Network Security Sales Approach $5 Billion in 2006

Growth Driven by Hardware-Based Hybrid Solutions, IPS, & SSL VPN Sales


RENO, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 20, 2007 -- According to a recently published report by Synergy Research Group, the worldwide Network Security market increased six percent sequentially and grew ten percent in 2006 compared to 2005.

Synergy Research Group segments the total Network Security market to include Hybrid Security Solutions (Firewall/VPN), Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and SSL VPNs. In addition, SRG segments the Hybrid market into Low-End, High-End, and Next Generation Appliances, and Software Solutions.

Hybrid Solution sales increased six percent sequentially and grew eight percent year-over-year. Furthermore, IDS/IPS sales increased two percent for the quarter and climbed 13 percent over 2005 sales; meanwhile, SSL VPN sales increased 11 percent in the quarter and jumped 41 percent year-over-year.

"2006 was indeed a record year in terms of Network Security sales. Nearly all segments grew by double digits compared to 2005," said Aaron Vance, Senior Analyst at Synergy Research Group. "Going forward, Synergy remains positive about the growth potential for virtually all Hybrid segments, the growth of IPS driven by the transition away from IDS, and the continued deployment of SSL VPNs for secure network and application access."

     Table 1. 2006 WW Hybrid (Hardware only) Market Shares
                            Position        Y-Y Sales Growth
     Cisco                     1                  11%
     Juniper                   2                  12%
     Nokia                     3                   8%
     Fortinet                  4                  40%
     SonicWall                 5                  51%

     Table 2. 2006 WW IDS/IPS Market Shares
                            Position        Y-Y Sales Growth
     Cisco                     1                  30%
     IBM (ISS)                 2                  -7%
     Symantec                  3                  12%
     3Com                      4                  24%
     Juniper                   5                  88%

     Table 3. 2006 WW SSL VPN Market Shares
                            Position        Y-Y Sales Growth
     Juniper                   1                  16%
     Citrix                    2                  82%
     F5                        3                  26%
     Aventail                  4                  29%
     Nortel                    5                  17%
For the year, 3Com, Cisco, Citrix, Fortinet, Juniper, Secure Computing, SonicWall, and Top Layer all experienced notable market share gains across a variety of segments.

Additionally, highlights from Synergy's SSL VPN research are available on Secure Access Central, which streamlines the search for practical information about secure access networks, including SSL VPNs, endpoint security, network admission control and network access management. (www.secureaccesscentral.com).

About the Report

Synergy's Worldwide Network Security reports are available for purchase at www.srgresearch.com or by contacting Heather Wilson at 775-852-3330. Synergy provides separate Market Share and Forecast reports for WLAN for Worldwide, US, EMEA, APAC, and LAM regions.

About Synergy Research Group

Synergy Research Group is regarded as the definitive authority for networking and telecom market research by Wall Street firms, leading equipment vendors, and component manufacturers. Synergy can be found at www.srgresearch.com

The contents of this press release represent SRG's interpretation and analysis of statistics and information collected from authorized company representatives, industry sources, and SRG estimates. SRG does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the statistics or information contained in this release.

Contact Information: Heather Wilson (775) 852-3330 Email Contact