A New Breed of Security Tools Among the Hot Technologies Highlighted in Network World's Annual 'Buzz Issue'

Business Wire, Sept 24, 2002

Business/Technology Editors

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2002

Network World, the Leader in Network Knowledge, published its annual "Buzz Issue" featuring some of the most talked-about up-and-coming technologies and ideas in the network industry. These emerging technologies top Network IT Executives' watch lists for their promise to make enterprise networks more secure, companies more efficient, and employees more productive.

Intrusion prevention tools are among the highlighted technologies. These innovative products, created by a new crop of hot young start-ups, exploit the best of traditional security technologies. By melding the features and functions of firewalls, antivirus filters, intrusion detection systems and vulnerability assessment software into a single tool, these next-generation security wares don't just detect and report on security breaches, but actually take action to prevent break-ins and keep intruders away from corporate information assets.

Business process management (BPM) software is creating much buzz among Network IT Executives because it allows companies to analyze and model business processes. This in turn helps companies eliminate inefficiencies, improve service and bolster their bottom line - especially important given today's stalled economy.

The issue also reveals the promise of a hot new technology in the instant-messaging arena called presence networking. Presence tools combine video and traditional voice into the typical text-based instant message chat, and allow users to reach others instantly regardless of their location. Companies are realizing that presence can serve as the digital equivalent of eye contact with colleagues and clients, and are heading toward instant-access.

Other feature articles in Network World's annual Buzz Issue include:

-- Never-fail Business Services - Explores how business impact management software (BIM) promises to help IT organizations contribute to bottom-line improvements.

-- Shakin' on the SALT - Explains the proposed SALT standard for speech-enabled Web content, and its explores its promise to make self-service, call center and other such applications easier.

-- In the Spin Cycle - Highlights six emerging technologies that are stirring things up in the networked world.

"Tomorrow's leading-edge enterprise networks will be highly scalable, extendable, resilient and intelligent, making companies ultra competitive. The emerging technologies we detail in the Buzz Issue will undoubtedly be found in those best-of-breed enterprise networks," said Beth Schultz, editor, Signature Series.

The Buzz Issue is one of six Signature Series issues published bi-monthly by Network World. These innovative issues are designed to explore the most important issues facing Network IT Executives, the people directly responsible for designing, building and managing enterprise-wide networks. For more on the Buzz Issue, visit www.nwfusion.com/buzz/2002.> About Network World

Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives through education, information and community. Network World is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide.

About International Data Group

Network World, Inc. is a division of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (www.idg.net), which comprises more than 330 targeted Web sites in 80 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related events worldwide, and IDG's research company, IDC, provides global market intelligence and advice through 51 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is available at www.idg.com.