Cisco device faces tough competition.

This article informs that Cisco Systems Inc. hopes to make inroads in security with its new multifunction appliance. The new family of appliances combines Cisco's VPN, firewall and intrusion prevention system technology, along with maliciouscode- detection features, in a single box. Officials of Cisco, which is based in San Jose, California, said the new hardware will help small and midsize enterprises manage security more easily and inexpensively. With the ASA 5500 Series appliance, Cisco is squaring of against an array of competitors, including chief rival Juniper Networks Inc., in Sunnyvale, California, in the price-sensitive small- and midsize-enterprise market. The new line of appliances combines the functions of Cisco's PIX firewall, IPS 4200 Series sensor and VPN 3000 concentrator and offers Secure Sockets Layer and IP Security VPN services. Cisco Anti-X defenses provide intrusion prevention features, as well as anti-virus, anti-spyware and denial of service protection. But Cisco is playing catchup in an area already crowded with similar offerings from companies such as Juniper, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., Fortinet Inc. and others.