Cymphonix Appoints John Yoon Senior Vice President of Marketing

Cymphonix today announced the appointment of John Yoon to the role of senior vice president of marketing. With 25 years of technology and marketing experience, Yoon will be responsible for forging new market opportunities, creating synergies with partners and resellers and overseeing worldwide marketing activities.



“John’s a passionate, creative thinker with a track record of strategic marketing execution that makes him uniquely qualified for this position,” said Brent Nixon, president and CEO of Cymphonix. “I’m pleased to have John join our team especially as our growth accelerates and we expand into new markets and larger enterprises with our innovative secure Web gateway solutions.”



John joins Cymphonix from Control4, a leader in affordable IP-based home control systems where he served as vice president of marketing. John previously held senior positions at Paradigm Medical Industries, 3Com, U.S. Robotics, Ericsson and General Electric. John earned his MBA from Duke University and bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard.



“As the Internet becomes an increasingly important resource in day-to-day lives, the need for balanced, efficient connections becomes essential for success,” said John. “I am excited to be part of an organization that cuts the time, effort and cost needed to find and solve the risks that come from being connected to the Internet.”



Cymphonix also announced the promotion of Brent Nixon to president and CEO. Brent joined Cymphonix from 3Com in 2005 to serve as vice president of product management and was promoted to president in 2006. Prior to 3Com, Brent was co-founder and vice president of Maxis Research. Brent earned his MBA from University of British Columbia as well as a Bachelors of Science from the University of Utah.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Forum Oilfield Technologies Selects Cymphonix’s Network Composer

Concerned about the effects of social media use, Forum Oilfield Technologies (FOT) has chosen Cymphonix Network Composerâ to prevent malware infections, manage bandwidth and filter Web content across its network.



"Cymphonix's Network Composer, has let us reclaim complete control of our network," said Sean Barnes, manager of IT infrastructure, services and support for Forum Oilfield Technologies. "This solution dramatically reduces malware infection, increases productivity and optimizes bandwidth - ultimately saving us money. Businesses face the adverse effects of social media use everyday. It's a relief to know we can count on Cymphonix's solution to manage our Internet security. This frees us up so we can spend time on other tasks."



As an international manufacturer of oil drilling supplies, Forum Oilfield Technologies operates multiple branches worldwide. FOT has 18 networked independent offices with up to 70 users at each location simultaneously accessing a single Internet connection. Due to rapid growth in a short period of time, FOT was required to consolidate network resources, resulting in acute network issues.



Forum Oilfield Technologies immediately experienced a substantial decline in Internet speed, resulting in an influx of helpdesk calls. Upon analysis, FOT found employees were regularly streaming media from sites like Sirius and XM Radio, as well as accessing media-rich applications such as YouTube, Facebook and MySpace during the workday reducing employee productivity and network performance. This use pattern also exposed FOT and its users to security attacks.



"Consequently, our IT staff was obligated to allocate time to workstation repair resulting from elevated malware infections. This required at least four to six hours of recovery time per machine," explained Barnes. "This placed a huge strain on our resources."



Barnes recognized the problem bandwidth congestion and increased malware risk posed to FOT's network. He began looking for a solution that could provide visibility and control to manage Internet traffic, Web content and security threats.



"We evaluated products from Websense and even tried Open DNS solutions, but these options didn't give us the amount of control over Web traffic that we needed," commented Barnes. "When we first learned of Cymphonix's Network Composer we were immediately drawn to the idea of a stand-alone solution that provided visibility into our network, enabling us to prioritize content and manage bandwidth."



"Forum Oilfield Technologies' experience with Network Composer is typical of what we hear from other customers," said Brent Nixon, president and CEO of Cymphonix. "Companies must find a balance between access and control. It's a huge and growing challenge. We are unique in our ability to cut the time, effort and cost needed to find and solve the risks that come from being connected to the Internet."

