key prerogative for all IT organizations, and investing in UTMs seems to be a step in that direction.
| Quick Five |
|
» Security awareness among SMBs is the biggest UTM driver
» Need for integrated reporting is driving adoption
» Data loss and leak prevention is now becoming a standard feature that UTM vendors offer
» Commoditization of entry level UTM appliances is expected by 2010
» Entry level price point is expected to reduce soon
|
Key trends
The UTM vendors are trying to go beyond traditional seven network security features (firewall, gateway antivirus, anti-spam, VPN, intrusion prevention/detection, content filtering and reporting) by adding new features that make the solution more comprehensive.
Data loss and leak prevention is now becoming a standard feature that UTM vendors are bundling with their products. Network virtualization is another key feature being bundled.
Future
Vendors have been constantly investing in educating larger channel partners about opportunities in the space. In 2010, they plan to tap partners in B and C class cities too. With the concept likely to become more mainstream, the regular schemes and sub distribution model is likely to kick in.
With the proliferation of UTM appliance increasing, all vendors believe that channel is the best way to tap the broadening opportunity. Vendors expect large demand to come from small businesses and ROBOs (remote office branch office) supporting less than 25 users.
During 2010, commoditization of entry level UTM appliances is expected. Almost all leading networking vendors are expected to launch their own entry level UTM appliances that may also be integrated along with the standard wired or wireless router.
This should automatically trigger an explosion in shipments, and also bring down the entry level price points, from the present Rs 30,000. With this the number of resellers actively selling UTM solutions is expected to grow exponentially.
Whatever the strategy employed by vendors, one thing is clear that the UTM solutions market will only grow and this would create more opportunities for channels. |