NEC BUSINESS NETWORK SOLUTIONS ENHANCES ITS ROBUST SECURITY SOLUTION BY ACHIEVING CISCO'S VPN/SECURITY SPECIALIZATION

Irving, TX - February 28, 2002 - Customers concerned about their Network Security now have somewhere to turn. NEC Business Network Solutions, Inc., working with Cisco Systems, F-Secure and Counterpane Internet Security, Inc., combines the best respective services for every customer's network security and data protection requirements. Whether a healthcare organization with HIPAA regulation, a financial or legal institution, or a large, distributed corporation with a mobile workforce, NEC BNS provides network security vulnerability assessment; equipment procurement; configuration and deployment; and remote monitoring and management services.

Recently, NEC BNS achieved VPN/Security Specialization from Cisco Systems, Inc. The VPN/Security Specialization recognizes partners who attain the knowledge and expertise in selling, designing, installing and supporting Cisco VPN and network security solutions, thereby maximizing partner credibility in this market. The specialization, which is targeted toward the enterprise market, focuses on the Cisco suite of security products.

"As a premier services provider focused on delivering advanced technology solutions to our customers, NEC BNS is proactively addressing the growing demand for security product and service solutions," stated Stefan Fedor, senior vice president of Data Services for NEC Business Network Solutions. "Achieving Cisco's VPN/Security Specialization underscores our commitment to network security issues, and to our customers."

"With the continued expansion of the Internet economy, customer's are demanding robust security solutions, representing an excellent growth opportunity for our channel partners," said Surinder Brar, senior director of channel marketing for Cisco Systems. "By achieving our VPN/Security Technology Specialization, channel partners, like NEC BNS have the training and knowledge to deliver scalable and reliable network security."

Network Security Technologies enable new business applications by reducing risk and providing a foundation for expanding business with Intranet, extranet and electronic commerce applications, as well as helping to protect sensitive data and corporate resources from intrusion.

In addition to its expertise in Cisco IP Telephony Solutions, NEC BNS continues to enhance its service expertise to deliver a broad range of solutions to its customers. The VPN/Security Specialization is another credit that NEC BNS has achieved to help its customers minimize the risks in their network investment.

NEC BNS' Network Security Vulnerability Assessment addresses a wide scope of issues in the customer environment relative to security including policy, premise, network and business issues. Based on the customer's need, the assessment applies multiple discovery tools to detect internal and external threats. The assessment delivers the analysis of the audit with recommendations and budgetary cost estimates for mediating vulnerabilities discovered.

The Managed Security Monitoring service from Counterpane monitors all network devices, from firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to routers and servers, and collects information that can be used to identify and prevent attacks. This helps mitigate the risks created by ever-expanding networks and allows customers to focus on their core business competencies rather than on IT security.

"NEC BNS has partnered with some of the most trusted organizations to offer complete network security solutions," commented Bruce Schneier, CTO of Counterpane Internet Security, Inc. "We are pleased to play a role in this well executed program."

For customers with a dispersed or mobile workforce, NEC BNS has partnered with F-Secure, a leading provider of centrally managed security solutions for the mobile enterprise. NEC BNS is able to assess security threats and make recommendations based on the data using policy management, encryption, firewall, and anti-virus products.

"Security is a service that more and more of our customers require as part of an enterprise-wide solution," said Fedor. "In order to enhance our security practice, we needed a solution that was not only effective and easy to deploy, but extremely flexible and scalable in both wired and wireless environments. "F-Secure solutions give us the ability to secure enterprise environments and offer customers a comprehensive service that minimizes the risks associated with Internet access, telecommuting, information sharing and mobility. The combined strengths of NEC BNS' integration experience and F-Secure's technology provide customers with a formidable security solution."

Ilkka Starck, North American executive vice president of F-Secure commented, "NEC BNS understands that security has become an ever-increasing priority for any networked organization. Because they understand these critical business needs, its professional services expertise has an enviable reputation for helping companies plan, implement, and maintain information technology solutions."

NEC BNS helps customers maximize their investment and longevity of current technology while implementing scalable security solutions to meet their specific needs.

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About NEC Business Network Solutions

NEC Business Network Solutions, Inc. (NEC BNS) is a multiservices systems integrator and NEC America's direct sales and service organization. The Irving, Texas-based NEC BNS is a $600 million enterprise, employing over 1,100 experienced and dedicated professionals in its sales and service offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. NEC BNS provides end-to-end voice, data and video communication network solutions; and offers planning, designing, procurement, implementation, operational support, management and monitoring services-enabling its customers to be more productive, competitive and profitable. NEC BNS is a Cisco Systems Gold Certified Partner. For additional information about NEC BNS, please visit the company web site at www.necbns.com.

About F-Secure

F-Secure Corporation is a leading developer of centrally managed security solutions for the mobile enterprise. The company's award-winning, integrated anti-virus, file encryption and network security solutions for handhelds, laptops, desktops, servers, mail servers and firewalls provide centralized policy based management of widely dispersed user communities. Founded in 1988, F-Secure is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange [HEX: FSC]. Corporate headquarters is in Helsinki, Finland with North American main office in San Jose, California. The company maintains offices in Germany, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and is supported by a network of VARs and Distributors in over 90 countries around the globe.

About Counterpane

Counterpane Internet Security, Inc. is the innovator and acknowledged leader in providing Managed Security Monitoring (MSM) services. MSM combines people and technology to safeguard businesses. Working from a network of technically sophisticated Secure Operations Centers (SOCs) and using progressive analysis tools, Counterpane has built the most advanced analysis, correlation, detection, and diagnosis technology, comprising a Sentry monitoring probe on the customer's network and the Socrates knowledge base inside the SOCs. Using this technology, Counterpane's expert Security Analysts are able to detect security incidents-both external intrusions and insider attacks-in real time, and tailor immediate, effective responses for its customers. The company is funded by Accel Partners, Amerindo Investment Advisors, Inc., Bessemer Venture Partners, Dell, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Equity Fund. Headquarters are located at 1090 La Avenida, Mountain View, California, USA. Phone: 650-404-2400, Fax: 650-903-0461, Website: www.counterpane.com.