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Cymphonix Launches Vantage Partner Program

In a move to allow its solution providers to share in its rapid growth, Cymphonix® today announced an enhanced channel program, the Vantage Partner Program (www.cymphonix.com/partners.html), along with support for solution providers across Asia. As part of this announcement, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), the world’s largest technology distributor, has signed on as a key Cymphonix partner in the U.S. to extend the worldwide reach of its products and ultimately help resellers increase their buying capacity.



Commenting on the relationship, Eric Kohl, director of vendor management for networking products at Ingram Micro, stated, “Web 2.0 content has become an integral component of business today. Now more than ever, companies need solutions that can manage and control these rich Internet applications to prevent interference with mission critical activities. For this reason, we are excited to add products to our lineup such as Network Composer that allow visibility and control over Internet content. We expect demand to be high for this innovative solution.”



Cymphonix’s new Vantage Partner Program is targeted toward existing and new solution providers. Components include training, deal registration, marketing development funds and discounts, all of which are designed to help channel communities more effectively position and sell Cymphonix solutions.



“We are a channel company, period,” said Dave Reardon, vice president of sales at Cymphonix. “Business is growing fast and we need to scale. Our base of channel partners is extremely strong and loyal, and our goal is to provide meaty programs that allow them to share in our growth. In addition, our agreement with Ingram Micro will not only add scalability to our existing partner base, but also help us gain more exposure to partners that might not be familiar with our company.”



“Working with Cymphonix has developed into a rewarding relationship,” said Jason Knight, managing partner at The Broadleaf Group. Adds Don Edwards, also a managing partner, “They’ve always been a proponent of the channel and it is exciting to see that commitment grow with the new programs and benefits available through Cymphonix and Ingram Micro.”



In addition to its established partners in Australia, Cymphonix will be working closely with partners in Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore to expand its global reach and raise worldwide visibility. International partnerships will continue with additional countries coming onboard throughout the year.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Cymphonix Targets Asia Pacific Market for Global Expansion

Today Cymphonix announced that its popular secure Web gateway product, Network Composer, is now available with expanded presence and world-class support throughout the Asia Pacific region including Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore. As part of this announcement, Greg Lipper, a technology veteran with 20 years of experience bringing American technology vendors to Asia, will lead the company's expansion efforts.



"This is a key strategic milestone in our long-term goal to become Asia Pacific's preeminent secure Web gateway provider. Given the strong growth rate of Cymphonix and its existing Asian partnerships, we believe that offering customers an expanded presence and viable alternative to Blue Coat and Websense offerings will lead to great success," said Brent Nixon, president and CEO of Cymphonix.



The rise in the use of Web 2.0 applications, hosted services and social networks well positions Cymphonix to become a global visionary in the secure Web gateway market. The deeper level of investment and participation in Asia Pacific will allow Cymphonix to capitalize on a growing worldwide need for technology that lets customers easily identify and control Web browsing, user and application traffic issues.



As part of its global growth strategy, Greg Lipper will lead the company's efforts to address the needs of the growing Asia Pacific region for secure Web gateway solutions. Lipper's extensive knowledge in building brand awareness and growing both revenue and organizational capabilities will allow Cymphonix to successfully build a large network of partners and customers in the region.



Additionally, John Barrow, a technical services manager with 15 years of experience on the solution provider, service provider and user sides of the IT business in Asia, and Khoo Geng Loke who provides coordination, logistics, marketing and linguistic support, will join the company's Asia Pacific team.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Is Your Existing Internet Security Architecture Ready for Today's Internet?

Web 2.0 applications, hosted services and social networks are examples of how today's Internet is redefining the way people interact with one another and how businesses and organizations use and manage critical applications. The rapid expansion of choices and the high number of users has exposed inefficiencies in tools that the industry has traditionally used to secure and control Internet connections. Many organizations have replaced outdated security methods with forward-thinking solutions that can secure the Web gateway.



