Start-up launches security gateway for SMBs

BANGALORE: Most major network security vendors have so far focused on products for enterprises and have brought out scaled-down versions of security products like firewalls, VPN and content filtering for the Small and Medium businesses (SMB) segment.

Despite this, SMBs still feel bogged down by issues like high TCO and management and support issues. Realizing the need for a product that looks at solving these SMB headaches, Bangalore-based XNAP Works has built a network service gateway appliance which combines all the different elements of security required by a small business or a branch office.

“With XNAP One (Extended Network Application Platform), we have created a new market for the product since no other company offers a unified, low-cost solution that integrates all the elements of security like firewall, VPN, content filtering, email and storage,” said Anil Kumar, founder and CEO, XNAP Works.

The appliance comes in versions that can support users ranging from 25 to a few thousand users. On the issue of how the company hopes to fend off competition from major vendors like Cisco and Juniper, which are now looking to grab the SMB pie, he said: “SMBs don't have the right kind of solution. Even if they do have security appliances, these are expensive and there's no unified solution like ours. Managing and supporting the various boxes also is an issue.” XNAP Works has managed to lower the price of its boxes by using a mix of open source technologies and proprietary components."

The company also offers customers the option to manage its network as a service. Kumar said that the company hopes to own the market in the long term. “No company has seriously looked at the SMB market, which has a huge potential.”

Besides the gateway, the XNAP product suite also offers standalone security solution (XNAP Secure), communications (XNAP Comm) and a connectivity solution (XNAP Gate). The company has added 25 customers to its kitty including Transnet Logistics and Stumpp, Schuele and Somappa.

The company is looking to raise around $10 million to expand its footprint across India and has already set-up a partner base numbering 25. Later this year, the company plans to launch a NAS storage product and a clustered storage network product.