Trend Micro Unveils NFV Security Software
Trend Micro this week became the latest provider of security technologies to embrace network function virtualization (NFV) platforms for service providers with the launch of the Trend Micro Virtual Network Function Suite.
Aimed specifically at service providers that are reducing their reliance on physical appliances to deliver network and security services, this latest offering makes use of virtualization to address URL filtering, application control, intrusion prevention and reputation for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and devices.
Trend Micro is making the shift to NFV now because there’s demand among service providers to embed security in new services and deliver “clean pipes” to their customers, says Greg Young, vice president of cybersecurity for Trend Micro. Those NFV services are built using a data plane development kit (DPDK) to address the latency requirements of service providers, adds Young.
Service providers have been wanting to make the transition to NFV for years. But it’s only recently that NFVs have been able to meet performance requirements, he said.
Even then, Young notes service providers will continue to rely on not only a mix of NFVs and physical appliances to deliver services, but emerging technologies such as Docker containers as well. As those service providers make that transition they are discovering a need for additional layers of security to protect software-defined networks, says Young.
“The whole idea of a self-defending network is a myth,” says Young.
Trend Micro declined to disclose the number of customers it has for Trend Micro Virtual Network Function Suite. But Young notes that NEC, Internet Initiative of Japan and SORACOM are in the process of testing Trend Micro’s NFV software.
Trend Micro is not the only IT vendor that has discovered the potential of NFVs to transform how network and security services are delivered. In fact, the issue now is not so much whether to make the transition to NFVs, but rather to when and to what degree.