The rise in Web 2.0 activity has created a well-defined need for better visibility and protection at the Internet gateway. According to Gartner Group, less than 30 percent of organizations have secured their Internet gateway, while the remaining companies rely on traditional techniques such as firewalls, URL filtering or traditional ‘block/allow' technologies. Cymphonix® believes these outdated security tools cannot provide the detailed identity aware reporting and flexible policy controls to be effective in an ‘always on' world.



"Even casual users of the Internet can clearly see the benefits and advantages of Web 2.0 applications. Using Facebook and other social media sites or media portals like Hulu allows us to access content when and where we want it. In using these tools, we've become accustomed to accepting and downloading plug-ins and other browser enhancing software, which is a prime target for malware. As we adapt and expand the usage of Web 2.0 technologies, malware will be a constant challenge and its effects will be more damaging than ever before," said Brent Nixon, president and CEO of Cymphonix. "Simply blocking pages no longer makes sense in a Web 2.0 world. Companies must regain control of the content at the gateway while allowing appropriate access to those who need it."

To address what's really happening in the technical trenches, Cymphonix assembled a list of five key items that IT management needs to understand about Web 2.0 security:


A majority of Web 2.0 applications are vulnerable to malware attacks: Malware is more damaging than ever before. Not only can it take down entire business segments, the time and resources required to remedy a malware infection could cost a company millions of dollars. As more companies leverage Web 2.0, the potential for disaster increases exponentially. While most organizations agree that network security is a critical piece of infrastructure, they remain tied to conventional methods because change requires an investment.


Most users cannot determine the good sites from the bad sites: As we've become accustomed to Web 2.0 technologies we begin to automatically trust, accept and download items when a Web page requests the user to install a plug-in. This presents a prime opportunity for malware offenders. In recent years there have been malware issues with popular websites like Facebook, MySpace and Yahoo!. Mashups pose another risk, as URLs are made to look as though they are coming from trusted sources, when in fact it is malware.



Traditional block/allow security technologies have created a legitimate business need for avoidance technologies: As an online generation, we are accustomed to accessing the Internet anywhere-work, school, hotel room, etc. Many organizations have used their traditional security solutions to block questionable content or websites running on HTTP and port 80. Users still want access to content, which has caused an explosion in the number of filter avoidance technologies available to access content using ports, protocols and applications that traditional security solutions cannot detect.


There are legitimate advantages to allowing Web 2.0 applications: Wikis, user groups, blogs, sales networking and marketing platforms all provide tools that increase productivity while saving time and money. For many companies, blocking these tools is not an option. Additionally, many of today's employees expect access to these applications and services, which have become an important part of our everyday lives.

Existing Tools Don't Have the Level of Control that is Needed: The new measure of content management is the ability to shape and control. It is not enough to say ‘this website is allowed and this one is not.' Rather, there has to be the ability to create "greater among equals" and that can only happen when all Web content can be shaped and prioritized. In addition, we know that an application or website shaping rule that applies to the entire organization will not work. There needs to be multiple levels of priority and access across all areas of network management including Internet content management as well.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Is Your Network Ready for ‘Back to School?’

As Schools Prepare for Onslaught of Smartphones in the Classroom, Secure Web Gateway Company Cymphonix Highlights Network Challenges. As students head back to school, education administrators are busy handling numerous duties to ensure the new year gets off to a good start. In addition to preparing schedules and materials, schools are tasked with a new, monumental undertaking: Managing the large number of computers, devices and smartphones that will soon run on their networks and consume large amounts of Internet bandwidth.



According to a recent study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, more than 70 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds own a cell phone, smart phone or mobile device. Because many use their devices during the school day to log on to Web 2.0 and social networking sites like Facebook, school administrators are concerned about limited bandwidth and network overload, which could potentially interrupt other mission critical Web access. With cutbacks in staff and little budget for technology, many schools are forced to either block Web 2.0 content altogether, or ban cell phones and other portable electronic devices, despite the value they can bring to education.



A recent Project Tomorrow survey of 319,223 students, 25,544 teachers, 19,726 parents, and 3,263 school and district administrators across the country found that:



* 52 percent of respondents think mobile devices (such as cell phones, smartphones and other mobile technology) can help engage students in learning
* 43 percent believe that mobile devices can help extend learning beyond the school day
* More than 50 percent of the students polled said they would use technology more easily at school if they could use their own laptop, cell phone or mobile device to work on projects, access related software applications and the Internet, and communicate with classmates



While the growing deployment of wireless networks in schools does present challenges, banning phones and blocking content doesn't address the key problem. Cymphonix believes the solution lies in a school's ability to manage the content running on its network.



"Many of our nation's K-12 schools clearly recognize the advantages of technology in the classroom, however there is a lack of solutions available for letting educators embrace emerging technologies to enhance student learning and fully prepare today's students for future success," said Brent Nixon, president of Cymphonix. "While schools are eager to embrace technology in the classroom they face a triple threat due to the rise in Web 2.0 content, increasing popularity of smartphones and a lack of technology that can truly complement traditional learning methods. Schools that want to meet the needs of a 21st century learner must be able to do more than ban phones or block Internet content."

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Cymphonix Network Composer Earns A+ at Columbus Independent School District

Increased Network Visibility Shows that Students use of Smartphones are a Growing Strain on Network Capacity. In a move to address growing student use of Web-enabled smartphones, Columbus Independent School District (ISD) has deployed Cymphonix Network Composerâ to help gain visibility, manage bandwidth and filter Web content across its network.


Columbus ISD consists of three schools including an elementary, junior high and high school. Between the three institutions, the district's network is accessed daily by more than 750 computers connecting teachers, administrators, faculty and students. Add to this a large number of smartphones tapping into the network via the campus' wireless hotspots and Columbus ISD began to feel the strain of a highly utilized network.



Lance Portwood, Columbus ISD network administrator was concerned about the bandwidth requirements from the growing number of smartphones--and in particular, iPhones--that were accessing the network via the district's wireless hotspots.



"Having wireless hotspots is a great benefit to the faculty, staff and visitors to our schools, but a big concern was that these accounts would strain our network and hamper classroom learning and other mission critical Web access," said Lance Portwood.



While searching for a content filter replacement, Columbus ISD discovered and then deployed the Cymphonix Network Composer. With Network Composer installed, Portwood can easily shape bandwidth and prioritize Web content - giving the unauthenticated accounts very low-level access. The product's ability to reveal important information on network usage, while prioritizing Web content, was exactly what Columbus ISD needed.



"Once Network Composer was installed, we could see there were times during the day when as much as 60 percent of the traffic passing through the network was non-educational. With Cymphonix, we can be aware of when and how students are accessing the ISD network," commented Portwood.



"The power to shape bandwidth and prioritize Web content is the real strength of the product, and we were amazed by how easy the installation and deployment process was for Columbus ISD. Network Composer has helped us improve the overall performance and security of our district's network," concluded Portwood.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Cymphonix's Network Composer Named Best Channel Product

Secure Web Gateway Company Honored with Industry Award by Leading Channel Publication. Cymphonix today announced that Business Solutions Magazine has named Cymphonix flagship product, Network Composer, as a Best Channel Product in 2009. Voted exclusively by VAR subscribers, this award recognizes superior channel products and becomes a useful directory of exceptional product solutions as rated by resellers themselves.

The Best Channel Products survey was conducted from late May through mid-June 2009 online with more than 19,000 votes cast, making it one of the largest surveys of its kind. The survey questions asked respondents to rate products in five categories including richness of features/functionality, product reliability/durability, ease of integration, ease of upgrade and VAR's ability to service the product. The products scoring in the top 15 percent in each category were selected as a Best Channel Product. Cymphonix's Network Composer received high scores in the Web content filtering technology category, particularly in the areas of reliability and richness of product features.



"The channel is very much at the core of our business and we are extremely honored to be recognized by Business Solutions Magazine as Best Channel Product for Network Composer," said Brent Nixon, president of Cymphonix. "With the proliferation of social media use and increased need for content filtering, our channel partners are seeing a heavy demand for bandwidth management solutions and Cymphonix is poised to meet this demand with our secure Web gateway appliance solution."

Award-Winning Product

Cymphonix's Network Composer is a precise Web gateway appliance that reveals, optimizes and protects both incoming and outgoing Internet traffic-effectively identifying and prioritizing mission-critical Web-based traffic and Internet applications. The result is a solution that accurately reveals important information on network usage, intelligently optimizes bandwidth and application management, and provides advanced protection from inappropriate content - resulting in a safe, productive environment for employees and businesses alike.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Cymphonix Named 2009 XChange ‘09 XCellence Award Winner

Cymphonix today announced that they earned four 2009 XChange XCellence awards during Everything Channel's XChange ‘09 including: Best XChange Boardroom Presentation, Most Innovative Technology, Best Business Technology Solution and Overall Best of Show.



Sponsored by Everything Channel Events, the XChange XCellence Awards measure overall Business and Technology Integrator perceptions of vendor products and services during an XChange event. XChange attendees evaluate and score each vendor's presentation, message and presence throughout the event, and awards are handed out during the XChange XCellence Awards presentation.



XChange ‘09 is the largest IT channel event of the year, attracting more than 1,000 attendees. This three and a half day event brings together over 250 pre-qualified and profiled decision-making solution providers and leading industry vendors in diverse technology areas to build business relationships.



The XChange XCellence Awards cover 11 key categories, including an Overall Best of Show award. "The XChange XCellence Awards winners are selected by top solution providers at each event and honor the vendors with the most exceptional products, programs and technologies," said Nancy Hammervik, senior vice president/managing director, Everything Channel Events. "Congratulations to all of the winning companies. They have demonstrated that they deliver high-quality solutions and have many satisfied business partners."



"Solution providers are at the heart of our organization and success, and we are thrilled they have honored us as the recipient of four XChange Xcellence Awards, including Overall Best of Show," said Brent Nixon, president of Cymphonix. "With our secure Web gateway solution, Network Composer, Cymphonix is able to administer unparalleled visibility into user generated Web and application traffic, surpassing other solutions' capabilities significantly. This is truly an honor and a testament to Cymphonix's commitment to provide the most valuable, innovative products for our partners and customers and we look forward to continuing to do so."

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com

Cymphonix Brings ‘Cash for Clunkers’ to IT World

Network Composer Trade-Up Campaign Encourages Migration to Industry Leading Secure Web Gateway Technology for Managing Web 2.0 Content. Cymphonix today announced a trade-up promotion to aid the migration to Cymphonix Network Composerâ for any company currently using solutions from Bluecoat, Marshal8e6, Packeteer and Websense. The promotion is designed to help organizations effectively secure and manage their Internet connections and achieve industry-standard requirements around network visibility and control amidst today's budget constraints.



The switch to Cymphonix is driven by the need for more accurate visibility and control over Internet security and the lack of solutions able to keep pace with today's Web and Web dependent applications. With this promotion, Cymphonix will give qualifying customers a free Network Composer appliance, valued at up to $28,000.



"Traditional Internet management tools can't keep up with today's changing standards and demands. In the same way that auto makers are encouraging people to swap their old cars for those that are more efficient to drive and safer for the environment, we are bringing the ‘Cash for Clunkers' initiative to the IT world to give companies an easy, cost-effective way to upgrade to a safer, more progressive solution," said Brent Nixon, president of Cymphonix.



Cymphonix Network Composer is an inline secure Web gateway appliance that reveals, optimizes and protects Internet traffic by effectively identifying, and prioritizing mission-critical Web-based traffic and Internet dependent applications. The product provides advanced protection from inappropriate content, reveals important information about network usage and user behavior, and intelligently optimizes users, bandwidth and applications.

To purchase Cymphonix products visit http://www.cymphonixworks.com